Many believe there's a fixed minimum income for sponsoring a partner visa, but officially, there isn’t one. However, understanding these key requirements is crucial for a successful application.

Official Requirements

The sponsor must be:

An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen

Aged 18 or older
While no fixed minimum income is mandated, sponsors must demonstrate the ability to provide financial support for the first two years after visa grant, ensuring the applicant has accommodation and living expenses without relying on government welfare.

What Do Case Officers Assess?

Immigration officers evaluate the sponsor’s overall financial capacity, including:

Income sources: Salary, bonuses, self-employment, rental, or investment returns

Assets: Savings, property, investments

Liabilities: Mortgages, car loans, recurring expenses

Housing: Ownership or rental arrangements

Living costs: Varies by city and family size

If income is low, assets, savings, or the applicant’s income can supplement the application.

Practical Income Benchmarks (Case References）

NSW/Victoria:

Single sponsor, no dependants: ~AUD $45,000–$50,000/year (pre-tax)

With dependants: ~AUD $60,000–$80,000/year

High-rent cities (e.g., Sydney, Melbourne): Stable job/asset proof required

Queensland:

Similar benchmarks, with emphasis on stable employment or assets in Brisbane

Unemployed/low-income sponsors: Must provide strong asset/savings evidence

Note: These figures are guidelines—officers assess holistic financial capability.

How to Prepare Documents

Prove financial stability with:

Income evidence: Payslips, tax returns, bank statements

Asset proof: Savings, property titles, investment records

Liability details: Loan statements, recurring expenses

Housing proof: Lease agreement or property documents

Relationship financial evidence: Joint accounts, shared bills

 

Key Takeaway

Though no official income threshold exists, you must convincingly demonstrate the ability to support your partner financially for two years. Organize your documents, calculate your income/assets/liabilities, and strengthen your application proactively.

Like this guide? Stay tuned for more Australian visa insights!