Is the Fiancé Visa Route More Expensive Than Marrying First?

Why does the fiancé visa route cost more?

The fiancé visa route costs more because the couple makes two visa applications, the Subclass 300 from overseas and then the Subclass 820/801 in Australia, and each has its own charge. A couple who marries first makes one combined application, either the Subclass 309/100 offshore or the Subclass 820/801 onshore, and pays one charge that covers both stages. Our guide to partner visa cost explains how the charges are structured.

What does marrying first involve?

Marrying first involves the couple marrying, usually overseas where the applicant lives, and then applying for the Subclass 309/100 while the applicant is outside Australia. The marriage must be valid where it took place and recognised in Australia. Our guide to the offshore partner visa and our page on the Subclass 309 visa explain that path.

Are there other costs that differ between the two routes?

Other costs differ between the two routes, because the fiancé route may need health examinations and police certificates for the Subclass 300 and again for the later partner application if earlier checks have expired. Marrying overseas brings its own costs, such as travel for the sponsor and family, overseas marriage documents and translations. Our article on partner visa evidence translation explains when translations are needed.

When is the fiancé route worth the extra cost?

The fiancé route is worth the extra cost when the couple genuinely wants to marry in Australia, for example so the sponsor's family can attend, or when marrying in the applicant's country is difficult because of legal, religious or practical barriers. It also suits couples whose relationship is best shown through engagement and wedding plans rather than a marriage that has already happened. Our page on the Subclass 300 visa explains who the visa is designed for.

Does either route lead to permanent residence faster?

Neither route leads to permanent residence by a fixed timetable, because both depend on Department processing and the permanent stage is generally assessed two years after the partner visa application was lodged. On the fiancé route, that two-year period starts only when the Subclass 820/801 is lodged after the wedding. Our article on the partner visa two-stage process explains the timing.

What should couples weigh besides cost?

Besides cost, couples should weigh where they want to marry, where the applicant will live while waiting, the risk of a refusal on each path and the evidence they already have. A cheaper route that does not fit the relationship can end up costing more if it is refused. Our guide to choosing a partner visa pathway compares the options.

How does My Migration Lawyers help couples choose between the fiancé visa and marrying first?

My Migration Lawyers helps couples choose by setting out the government charges, the timing and the risks of each route against the couple's real plans, before any charge is paid. The firm works on fixed professional fees agreed before work starts and then prepares whichever application the couple chooses. Couples can speak with our partner visa lawyers about which route suits them.