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Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Visas in Australia

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Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Visas in Australia
Australian Partner Visas have no set income requirement, but sponsors must show they can financially support their partner, providing evidence like payslips and joint accounts to prove financial stability.

Australian Partner Visa applicants and sponsors often ask: What are the financial requirements for a partner visa? Navigating this can be confusing, especially because the rules aren’t always straightforward. Below, we provide a comprehensive, accessible guide dedicated to financial aspects of the Australian Partner Visa, designed to help applicants, sponsors, carers, families, and all involved professionals.

Understanding the Financial Requirements for Australian Partner Visas

The Australian Partner Visa (subclasses 820/801 for onshore, and 309/100 for offshore) allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen to live in Australia. When applying, one closely watched factor is the applicant's (and sponsor’s) financial situation.

What Are Financial Requirements and Why Are They Important?

Financial requirements refer to the obligations placed on visa sponsors and occasionally applicants to demonstrate that:

  • The sponsor can support the applicant,
  • The visa applicant will not become a financial burden upon arrival,
  • There is access to adequate accommodation and financial support.

The purpose is to safeguard both Australia’s migration program and the wellbeing of the applicant by ensuring that relationships are genuine and that applicants can settle without undue hardship or reliance on government support.

How Financial Requirements Work in the Context of Australian Migration

No Explicit Minimum Income Needed

Unlike some other visa categories (such as Parent visas), the Partner Visa does not mandate a minimum income threshold. However:

  • Sponsors must show they can support their partner for the first two years after arrival,
  • The Department of Home Affairs may assess the sponsor’s and applicant’s income, employment status, and general financial position,
  • Evidence of a stable financial situation is linked to the assessment of a “genuine and continuing relationship.”

Key Documents to Demonstrate Financial Stability

Applicants and sponsors should provide:

  • Recent payslips,
  • Bank statements (joint and individual),
  • Employment contracts/offer letters,
  • Australian Taxation Office (ATO) group certificates or notice of assessment,
  • Evidence of shared bills, leases, loans, or assets,
  • Written statements on financial arrangements (joint accounts, shared liabilities).

Financial Undertaking

Sponsors sign a sponsorship undertaking to:

  • Provide accommodation and financial support for up to two years (temporary stage),
  • Reimburse the government for certain social security payments that their partner may claim.

Application Process: Managing Financial Requirements

  1. Gather Relevant Documentation
    Collect payslips, bank statements, employment details, jointly held assets, liabilities, and written financial statements that reflect your ability to support your partner.

  2. Prepare the Relationship Evidence
    Financial co-dependence is crucial evidence of a genuine partnership. This includes shared bills, joint bank accounts, and evidence of pooling resources.

  3. Demonstrate Ongoing Financial Support
    The Department wants to ensure the sponsor understands and commits to supporting their partner.

  4. Monitor Policy Updates
    While there is currently no fixed income benchmark, legislation could change and should be monitored (see latest changes below).

Financial Requirements: Key Features and Benefits

  • No Strict Minimum Income Standard: Flexibility accommodates sponsors with irregular or lower earnings, provided they can demonstrate genuine support.
  • Inclusivity: Both full-time carers and people with disabilities can still apply, as long as their relationship's financial interdependence can be documented.
  • Joint Arrangements Count: Sharing expenses and having joint financial accounts are given significant weight.

Common Challenges and Practical Solutions

Challenge 1: Low or Irregular Income

Solution:
Even if income is inconsistent, applicants can:

  • Show savings, investments, or family support,
  • Provide a statement explaining circumstances (disability, carer role, etc.),
  • Highlight joint financial commitments (e.g., shared lease).

Challenge 2: Newly Established Relationship

Solution:
Emphasise other aspects of your relationship (e.g., social connection, commitment), and provide as much financial evidence as possible, showing intent to combine finances.

Challenge 3: Self-Employment

Solution:
Provide tax returns, bank statements, invoices, and business registration documents to establish consistent income.

Challenge 4: Sponsor with Centrelink Payments

Solution:
Sponsoring while receiving welfare is allowed, but the Department may scrutinize financial capacity more closely. Provide thorough documentation and evidence of planning and support.

Typical Professions, Applicants and Real-World Scenarios

Partner visa applicants come from all backgrounds, including:

  • Healthcare workers (nurses, allied health, doctors)
  • IT professionals, engineers
  • Students and academics
  • Carers, both paid and informal
  • Retail, hospitality, construction staff
  • Stay-at-home parents, people with disabilities, or those unable to work

Example Scenarios:

  1. Carer as Sponsor:
    A permanent resident receives a Carer Payment. They provide a statement showing how they manage expenses and any additional support from family.

  2. Disabled Person as Sponsor:
    The sponsor is on a Disability Support Pension. Financial stability is shown through accommodation evidence and family assistance.

  3. Overseas Sponsor:
    The sponsor is living abroad but shows proof of a stable remote income and accommodation for the partner in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a specific amount of money I need to sponsor my partner?

No fixed minimum applies, but you must demonstrate adequate support.

Can I sponsor my partner if I don’t have a full-time job?

Yes, but you’ll need to show how you’re able to support them via other means (savings, part-time income, family assistance).

Will receiving Centrelink affect my ability to sponsor?

It may prompt more scrutiny, but it is still possible. You must substantiate your ability to provide for your partner.