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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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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 |
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.
There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.
From the first same-day response to the granting of your Australian visa, you'll have direct access to a lawyer.
Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.
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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.
Budget separately for government visa charges, any later instalment, and variable external and professional expenses:
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.
Applicants frequently encounter financial strain due to miscalculated expenses or procedural oversights. Some common budgeting mistakes we have noticed include:
Check whether a family member can be included and calculate the applicable charge and separate evidence costs.
Carer, Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative visas generally involve another charge before grant. A long queue does not remove this later payment.
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.
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.

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.







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.
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.
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.
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.

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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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The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please speak with one of our lawyers about your individual circumstances.
Australian Migration Lawyers © 2026 - Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Legal Practitioner Number 5513032.
Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term ‘Partner’
We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.

*Terms only available for selected circumstances and visa types
Australian Migration Lawyers © 2026 - Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Legal Practitioner Number 5513032.
Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'
We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.
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