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Family Visa Cost

For Australian citizens or permanent residents, family visas create a pathway for them to bring their family to Australia, either on a temporary or permanent visa. There are several pathways available, each with different eligibility requirements and financial commitments.

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we regularly advise clients on how to structure family visa pathways effectively. Family visas can be costly, so understanding the financial parameters early allows families to plan appropriately and make the best decision for their situation, while avoiding critical lodgement errors.

This guide has been prepared by our team to provide insight into the government charges, processing timelines, and underlying third-party expenses that we believe applicants should know before embarking on a journey towards bringing your family to Australia.

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Government Visa Application Charges

The base Department of Home Affairs visa application charge (VAC) varies depending on the specific subclass, whether the applicant is onshore or offshore, and whether additional family members are included. Standard family visas such as carer, child, remaining relative, and aged dependent relative visas each carry distinct pricing structures and payment rules.

These are subject to change based on Australia’s migration strategies, and are indexed at the beginning of each financial year on 1 July.

Visa category Subclass Main applicant charge Additional applicant 18 or over Additional applicant under 18
Child permanent 101 offshore / 802 onshore $4,040 first instalment $2,020 $1,015
Carer permanent 116 offshore / 836 onshore $2,720 first instalment; $2,065 generally before grant $1,365 first instalment $680 first instalment
Remaining Relative permanent 115 offshore / 835 onshore $6,600 first instalment; $2,065 before grant $3,300 first instalment $1,655 first instalment
Aged Dependent Relative permanent 114 offshore / 838 onshore $6,600 first instalment; $2,065 before grant $3,300 first instalment $1,655 first instalment

Child permanent (101 offshore / 802 onshore)

Main applicant charge$4,040 first instalment
Additional applicant 18 or over$2,020
Additional applicant under 18$1,015

Carer permanent (116 offshore / 836 onshore)

Main applicant charge$2,720 first instalment; $2,065 generally before grant
Additional applicant 18 or over$1,365 first instalment
Additional applicant under 18$680 first instalment

Remaining Relative permanent (115 offshore / 835 onshore)

Main applicant charge$6,600 first instalment; $2,065 before grant
Additional applicant 18 or over$3,300 first instalment
Additional applicant under 18$1,655 first instalment

Aged Dependent Relative permanent (114 offshore / 838 onshore)

Main applicant charge$6,600 first instalment; $2,065 before grant
Additional applicant 18 or over$3,300 first instalment
Additional applicant under 18$1,655 first instalment

Standard amounts checked on 1 October 2026. The table separates the first instalment from any second instalment. Limited concessions may apply, including for certain eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Confirm the relevant subclass and full charge using the Department’s current visa pricing table and estimator before paying. A carer’s second instalment may be waived in limited cases of severe financial hardship.

The Australian Migration Lawyers difference

Fixed price

Fixed price

There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.

Deal directly with a lawyer

Deal directly with a lawyer

From the first same-day response to the granting of your Australian visa, you'll have direct access to a lawyer.

Clear communication

Clear communication

Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.

Satisfaction guaranteed

Satisfaction guaranteed

We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.

Installments available

Installments available

3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.

50+ years

50+ years

years of combined experience

100% success rate

100% success rate

for Partner visas for genuine and continuing spousal relationships

Experienced

Experienced

migration lawyers and migration agents representing clients at tribunal and court level

Award winning

Award winning

law firm, recognised as leading migration lawyers and migration agents

Additional Costs Beyond the Visa Application Charge

The visa charge is only one part of the budget. Other expenses may arise according to the subclass and the Department’s requests:

Health examinations: These may be required for one or more applicants; the tests and provider charges vary.

Police certificates: The Department may require certificates from countries where an applicant has spent a cumulative 12 months or more in the past ten years, subject to age and subclass instructions.

Document translations: Non-English evidence needs an English translation. For a translator in Australia, include the NAATI practitioner number; for an overseas translator, provide their contact details and qualifications.

Legal representation: Professional fees for advice, evidence review, application preparation and correspondence are separate from government charges.

Who Pays What?

