Love knows no borders, but immigration laws certainly do!
If you’re in a genuine relationship with someone from overseas and dream of living together in Australia, the Partner Visa may be your path forward. But before you start preparing forms and relationship evidence, it’s important to understand who can actually sponsor a partner visa.
In this article, we’ll break down the eligibility criteria and key requirements for being a sponsor.
By the end, you’ll be able to self-assess whether you qualify or know when it’s time to seek professional advice.
Who Can Sponsor a Partner Visa?
To sponsor your partner for an Australian visa, you must be one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
Whether by birth or naturalisation, Australian citizens are eligible to sponsor their partner or spouse for a partner visa. - An Australian permanent resident
Permanent residents can also act as sponsors, provided they are usually residing in Australia. - An eligible New Zealand citizen
Not all New Zealand citizens qualify. To be an eligible New Zealand citizen, you must have entered Australia on a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) and have lived in Australia for a significant period, meeting certain requirements.
Key Sponsorship Conditions and Limitations
Even if you meet one of the categories above, there are still rules and restrictions that may affect your eligibility:
- Age requirement: You must be 18 years or older.
- Previous sponsorships: You can sponsor a maximum of two partners in your lifetime, and there must be a five-year gap between sponsorships.
- If you were sponsored: You cannot sponsor another partner until five years have passed since you were granted your own partner visa.
- Character requirement: Sponsors must provide police checks and meet character requirements to ensure the applicant’s safety.
- Sponsorship approval: The Department of Home Affairs must approve your sponsorship before your partner visa can be decided.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring your partner is a serious commitment, both emotionally and legally. Understanding the eligibility rules early can save you time, stress, and potential visa complications later.
If you’re unsure whether you meet the sponsorship criteria, this article is a great place to self-examine your eligibility. And if you’d like tailored advice for your situation, The First Chapter Migration is here to guide you every step of the way.
