Partner visas / Sponsoring your partner
Guide · Sponsors
Sponsoring your partner for a partner visa.
Every partner visa needs an Australian sponsor. Here is who can sponsor, the limits that catch people out, and what you are agreeing to.
Who can sponsor
The basic requirements.
You can sponsor if you are
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- 18 or older, and the applicant's spouse, de facto partner or fiancé(e)
What you do
- Complete the sponsorship online as part of the application
- Provide your identity and citizenship or residence documents
- Give your own account of the relationship
- Provide police certificates if Home Affairs asks, and always if a child is included
Sponsorship limits
The rules that catch people out.
Regulation 1.20J of the Migration Regulations limits how often you can sponsor a partner. These limits are assessed when Home Affairs decides the application, so check them before you lodge.
Two partners in a lifetime
Generally, you can't sponsor if you have already sponsored two partners who were granted a partner or prospective marriage visa.
Five years between sponsorships
If you sponsored a previous partner, five years must usually have passed since that earlier application was made. The clock starts at the earlier application, not the separation.
If you were sponsored yourself
If you came to Australia on a partner or prospective marriage visa, five years must usually have passed since your own application before you can sponsor someone new.
Compelling circumstances
Home Affairs can waive these limits if there are compelling circumstances affecting the sponsor, such as a dependent child of the relationship. It is discretionary, so the evidence matters.
Character and children
When the sponsor's history matters.
Applications that include a child
If a child under 18 is included in the application, the sponsor must provide police certificates. Home Affairs can refuse the sponsorship if the sponsor has a conviction for certain offences, including registrable offences against children.
Your two-year undertaking
As sponsor, you agree to provide your partner, and any children included, with adequate accommodation and financial help to meet reasonable living needs for their first two years in Australia. There is no minimum income test for partner visa sponsors.
Evidence
What Home Affairs looks at.
Your relationship is assessed across four areas. Most refusals come from thin or inconsistent evidence, not from the relationship itself.
Financial
Joint bank accounts, shared bills, leases or loans, and how you share day-to-day costs.
Household
Living arrangements, shared responsibility for the home, and mail addressed to you both.
Social
Whether friends and family know you as a couple: photos, travel, invitations and Form 888 statements from people who know you.
Commitment
Your history together, time spent apart and how you stayed in touch, and your plans for the future.
How it works
From first call to decision.
Discovery call or consultation
A free 15-minute discovery call checks basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice. For advice on your situation, book a 30-minute consultation ($330).
Engage us
You receive a written quote, a document checklist and an evidence plan for your relationship.
We build your application
Your lawyer checks every document and drafts your relationship statements with you.
Final review and lodgement
You approve it and we lodge. We deal with Home Affairs until a decision.
FAQ
Questions from sponsors.
I sponsored my ex-partner four years ago. Can I sponsor now?
Usually not until five years have passed since that earlier application, unless compelling circumstances apply, such as a child of your new relationship. We assess whether a waiver request is realistic before you lodge.
I came to Australia on a partner visa. Can I sponsor a new partner?
Only once five years have passed since your own partner visa application, unless compelling circumstances apply.
Do I need to earn a certain amount?
No. There is no income threshold for partner visa sponsors. You do undertake to support your partner for the first two years.
Can a permanent resident sponsor?
Yes. Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens can all sponsor.
I live overseas with my partner. Can I still sponsor?
Often yes, for the offshore 309/100. Home Affairs needs to see that you both intend to live in Australia.
What if the relationship breaks down after we lodge?
The visa depends on the relationship continuing. There are exceptions, including family violence and the death of the sponsor. Get advice quickly if this happens.
General information only, current at 14 October 2026. Not legal advice. Home Affairs policy and the Migration Regulations change; we check your case against the rules in force when you apply.
Not sure which visa fits?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to check basic eligibility and whether we're the right fit. It isn't legal advice, and depending on your circumstances you may still need a consultation. For legal advice now, book a 30-minute consultation ($330). Or call 1300 079 743.