The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

1.1.S.290 Sponsor (SpB)

Definition

For the purposes of SpB, a sponsor is an Australian resident who nominates a person for migration to Australia (1.1.A.320). The sponsor MAY be:

  • a family member, OR
  • an employer of a migrant.

The obligations of a sponsor are NOT the same as those of an assurer (1.1.A.310), although if a sponsored migrant is also an assuree, the sponsor and the assurer MAY be the same person.

Act reference: SSAct section 7(2) An Australian resident is a person who …, section 23(14) For the purposes of this Act other than Part 2.11 and the YA Rate Calculator …

Family sponsorship

In the case of family sponsorship, the sponsor agrees to provide support and assistance to the migrant for a period of 2 years, commencing from the migrant's date of arrival in Australia OR the date of grant of the relevant visa, whichever is the later. This support includes:

  • support to enable them to attend English language courses
  • ensuring they have adequate accommodation
  • providing any necessary financial assistance
  • providing information and advice to help them settle in Australia, and
  • telling the person about employment in Australia and advising them of the costs of living in Australia.

Act reference: SSAct section 7(1)-'permanent visa'

Employer sponsors

An employer sponsor undertakes only to provide employment to the migrant on arrival in Australia, NOT ongoing support.

New residents who need a sponsor

A person who is applying for migration in one of the following cases must be sponsored:

  • partner (including de facto)
  • prospective marriage partner (fiancé/e)
  • child (including adopted child and orphan relative)
  • parent
  • other family which includes
    • carer
    • aged dependant relative
    • remaining relative (a family member overseas who is a sibling or non-dependent child).

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