How to Withdraw Your Partner Visa Sponsorship?
Sponsoring a partner to live in Australia is a significant commitment both legally and emotionally. However, life and relationships can change. If a relationship breaks down while a Partner Visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100) application is still pending, the sponsor has the legal right to withdraw their support. Withdrawing sponsorship is a serious step that carries consequences for both the sponsor and the applicant.
When can You Withdraw Sponsorship for the Partner Visa Application?
You can withdraw your sponsorship for the Partner Visa at any time before the permanent visa (Subclass 801/100) is granted. If the applicant only holds a temporary visa (Subclass 820/309) and the permanent stage has not been finalised, you can still notify the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) that the relationship has ended and you no longer wish to sponsor them.
Related: Can I Re-Apply for a Partner Visa if I Withdrew or was Previously Refused?
How Do I Notify the Department?
The process of withdrawing sponsorship can be carried out in several ways.
The fastest method to withdraw a sponsorship is online via ImmiAccount. You can log in and use the “Update Details” function to notify the Department of a change in circumstances.
Alternatively, you can complete a web form on the Immi website.
A common concern for sponsors is safety. If the relationship ended due to conflict or fear, you might worry about what DoHA tells your ex-partner (visa applicant).
Legally, the Department must notify the visa applicant that the sponsorship has been withdrawn. They cannot keep this a secret, as it affects the applicant’s legal status in Australia. While DoHA tells the applicant that the sponsorship was withdrawn, they typically do not have to provide the applicant with your specific letter or explain your personal reasons.
What Happens to the Visa Applicant?
Once you withdraw your sponsorship, the Department will send a Natural Justice (S57) letter to the applicant. They are usually given a 28-day period to respond. The applicant’s visa will likely be refused unless they fall into one of these categories that may allow them to stay without a sponsor, such as:
If the applicant or their child experienced family violence during the relationship, while the visa application is being processed. They may be eligible to claim family violence provisions. Read: When Can the Applicant Claim Family Violence Provision for Partner Visa?
If the sponsor passes away, and the applicant has developed close ties to Australia.
Related:
What is the Impact on the Sponsor’s Future?
Within the Australian migration law, there are limits on how many people you can sponsor in a lifetime. The sponsor can generally only sponsor 2 partners in their lifetime. Additionally, you usually must wait for at least 5 years between sponsorship applications.
However, circumstances may change, and if you wish to sponsor for the 3rd time or within the 5 years between sponsorships, speak with one of our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law for professional guidance on your unique circumstances. Related read: Is it Possible to Re-Sponsor My Partner on a Partner Visa (SC820/801 or 309/100) Again? and Can I Sponsor a Partner After Getting PR through a Previous Partner Visa?
Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.
Related:
Are There Financial Obligations for Partner Visa Sponsorship?
Separated but Not Divorced: Can I Still Apply for an Australian Partner Visa?
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
As a sponsor, you are responsible for notifying the Department if your relationship ends. Failing to do so can lead to complications, especially if the applicant continues to claim they are in a relationship with you to obtain a permanent visa. If you are unsure, reach out to one of our immigration lawyers. At Agape Henry Crux, our team of immigration lawyers work together with our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can book a consultation with one of our lawyers to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English and Mandarin. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.
Our founder and principal lawyer, Jason Ling, is recognised in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™ and the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia™. Agape Henry Crux is named as Best Immigration Law Firm 2025 - Sydney by APAC Insider Awards and the 2027 edition of The Best Law Firms™ - Australia.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
Client Testimonials
….we call it Support Network
Navigating the immigration law process may be difficult, and our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails, and in-person meetings.
These are their stories…
