Top 5 Things to Know About the Spouse Visa Fee in Australia [2025–2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Confused about Australian spouse visa costs? Our 2025-2026 guide breaks down the main application fee, second instalment charges, and all hidden costs you must budget for.

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TL;DR: The base spouse visa application fee for the Subclass 820/801 or 309/100 visa is AUD 9,345 for the main applicant. This is the mandatory first Visa Application Charge (VAC) paid when you lodge your application. However, most applicants also face a substantial second instalment charge of AUD 53,900 for dependents over 18 with low English proficiency, making the total potential cost exceed AUD 63,000. Planning for these fees and additional costs like health checks and police certificates is critical for a smooth application process.

What is the Current Spouse Visa Application Fee in Australia?

The primary spouse visa application fee, known as the first Visa Application Charge (VAC), is AUD 9,345. This fee is for the main applicant applying for either the Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) onshore or the Partner visa (Subclass 309/100) offshore. You must pay this non-refundable fee in full when you submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. It’s essential to check the official Home Affairs website for the most current fees, as they are subject to annual indexation, typically on 1 July.

• Key Facts:
  • Base Fee (2025): AUD 9,345 for the main applicant.
  • Payment Timing: Paid at the time of online application lodgement.
  • Refund Policy: The fee is generally non-refundable, even if the application is refused or withdrawn.
  • Indexation: Fees increase slightly each financial year based on indexation.

Are There Any Additional Charges or Second Instalment Fees?

Yes, the most significant additional charge is the second Visa Application Charge (VAC), which is AUD 53,900 for certain dependents. This charge is not paid upfront. It is requested by the Department of Home Affairs later in the processing stage if you have included dependent applicants aged 18 or over who do not have functional English and have not paid an English language education charge. This fee is designed to cover the anticipated cost of English language tuition for the adult dependent.

• Key Facts:
  • Second VAC Amount: AUD 53,900 per eligible adult dependent.
  • Trigger Condition: Applied if a dependent 18+ has less than functional English (IELTS below 4.5 or equivalent).
  • Payment Timing: Requested by the department before the visa grant, often many months after lodging.
  • Exemption: Dependents can avoid this fee by proving functional English with an approved test.

What Other Costs Should I Budget for Beyond the Government Fees?

Beyond the government’s Visa Application Charges, you must budget for several other mandatory and potential costs, which can easily add AUD 2,000 to AUD 4,000 or more to your total. These are often overlooked but are essential for a complete application.

• Key Costs to Budget For:
  • Health Examinations: Mandatory medical checks for all applicants, costing roughly AUD 300-400 per person.
  • Police Certificates: Required from every country you’ve lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years. Fees vary by country.
  • Translations & Certifications: Official translations for any document not in English.
  • Biometrics: Some applicants may need to provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo) for an additional fee.
  • Migration Agent/Lawyer Fees: Professional assistance typically ranges from AUD 3,000 to AUD 7,000+.

For a clear picture of all potential pathways and their associated complexities, using a tool like the NovenAI Visa Success Predictor can help you understand the requirements and hidden costs specific to your situation before you commit financially.

How Can I Prove Functional English to Avoid the Second Instalment Fee?

To avoid the hefty AUD 53,900 second instalment fee for an adult dependent, you must provide evidence that they have functional English. According to the Department of Home Affairs’ official Partner visa requirements, this can be proven in several ways. The most common is by achieving a minimum test score in an approved English language test, such as an IELTS overall score of 4.5.

• Accepted Evidence Includes:
  • English Test: IELTS (overall 4.5), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced test.
  • Passport Holder: Being a citizen and holding a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
  • Education: Completion of at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where instruction was in English.
  • Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP): Enrolling in and paying the AMEP fee, which is significantly lower than the second VAC.

Unsure about your or your dependent’s English level? Our comprehensive English Level Guide explains all the test types, required scores, and preparation tips for Australian visa purposes.

What Happens if I Can’t Afford the Spouse Visa Fees?

If you cannot afford the fees, your application will likely be invalid and will not be processed. The Department of Home Affairs does not offer fee waivers for partner visas based on financial hardship. Therefore, thorough financial planning is non-negotiable. Start saving early and consider the total potential cost, including the second instalment. Explore all options for proving functional English for adult dependents, as this is the most effective way to reduce the total cost. If using a migration professional, ensure their fees are clearly outlined in a written agreement.

• Actionable Steps:
  1. Calculate the Worst-Case Total: Add AUD 9,345 + (AUD 53,900 per adult dependent without English) + AUD 3,000 for other costs.
  2. Invest in English Testing: Paying for an English test (AUD ~300-400) is far cheaper than the second VAC.
  3. Phase Your Application: In some cases, it may be possible to apply for the primary applicant first and add dependents later, though this has significant implications for family separation.
  4. Seek Professional Advice: A registered professional can help you navigate the rules to find the most cost-effective strategy for your family.

Navigating the financial landscape of a partner visa is as crucial as proving your genuine relationship. While the fees are substantial and non-negotiable, understanding them completely—from the first AUD 9,345 to the potential second instalment of AUD 53,900—empowers you to plan accurately and avoid devastating surprises. By budgeting for all associated costs and proactively addressing requirements like the English language threshold, you can transform a daunting financial hurdle into a manageable step in your journey to building a life together in Australia.

Ready to build a clear and confident visa plan? Let NovenAI’s 24/7 AI migration mentor and real-time tools guide you through every financial and documentary requirement. Start your journey at https://www.novenai.com.