Spouse/Partner Skills and Qualifications

 If the applicant’s spouse/partner is included on the visa application, and is not an Australian resident/citizen, their qualifications can contribute additional points, boosting your overall score. In order to claim these partner points for skilled migration, the spouse/partner must satisfy the general skilled migration criteria:

• Age under 45 years
• Competent English (IELTS Band 6 or equivalent)
• A nominated occupation on the current Australian skilled occupations list matching the main applicant

You can claim 5 points under this category if all requirements are met.

You cannot gain these points if your partner is–

• Not included on your visa application;
• An Australian citizen;
• An Australian Permanent Resident

Why Partner Points Matter and How to Prepare?

Adding partner points for skilled migration can significantly improve your chances of reaching the minimum threshold for invitations in the points-tested skilled migration streams. If your partner already has a relevant occupation in the Australian skilled migration list and meets English requirements, make sure you include this early in your strategy for your skilled migration partner eligibility.

Tips for Claim Submission:

• Ensure your partner’s skills assessment is lodged well in advance of your Expression of Interest (EOI)
• Provide clear English test results well before deadlines
• Document proof of cohabitation or marriage for claiming partner points Australia verification

Common Scenarios for Claiming Spouse Visa Points in Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

1. Both partners have relevant occupations and visa points: Main applicant qualifies with high technical score, partner adds 5 points; this is ideal for Australian skilled migration spouse points inclusion.
   
2. Partner does not yet meet English requirement: Encourage partner to retake IELTS or PTE; upon reaching Competent English, resubmit skill documents; this supports skilled migration spouse eligibility and allows partner points for skilled migration to be claimed later.
   
3. Partner is not yet professionally qualified: If your partner is willing to upskill or gain registration in a profession listed on the skilled occupations list, they can become eligible to contribute points, significantly boosting your chances of securing 5 additional points under the GSM visa pathway.

Conclusion

Securing partner points for skilled migration can be a turning point in your visa journey. Whether your partner is already skilled or needs guidance to meet eligibility requirements, their contribution could boost your overall score and bring you closer to achieving your Australian dream.

Don’t underestimate the value of those additional 5 points, they could be the key to standing out in a competitive migration pool. If you’re unsure about your partner’s qualifications or how to structure your Expression of Interest (EOI), seeking advice from the best migration agent in Melbourne can save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

Note: This blog was originally published in January 2019 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.