Please select Menu Source

HOW MUCH DO I NEED TO EARN TO SPONSOR MY SPOUSE IN AUSTRALIA?

When embarking on the journey of sponsoring your spouse to join you in Australia, it’s crucial to be financially prepared. The Australian government requires sponsors to demonstrate their ability to support their partner without depending on public funds.

If you are planning to bring your spouse to Australia through the Partner Visa program, you might be wondering, “How much do I need to earn to sponsor my spouse in Australia?” It’s a valid concern, as the Australian government has specific financial requirements in place to ensure that sponsoring a partner doesn’t place undue financial strain on the Australian welfare system.

The assessment of your financial capability is not solely based on your income but also on your ability to manage finances responsibly. It’s about providing a secure environment for your spouse, ensuring that their move to Australia is supported by a solid foundation.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the income thresholds and financial aspects you need to consider to sponsor your spouse.

Need Help?

Got an issue you want to talk to a legal professional about? Get a free consultation.

*Free consultation is limited to 15 minute phone call for us to give preliminary advice

UNDERSTANDING PARTNER VISA SUBCLASS 820/801

Before we jump into the financial requirements, it’s essential to understand the Partner Visa Subclass 820/801. This visa allows Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their spouse or de facto partner to live in Australia. It’s a two-stage visa, which initially grants a temporary visa (Subclass 820), followed by a permanent visa (Subclass 801) after a waiting period. Meeting the financial requirements is crucial for a successful sponsorship.

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTNER VISA

If you are employed, your annual salary or wages will contribute to meeting the income threshold. It’s crucial to provide evidence of your employment and income stability to satisfy the immigration authorities.

ANNUAL INCOME THRESHOLD

The Australian government sets an annual income threshold that sponsors must meet. As of the latest information available, this threshold is around $53,900. This amount demonstrates that you have the means to support your partner and any dependent children.

ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT (AOS)

In addition to the income threshold, you might be required to provide an Assurance of Support (AoS). An AoS is a legal commitment by you and a third party, usually a family member or friend, to provide financial assistance if your spouse and their family access certain Australian social security payments. The AoS is a safety net to ensure your spouse does not become a burden on the Australian welfare system.

FINANCIAL ELIGIBILITY

Apart from the income threshold and AoS, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your financial eligibility based on factors such as your current financial situation, including assets and liabilities. You may also need to demonstrate your capacity to support your partner through various documents, such as bank statements, payslips, and tax records.

MEETING THE INCOME REQUIREMENT

EMPLOYMENT INCOME

If you are employed, your annual salary or wages will contribute to meeting the income threshold. It’s crucial to provide evidence of your employment and income stability to satisfy the immigration authorities.

NON-EMPLOYMENT INCOME

Income from sources other than employment can also be counted towards the threshold. This can include rental income, investment income, or income from a business or self-employment. Providing documentation to prove the stability and legitimacy of this income is vital.

COMBINING FINANCES WITH YOUR SPOUSE

If your spouse has their own income, whether through employment or other sources, you can combine your financial resources to meet the threshold. This can be a viable option if your individual income falls short of the required amount.

CONCLUSION

Sponsoring your spouse in Australia through the Partner Visa program is a significant step in your journey together. Understanding and meeting the financial requirements is crucial for a successful application. By meeting the annual income threshold, providing an Assurance of Support if required, and demonstrating your financial eligibility, you can ensure that your spouse’s visa application is on the right track. Make sure to consult the latest guidelines from the Department of Home Affairs and consider seeking professional advice to navigate the process smoothly. With careful planning and the right financial strategy, you can successfully sponsor your spouse to join you in Australia.

FAQs

Yes, you can combine your income with your partner’s to meet the annual income threshold.
While having a job can contribute to meeting the income threshold, there are other sources of income that can be considered, such as investments or rental income.
If you do not meet the financial requirements, your visa application may be refused. It’s crucial to plan and ensure you meet the criteria.
You need to meet the income requirement at the time of the visa application. It’s essential to maintain this financial stability throughout the process.
Yes, you can provide an Assurance of Support to meet the financial requirements. This is a legal commitment to financially support your spouse.

