There is actually no requirement that a sponsor for a partner visa application be employed.
Sponsors who are unemployed, retired, or receiving social security benefits can all potentially be approved as a partner visa sponsor – providing they meet the other usual criteria.
However, within the online sponsorship application, the sponsor must declare that they will ensure adequate accommodation is available for the visa applicant upon their arrival in Australia.
And, the sponsor agrees in the application to provide accommodation for up to two years from the applicant’s arrival in Australia, or for a period of two years following the granting of the partner’s visa if the partner is applying while in Australia.
The Immigration Department looks primarily at whether or not the relationship is genuine and relativey long-standing. The sponsor’s financial situation is less important.
Feel free to contact me if you would like to book a consultation for more information about anything mentioned here.
Regards.
Ross McDougall.
Immigration Lawyer & Solicitor.
This information is correct on October 24th, 2025. But keep in mind that immigration law changes from time to time.
