Applying for the Australian Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801) is a significant step for couples who want to live together permanently in Australia. While the process can be done independently (DIY), it is complex, expensive, and carries potential risks if not managed carefully. Understanding costs, common reasons for refusal, and practical tips is essential to increase your chances of success.
This guide covers the key considerations for DIY applicants, including fees, risks, refusals, appeals, and how relationship changes can impact your application.
1. How Much Does the Partner Visa 820 Cost?
As of 2026, the Subclass 820/801 Partner Visa costs $8,085 AUD for the main applicant. Additional dependents increase the cost:
- Dependent child (under 18): $4,045
- Dependent child (18 and over): $4,045
What this fee covers:
- Processing your temporary 820 visa
- Assessment for the permanent 801 visa
- Administrative costs associated with reviewing evidence
Additional expenses to consider:
- Health checks: $300–$600 per person
- Police certificates: $50–$100 per country
- Translations: $30–$100 per page
- Optional professional services: $1,500–$5,000
DIY Tip: Budget carefully and plan for additional costs like health exams and police certificates early.
2. Why Is the Partner Visa So Expensive?
The Partner Visa is one of the most expensive visas in Australia, primarily because:
- Complex assessment process – The Department reviews relationship evidence, sponsor eligibility, health, and character requirements.
- Two-stage visa pathway – Subclass 820 (temporary) and Subclass 801 (permanent) are assessed over several years.
- Administrative costs – Including processing documents, requests for further evidence, and potential interviews.
DIY Tip: While expensive, the cost reflects the thoroughness required to ensure the relationship is genuine and ongoing.
3. Can a Partner Visa Be Refused?
Yes. The Department can refuse a Partner Visa if eligibility requirements are not met or if there are issues with evidence. A refusal can happen at any stage:
- Subclass 820 (temporary)
- Subclass 801 (permanent)
Common reasons include lack of relationship evidence, health or character issues, or incomplete applications.
4. Top Reasons Partner Visas Get Refused
The most frequent reasons for refusal are:
- Insufficient relationship evidence – Photos alone are rarely enough.
- Genuine and continuing relationship not proven – Temporary separations without evidence can raise red flags.
- Health or character issues – Significant medical conditions or criminal history may affect eligibility.
- Visa application errors – Incomplete forms, missing documents, or wrong visa type.
- Sponsor ineligibility – If the sponsoring partner loses citizenship, permanent residency, or fails sponsorship requirements.
DIY Tip: Keep evidence organised, update your application, and ensure all forms are complete before submission.
5. What Happens if Your Partner Visa Is Refused?
If your visa is refused:
- The application fee is not refunded
- You may be able to apply for another visa, depending on your circumstances
- You could remain in Australia on a Bridging Visa, if granted, until you lodge a new application
DIY Tip: Always carefully review and prepare your application to avoid refusal, as the financial and emotional costs of reapplying are significant.
6. Can You Appeal a Partner Visa Refusal?
Yes, you can appeal to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT):
- Must lodge the appeal within 21 days of the refusal notice (or 28 days if outside Australia)
- The AAT will reassess your application, considering new or updated evidence
- Appeals can be time-consuming and costly, often taking 12–18 months
DIY Tip: Keep all evidence organised to support an appeal if needed.
7. What Happens if You Break Up During the Process?
A breakup does not automatically cancel your 820 visa, but it affects eligibility for the permanent 801 visa:
- Temporary 820 visa remains valid if granted
- Permanent 801 may be refused if the relationship ends before the 2-year assessment
- Documented joint responsibilities, co-parenting, or shared finances may support continued claims in exceptional cases
DIY Tip: Update the Department immediately if your relationship status changes.
8. Do Age Gaps Affect Partner Visa Approval?
There is no strict age limit for a Partner Visa, but:
- Significant age differences may attract additional scrutiny to confirm the relationship is genuine
- The Department looks at overall relationship evidence, not just age
DIY Tip: Provide thorough documentation showing your relationship is genuine and ongoing, especially if there is an age gap.
9. Does Having Children Help a Partner Visa Application?
Having children together can strengthen your application, especially if:
- The child is a dependent of the main applicant or sponsor
- Evidence shows co-parenting, financial support, and shared responsibility
DIY Tip: Include birth certificates, custody arrangements, and proof of shared care to strengthen your evidence.
10. Do You Need a Lawyer for a Partner Visa 820?
A lawyer or migration agent is not mandatory:
- DIY applications are possible and common
- Professional assistance may help if your case is complex or high-risk, such as prior visa refusals, sponsorship issues, or separation concerns
- Legal support can reduce mistakes that may lead to refusals or appeals, but it comes at an additional cost
DIY Tip: If you are confident and organised, a DIY application is feasible, but always double-check requirements and keep evidence meticulous.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a Partner Visa 820/801 in 2026 involves:
- Significant financial investment: $8,085 AUD plus additional costs
- Potential risks: Application errors, refusals, relationship changes
- Long-term planning: Evidence, appeals, and updates can take years
For DIY applicants, success relies on careful preparation, accurate documentation, and timely updates. Being aware of costs, risks, and refusal reasons ensures you can navigate the process confidently and maximise your chance of permanent residency.
Pro Tip: Treat the application as a living process—organise evidence, budget carefully, and stay proactive at every stage.
✅ Quick Recap
- Main fee: $8,085 AUD (2026); dependents add $4,045 each
- Partner Visa is expensive due to complex assessment and two-stage process
- Refusals can happen, but preparation reduces risk
- Common refusal reasons: insufficient evidence, relationship doubts, health/character issues
- Appeals possible through AAT but are time-consuming and costly
- Relationship changes and age gaps may require additional documentation
- Having children can strengthen the application
- Lawyers are optional but useful for complex cases
Want step-by-step guidance? Check out our DIY Partner Visa Package here.
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