What the Partner visa pages ask for
The subclass 820 page asks you to be in a genuine relationship with a spouse or de facto partner who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, to be sponsored by them, and to be in Australia when you apply. The subclass 309 page has the same relationship and sponsor rules for applicants outside Australia. Neither page lists an English language requirement; the only mention of English is that holders can attend free classes from the Adult Migrant English Program if they are eligible.
Family members applying with you must meet the health and character requirements. Have every non-English document translated into English; that is a document rule, not a language test.
No second instalment (VAC2) on Partner visas
Skilled and business visas charge a second instalment for each applicant aged 18 or over without functional English: AUD4,885 on the 189 and 190 pages, and AUD4,890 on the 491, 494 and 858 entries. The Partner visa rows in the Home Affairs visa pricing table (last updated 1 July 2026) carry no second instalment note; their only note is a nil charge for applicants holding a Dependent Child visa (subclass 445).
| Partner visa | Main applicant | Each extra applicant 18+ | Each extra applicant under 18 | Second instalment for no functional English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 820/801 (in Australia) | AUD11,710 | AUD5,860 | AUD2,935 | None listed |
| 820/801 by a Prospective Marriage visa holder | AUD1,955 | AUD980 | AUD485 | None listed |
| 309/100 (outside Australia) | AUD11,710 | AUD5,860 | AUD2,935 | None listed |
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When you would still need an English test
An English score becomes relevant only if you later apply for a different visa, for example a skilled visa that needs Competent English, or if someone in your household applies for a visa that charges a second instalment. If a visa asks for functional English, it is an IELTS average of 4.5 or PTE Academic 24 overall; see our Functional English guide.
Home Affairs changes visa rules and charges. Confirm the current position on the subclass 820 or 309 page and in the visa pricing estimator before you apply. This guide restates pages read on 14 October 2026; it is not migration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS required for the Australian partner visa?+
No. The Home Affairs pages for subclasses 820/801 and 309/100 list no English test for the applicant or the sponsor.
Do I pay a second instalment if my partner has low English?+
The visa pricing table shows no second instalment for Partner visas. The second instalment applies to visas such as the 189, 190, 491, 494 and 858.
How much does the Australian partner visa cost?+
AUD11,710 for the main applicant, covering both stages, on the pages read on 14 October 2026. Each extra applicant costs AUD5,860 if 18 or over and AUD2,935 if under 18.
Can partner visa holders get free English classes?+
The 820 and 309 pages say holders can attend free English classes from the Adult Migrant English Program if they are eligible.
Keep reading
Related
- Functional English for Australian visas
- IELTS for the 189, 190 and 491 visas
- IELTS for Australia: scores by university and visa
- IELTS for the 186 visa
- All 1393 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 14 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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