What is an Assurance of Support?
An Assurance of Support (AoS) is a legally binding undertaking given by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (the "assurer") to the Australian Government. The assurer promises to repay to the Government any recoverable welfare payments made to the visa holder during the AoS period.
The AoS exists to reduce the risk that a migrant sponsored through the family stream places an undue burden on the Australian welfare system. It is not a general guarantee that the assurer will financially support the visa holder — it is specifically focused on certain listed government payments.
Administered by Services Australia
The AoS process — income assessment, bond lodgement, and refund at the end of the period — is managed entirely by Services Australia (formerly the Department of Human Services).
Separate from the visa sponsor
The assurer doesn't have to be the visa sponsor. They can be any eligible person who meets the income test — though in most cases the assurer is the sponsoring child.
Bond is refundable
The bond earns interest and is returned in full at the end of the AoS period if no recoverable welfare payments were made. It is not a fee — it is a security deposit.
When is an AoS Required?
The Income Test and the Bond
1. Income test
Services Australia assesses whether the assurer has sufficient income to support both themselves and the visa holder(s). The income threshold is linked to the applicable income limit published by Services Australia and is updated periodically. The assurer must demonstrate their income through payslips, tax returns, or other acceptable evidence.
If one person cannot meet the income test alone, two people may apply as joint assurers — their incomes are combined. Both joint assurers must be eligible Australian citizens or permanent residents.
2. Refundable bank bond
The assurer must lodge a bond (a cash deposit) with Services Australia for the duration of the AoS period. This bond acts as security against recoverable welfare payments. The bond earns interest while it is held. At the end of the AoS period, if no recoverable payments were made to the visa holder, the full bond plus interest is returned to the assurer.
If recoverable payments were made during the AoS period, the amount repaid by the visa holder (or deducted from the bond) equals those specific payments. The bond is not a fee — it is a security mechanism that is returned in full if no claim is made.
Who Can Be an Assurer?
Eligibility criteria
Practical considerations
AoS Period and Bond Amounts
The AoS period and the bond amount differ depending on the visa subclass. Bond amounts are indexed and subject to change — always confirm current figures on the Services Australia website before committing.
Bond Refund and End of AoS Period
Bond returned with interest
At the end of the AoS period, if no recoverable welfare payments were made to the visa holder, Services Australia returns the full bond amount to the assurer, plus any interest that has accrued during the period. The interest rate is set by Services Australia.
Partial refund if recoverable payments were made
If recoverable payments were made during the AoS period, the amount of those payments is deducted from the bond before it is returned. In most cases, the visa holder (or the assurer) would have been asked to repay those payments during the AoS period — if they were repaid, the bond is returned in full.
What triggers the end of the AoS period
The AoS period runs from the date the visa is granted for the specified number of years (10 years for contributory parent visas). It does not end early if the visa holder leaves Australia permanently, becomes an Australian citizen, or passes away — families should confirm the specific rules for their circumstances with Services Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.
Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.
Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.
Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.