So, you’re thinking about sponsoring your spouse, de facto partner or fiancé for an Australian Partner Visa?
Being a Partner Visa Sponsor is a big step, and your role as a sponsor is super important.
It’s not just about filling out forms—being a Partner Visa sponsor means you’re supporting your partner’s application to live permanently in Australia, as well as supporting their relocation to Australia to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Australia is a great place to live, build a future and maybe even start a family. Approximately 60,000 couples apply each year for a Partner visa so they can build a future together in Australia.
In this article we cover what you need to know about being a Partner Visa Sponsors, so you can confidently navigate the process and help your partner join you in Australia.
Whether it’s a Subclass 820/801, Subclass 309/100 or Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa that your partner is applying for, let’s take a look at what sponsorship involves.
What is a Partner Visa Sponsor?
Australian Partner visas are designed to enable you to be sponsored for a visa if you are legally married, in a de facto relationship or engaged to be married to an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident or Eligible New Zealand Citizen.
A Partner Visa Sponsor is the Australian Citizen, PR or ENZC who is sponsoring their spouse, partner or fiancé to apply for an Australian Partner Visa.
You can learn more about the basic requirements for applying for a Partner Visa here.
Who can sponsor?
To apply for an Australian Partner Visa, the applicant needs to be sponsored by their eligible partner.
To sponsor your partner for an Australian Partner Visa, you need to meet a few key criteria.
Prospective Marriage Visa Sponsorship
If you’re sponsoring your Partner for a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) you will need to have met in person before you can begin the process (not just online).
This visa is designed for couples who are engaged and planning to marry in Australia. Once the visa is granted, your partner will have up to nine months to come to Australia and marry you.
Learn more about Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage Visa here and here.
Sponsorship Limitations
When sponsoring your partner for an Australian visa, there are some rules to keep in mind. You can usually only sponsor two partners in your lifetime, with at least five years between sponsorships. If you've already sponsored someone before or been sponsored yourself, this could impact your ability to sponsor again.
Also, any past criminal convictions, especially those involving violence, might affect your eligibility. Knowing these limitations upfront helps you avoid surprises during the visa process.
What If Your Relationship Breaks Down?
If your relationship breaks down during the visa process, things can get complicated. It’s important to know that the Australian Department of Home Affairs must be informed of any changes in your relationship status immediately.
Relationship breakdown can cause a Parnter Visa to be refused, but there are circumstances where the visa can still be granted such as when the applicant has experienced domestic violence or if you share children together.
What do I need to do?
To sponsor your Partner to apply for a Subclass 820/801, Subclass 309/100 or Subclass 300 visa your sponsorship application will need to be assessed by the Department of Home Affairs. This includes providing information about your identity, relationship details, family and dependents, and other relevant information.
Where can I get Partner Visa help?
At Port Migration we love helping our clients who are excited about starting life together in Australia. Achieving visa success for our clients is our main goal. We pride ourselves on the way we make a complex process simple and stress free.
Each visa has a different application process and requirements. The waiting times for the visas are also different, and the wait time can be impacted by the country that you come from. Constant changes to the Australian Migration Legislation also make it hard to know which option is the best for you.
Talk to the team at Port Migration to book an in depth consultation to get the ball rolling on the application that best suits your needs and circumstances.
About Port Migration
Port Migration is a full service Australian Migration Agency based in Port Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. We help individuals, business owners and HR managers to consistently achieve successful visa outcomes. We are registered with MARA so you know you can rely on our advice (MARN 1575613).
At Port Migration we are here to give you friendly, efficient service. Importantly, we make the complex and constantly changing Australian visa application requirements simple and stress free for clients.
To sponsor someone for a Partner Visa, you need to be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. You must be over 18 years old. Additionally, you need to have a genuine and ongoing relationship with your partner, which could be a spouse, de facto partner, or fiancée.
You can learn more about the basic requirements for applying for a Partner Visa here.
Yes, there are limitations on how many times you can sponsor someone for a Partner Visa. Generally, you can only sponsor two people over your lifetime, and there must be at least five years between each sponsorship. This rule is designed to prevent misuse of the visa sponsorship process. Exceptions can be made in compelling circumstances, but these are considered on a case-by-case basis. Additionally, if you’ve been sponsored yourself on a Partner Visa within the last five years, you might not be eligible to sponsor someone else.
As a sponsor, you must agree to financially support your partner for their first two years in Australia if necessary. This means covering their living costs, including accommodation, food, and any other expenses if they cannot support themselves, as they won’t be eligible for government benefits during this time.
Having a criminal record can impact your eligibility to sponsor your partner for an Australian Partner Visa. The Department of Home Affairs will consider the nature and severity of your offenses. Certain serious offenses, particularly those involving violence or children, could prevent you from sponsoring. It’s advisable to be upfront about your criminal history, as failing to disclose it could result in visa refusal for your partner.
If your relationship ends while your partner’s visa application is still being processed, you’re required to notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately. This could lead to the refusal of the visa application. However, your partner might still be eligible to apply for permanent residency in certain circumstances, such as if you share children or there has been domestic violence.
Yes! There are options for either onshore or offshore applications.
Sponsorship approval is part of the overall Partner Visa application process. As a sponsor, you’ll need to provide detailed information and documentation to support your partner’s visa application, including evidence of your relationship, financial stability, and your ability to support your partner. The Department of Home Affairs will review your application and may request additional information. The approval process can take several months, so it’s important to be thorough and patient.
