Information for Sponsors of migrants
This page describes the role of a sponsor and outlines some of the responsibilities a sponsor has. Sponsors agree to provide support for the migrant being sponsored in their first two years in Australia. This help is to make it easier for the migrant to settle.
Sponsor's responsibilities
As a sponsor you sign an agreement to provide accommodation and financial assistance to meet your relative's living needs for the first 2 years. This includes financial and other support such as child care to enable your relative to attend English classes. By signing the sponsorship you also agree to provide information and advice to help your relative settle in Australia. This should include employment information.
Sponsors should talk to their relatives about the cost of living in Australia and work out how much help their relatives might need. Sponsors should think about their willingness and ability to provide this support before sponsoring.
See:
Form 40 - sponsorship for migration to Australia application form for sponsors (356KB PDF file)
Immigration offices overseas
Australian Immigration offices
Two (2) year wait for Social Security
New migrants have a two year waiting period before they can get most social security payments through Centrelink. Centrelink is the government agency responsible for income support payments. These payments include unemployment payments, sickness allowance, Austudy income support payments for students and a number of other payments.
It is important you understand that migrants are expected to support themselves and their immediate family members from their own resources and from the support they receive from sponsors.
See:
Newly Arrived Resident's Waiting Period
Welcome to Centrelink
Detailed information for migrants
Additional information is available by accessing the on-line 'Beginning a Life in Australia' booklets.
See: Beginning a Life in Australia Booklets