Budget separately for government visa charges, any later instalment, and variable external and professional expenses:

Government charges

Pay the applicable first instalment when lodging a valid application. Some subclasses also require a second instalment before grant. Refunds are available only in limited circumstances.

Variable and professional costs

  • Variable expenses: Medical, police and translation costs depend on providers, location and the evidence required.
  • Legal fees: The scope and price of professional work vary with the circumstances and the agreed fee arrangement.

Common Pitfalls When Budgeting for a Family Visa

Applicants frequently encounter financial strain due to miscalculated expenses or procedural oversights. Some common budgeting mistakes we have noticed include:

Additional applicants

Check whether a family member can be included and calculate the applicable charge and separate evidence costs.

Second instalments

Carer, Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visas generally involve another charge before grant. A long queue does not remove this later payment.

Payment surcharge update

Card payment surcharge rules changed on 1 October 2026. Do not add an old surcharge percentage to the visa charge when budgeting; check the current Home Affairs payment screen and guidance for the amount payable by your chosen method. Some Department pages may still display pre-change surcharge information during the transition.

Assuming a refund or guaranteed outcome

An incomplete or ineligible application can be refused, and the application charge is usually not refunded. Legal advice can help identify issues before lodgement but cannot guarantee grant.

How We Can Support Your Visa Journey

Are you unsure about what visa type suits your family’s situation, or want to know how you can maximise your chances of success in applying?

At Australian Migration Lawyers, we provide tailored assistance to ensure your family visa application is structured correctly from the outset, which can be a strategy for avoiding unnecessary costs and processing time. Our team reviews eligibility under relevant regulations, provides detailed cost projections based on current fee schedules, and handles complex lodgement procedures.

Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with one of our migration lawyers.

Award-winning Immigration Lawyers

We bring nationally recognised immigration law expertise directly to the clients. Every award listed below was earned through independent assessment, including peer review, client feedback, and workplace audits. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you are working with a firm whose quality has been verified from the outside.

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2026
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Doyle's Guide

Leading Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is ranked as a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Victoria in Doyle's Guide 2026. Four consecutive years of inclusion in Doyle's Guide establishes a verified, long-term record of excellence and peer recognition in Australian immigration law.

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2027
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Best Lawyers

Best Law Firms Australia

Australian Migration Lawyers is ranked in the 2027 Best Law Firms - Australia edition by Best Lawyers. Firm rankings are determined through client feedback, peer nominations, and overall market reputation. Inclusion confirms the firm delivers top-tier legal services in immigration law at a national level.

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2027
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Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers in Australia™ Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is recognised in the 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia™ edition for Immigration Law. This ranking is awarded exclusively through confidential peer review by senior lawyers in the same practice area. It is the leading global legal directory benchmark.

We have experience working with LGBTIQ+ visas acorss Australia

Our Success Stories

Schedule 3 Overcome: Double Partner Visa
Partner Visa (820/801)
Location

Melbourne

Schedule 3 Overcome: Double Partner Visa

Timeline

Timeline: 2 years and 11 months

Visitor Visa: Nepal to AU for Christmas
Visitor Visa (600)
Location

Sydney

Visitor Visa: Nepal to AU for Christmas

Timeline

Timeline: 3 months

Complex Skills in Demand Visa Case
Skills in Demand (482)
Location

Sydney

Complex Skills in Demand Visa Case

Timeline

Timeline: 9 months

Frequently Asked Questions

For the selected subclasses in the table, the standard first instalment starts at $2,720 for a Carer visa and reaches $6,600 for Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visas. Some also require a $2,065 second instalment before grant. Child visas 101 and 802 have a standard base charge of $4,040. Add any eligible secondary applicant charges and other expenses.

A refusal or withdrawal does not normally result in a refund of the visa application charge, although limited statutory refund circumstances exist. Check the Department of Home Affair’s refund rules for the particular case before assuming an amount is recoverable.

Yes, eligible secondary applicants, such as dependent children, can usually be included. However, adding secondary applicants increases the total government visa application charge, and each included member must also complete separate health and character checks.

Legal representation fees vary based on the complexity of the matter. Cases involving complex family dynamics, prior visa refusals, health waiver requests, or extensive document preparation require tailored legal work, which is reflected in the legal fee structure.

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