Assurance of Support Changes - 1 July 2006

A significant increase to the income level for assurers was introduced on the 1st of July 2006. Assurances of support are mandatory for many types of visa application, including Skilled Australian Sponsored visas and Parent visas. DIMA can request an assurance of support for partner migration visas such as spouse, fiance and interdependency visas.

The previous income level supposedly increases in line with inflation each year. However, the base income level for mandatory AOS has increased from $33,361 in 2005-06 to $40,000 in 2006-07. This represents a 20% increase, which is far in excess of the increase in the cost of living in Australia. The required income level may be higher, depending on the family composition of the assurer and the size of the family unit migrating.

In contrast, the increase for non-mandatory AOS is from $18,252 to $18,512, which represents a 1.4% increase.

The income and bond amount required for Assurances of Support can be determined by using the AOS calculator on our site.

If you are looking at either sponsoring or being sponsored for migration to Australia, feel free to contact us for further information.