Partner Visa Sponsor Requirements

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Partner Visa Sponsor Requirements – Who Can Sponsor a Partner Visa in Australia?

If you’re planning to apply for a partner visa in Australia, your sponsor’s eligibility is just as important as your own. The Department of Home Affairs imposes clear partner visa sponsor requirements to ensure the sponsor can support the applicant both emotionally and, where necessary, financially.

Let’s explore who can sponsor, what their responsibilities are, and how to meet the criteria confidently.

Who Can Sponsor a Partner Visa?

To be eligible as a sponsor for a partner visa, the person must be:

An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
At least 18 years old
In a genuine, ongoing relationship with the applicant
Not currently barred from sponsoring due to past sponsorships or visa breaches

Transitionally, before lodging your application, both the applicant and sponsor must provide evidence of their relationship, including financial, social, household, and commitment aspects.

Sponsorship Limitations – Important to Know

Even if someone meets the general criteria, some circumstances may restrict their ability to sponsor:

A person may only sponsor two partners in a lifetime
A five-year gap is required between previous partner sponsorships
Sponsors who were sponsored on a partner visa themselves must wait five years before sponsoring a new partner

However, exceptions exist in compelling circumstances, including:

The death of a previous partner
Having children with a new partner
Cases involving family violence

Partner Visa Sponsor Financial Requirements

Although there is no formal income threshold, sponsors are expected to:

Support their partner financially so the applicant does not rely on government assistance
Provide accommodation, food, and basic needs
Submit Form 40SP (Sponsorship for a partner to migrate to Australia)
In some cases, Centrelink or government benefit history may be reviewed

Note: A sponsor’s financial situation may influence the Department’s decision on whether the applicant is likely to become a public burden.

Documents Required from the Sponsor

Sponsors are required to provide:

Identity documents (passport, birth certificate)
Proof of citizenship or residency
Relationship evidence
Form 40SP
Police checks (if required under new provisions)

🤝 How We Can Help

At Jade Immigration Lawyers, we:

Assess your sponsor’s eligibility upfront
Guide you through the Form 40SP and evidence requirements
Handle complex issues such as sponsorship bars or financial concerns
Prepare legal submissions where compelling circumstances apply

Book a Consultation Today

Whether you’re sponsoring a spouse, de facto partner, or applying after a previous visa refusal, we’re here to support your case from start to finish.

📞 Call us on 0485 907 989 or book online. We assist clients across Australia and internationally.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our Partner Visa Sponsor Requirements services and processes. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact Jade Immigration Lawyers today!

To sponsor, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, at least 18 years old, and in a genuine relationship with the applicant.

Yes. You can only sponsor two people in your lifetime and must wait five years between sponsorships unless exceptional circumstances apply.

There is no set income threshold, but sponsors must show they can support the applicant’s basic needs so they don’t rely on public funds.

Yes, but only after five years have passed since they were granted their own partner visa, unless compelling circumstances exist.

The Department will assess the sponsor’s character. Certain convictions, especially involving family violence, may lead to a refusal of sponsorship