Our Latest Blogs

Clear Filters

How Long Does It Take To Get Permanent Residency For A Spouse In Australia?

The minimum processing time for a partner visa is around 17 months. However, certain factors may expedite or prolong this time frame for permanent residency.

Partner Visa: Important Points And Requirements

A Partner Visa is a special category of visa designed for individuals seeking to join their partners in a foreign country.

What Is The Age Limit To Apply For A Partner Visa In Australia?

The Australian partner visa system does not have an age limit on applicants so it is neither the youngest nor the oldest group of people.

What Are The Requirements For Spouse Visa In Australia

The Australian spouse visa application process is strictly guided and a comprehensive one that needs the applicants to follow several key stages.

OUR PARTNER LAWYER REVIEWS

Our Happy Clients

Patrick Chiu
Patrick Chiu
2023-08-01
I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding service provided during my recent property purchase. From the initial consultation to the final closing, the team's professionalism and expertise were exceptional.
Macy Li
Macy Li
2023-07-18
Tina at CMI Legal is very professional and technical. Great service. Highly recommend to everyone!
Michael Glenn
Michael Glenn
2023-07-14
Rita and John settled the matter expeditiously and according to my instructions. I appreciate their clear communication diligence!
Jeena J
Jeena J
2023-07-12
Tina has been an absolute gem in assisting us with our journey to find our first home. As newcomers to the property market, the myriad of processes and legal documents left us feeling overwhelmed. However, Tina's unwavering support and guidance made it a breeze for us. Her meticulous attention to detail proved invaluable in identifying potential risks and swiftly addressing them on our behalf. We wholeheartedly recommend her services, particularly if you're seeking someone you can place your utmost trust in. She is a true professional who goes above and beyond to ensure a seamless experience.
朱伟
朱伟
2023-06-06
Recently, because of selling a house, I got to know Ms. Tina from this law firm through a friend's introduction. A very cute and beautiful girl who can speak English Mandarin and Cantonese fluently. In the whole process of selling a house, the business is quite professional and skilled, explaining the clauses in the contract that the customer does not understand, and actively avoiding the unfavorable treaties for the customer. So the whole transaction went very smoothly, and all the house payments have been received today. Thanks to this beautiful lawyer in this law firm.
Diana Farrera
Diana Farrera
2023-05-24
We've dealt with many solicitors for our company and definitely CMI provides a really good service and looks after the clients effectively. Thank you to Rita & team.
Gwen Lau
Gwen Lau
2023-05-20
I have been a client of Tina Tang solicitor CMI Legal Pty Ltd I can recommend her to do her job 110% her attention to detail informing clients of legal jargon in contracts simplifying the language is phenomenal. Tina replies to phone calls, texts, emails immediately her professionalism is outstanding, in her respect tone of voice and getting the job done with all the relevant documents to protect you as a client. Her protection of you as a client arming you with information in the legal world is something i never ever found in other solicitors I engaged over the years. I can recommend her legal services to anyone and if you decide to hire her you can only benefit
Ray Vella
Ray Vella
2023-04-15
I needed legal advice on Copyright issues and spoke to John in CMI Legal. I found John to be very patient and genuinely wanted to help. He took an interest in my concerns and was very clear and thorough with his explanations of the legal aspects. He also went the extra mile to research any grey areas and promptly got back to us to confirm his findings. I am very grateful for the help from John and as a result of our consultation I have learnt the general rules of intellectual property copyright issues. I would not hesitate to seek John’s help if needed in the future and would highly recommend CMI Legal’s services to others.

Explore Our Comprehensive Legal Services

Got an issue you want to chat to a Legal Professional?

*Free consultation is limited to 15 minute phone call for us to give preliminary advice