It's one application charged once — but assessed in two stages
A common surprise with the partner visa is that the temporary and permanent visas are a single combined application. You pay one government charge that covers both the temporary stage (820 or 309) and the permanent stage (801 or 100) — you don't pay again later.
What it costs
Partner visas are among the most expensive in the system. The Department of Home Affairs application charge for the primary applicant has been over AUD 9,000 in recent years, with additional charges for dependants. Because the fee is significant and non-refundable if refused, the cost of a weak application is real — which is exactly why preparation matters. Always confirm the current charge on the Home Affairs website before lodging.
How long it takes
Processing times vary widely and are published by the Department as estimates, not guarantees. As a rough guide in 2026, the temporary stage often runs somewhere from under a year to two years or more depending on the subclass and your circumstances, and the permanent stage is generally assessed around two years after you first lodged. Incomplete evidence and extra verification are the most common reasons applications fall to the slower end of these ranges.
What slows applications down
Delays commonly come from missing or inconsistent relationship evidence, gaps in the relationship history, or health and character checks. The single biggest thing within your control is lodging a complete, well-documented application from the start, rather than responding to requests for more information months later.
Next steps
Book a consultation and we'll give you a realistic timeline and cost estimate for your specific pathway — and prepare your application so it doesn't stall on avoidable gaps.
This article is general information only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Please book a consultation for advice specific to your circumstances.