Is this your situation?
You are an Australian citizen or permanent resident and you want to sponsor your partner for a partner visa. You had a previous visa refused at some earlier point in your own immigration history, and you are not sure whether this affects your ability to be a sponsor. Or you previously applied for a partner visa as the applicant and were refused, and now your new partner wants you to sponsor them.
Sponsor eligibility
To sponsor a partner visa applicant, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen. You must be at least 18 years old. You must pass a sponsorship assessment that includes character checks.
Having had a previous visa refused in your own immigration history does not automatically disqualify you from being a sponsor. The sponsorship assessment is separate from your own visa history.
However, there are specific limitations on how many partners you can sponsor. Generally, you can sponsor a maximum of two partners over your lifetime. If you have already sponsored two people, you are barred from sponsoring a third unless the Department finds there are compelling circumstances.
There is also a limitation period: if you sponsored a partner within the last 5 years, you generally cannot sponsor another person during that period.
If you have relevant criminal convictions, particularly involving family violence, violence, or sexual offences, you will fail the sponsorship character check and may not be approved as a sponsor.
How Bullseye Consultant can help
Amanpreet Bhangoo (MARN 1573884) can assess your eligibility as a sponsor and advise on any issues that might arise from your history. Call (07) 3519 7009.
FAQ
Q: How many partners can I sponsor?
Generally two over your lifetime. Exceptions exist in compelling circumstances but they are rare.
Q: Will my previous visa refusal make it harder for my partner’s application?
Your own visa history as a sponsor is considered but a single refusal is unlikely to be the deciding factor. The main assessment focuses on the genuineness of the relationship and your partner’s eligibility.
