In Australia's partner migration program, an individual can generally sponsor only two partners in their lifetime. But do you know what counts toward these two sponsorship opportunities? Today, we’ll clarify this through three key questions – the last one is answered incorrectly by 90% of applicants!

Q: If an 820/309 temporary visa is granted, but the 801/100 permanent visa is not granted, does this use up one sponsorship opportunity?
A: Yes! This means you have used one of your two sponsorship chances.

Q: If an 820/309 visa application was processed but ultimately refused, does this use up a sponsorship opportunity?
A: No! If the visa was never granted, it does not count toward your sponsorship limit.

Q: If a Prospective Marriage Visa (Subclass 300) is granted, does this use up a sponsorship opportunity?
A: Yes! Many applicants mistakenly believe that a granted Subclass 300 visa does not affect their sponsorship limit – this is incorrect.

Important Notes

A 5-year interval is required between sponsorships.

The period is calculated from the date of the previous visa application until the grant of the new visa – meaning you must wait at least 5 years between grants.

Example: If you lodged your first 820 application in April 2020, you don’t need to wait until April 2025 to lodge again – you only need to meet the 5-year requirement by the time the new visa is granted.

Special Consideration: Sponsoring a Third Partner

If you have already sponsored two partners but have since found a new genuine partner, can you sponsor a third time?
Yes, it is possible!
However, you must:

Submit a detailed explanation and a special request to the Department of Home Affairs.

Obtain discretionary approval before being permitted to sponsor a third partner.

This exception is generally reserved for compelling and exceptional circumstances, assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Always consult a registered migration agent for personalized advice regarding sponsorship limitations.