Navigating the Australian Immigration Points System: Claiming Partner Skills Points

Australian immigration policies and requirements can be complex, and successfully applying for a visa often involves meeting a range of criteria. One important aspect of the immigration process is claiming points for your partner's skills, which can enhance your chances of successful visa application. Here’s a detailed guide on how to claim these points effectively.

Eligibility Criteria for Claiming Partner Skills Points

Eligibility is a crucial first step in claiming partner skills points. Your partner must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an eligible New Zealand citizen. Additionally, your partner needs to meet the skills assessment requirements for the occupation you are applying for. This ensures that both your professions are aligned and recognized in the Australian migration system.

Skills Assessment

For your partner to receive points for their skills, they need to have a positive skills assessment in an occupation that is listed on the relevant skilled occupation list. This assessment must be conducted by a recognized assessing authority. This process validates your partner's professional capabilities and ensures their qualifications are recognized in Australia.

Proving the Relationship

Documentation of the relationship between you and your partner is essential. If your relationship is through marriage, you should provide a marriage certificate. For de facto relationships, evidence such as joint bank accounts, shared leases, and photos taken together can serve as valid proof.

Claiming Points in Your Immigration Application

Once your partner meets the required criteria and you have gathered all necessary documentation, you can claim 5 points for partner skills in your immigration application. The process involves submitting your application through the appropriate visa pathway and including your partner's details in the points test section.

Required Documentation

Skills Assessment Proof: Gather all relevant documents proving your partner's skills assessment and English language proficiency. This includes an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) from the last three years before lodging the visa application.

IELTS Requirements: Your partner must have achieved a score of at least 6 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) in an IELTS test conducted in the three years prior to lodging the visa application.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic Requirements: Alternatively, your partner needs to achieve a test score of at least 50 in each of the four test components (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) in a PTE Academic test conducted in the same period.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Requirements: Your partner can also achieve the minimum test scores of 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking in a TOEFL test.

Skills Assessment: Additionally, your partner must have a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated skilled occupation. This occupation must also be on the same skilled occupations list as your nominated occupation.

Revised Rules on 16 November 2019

As of 16 November 2019, the rules have changed to award 10 points for partner skills. These changes reflect a more comprehensive evaluation of the relationship and qualifications, enhancing the complexity but also the validity of the application.

Conclusion

Claiming partner skills points in the Australian immigration process is a strategic move to improve your chances of a successful visa application. By ensuring all eligibility criteria, gathering appropriate documentation, and adhering to the new rules, you can effectively navigate the system and strengthen your application. For the most accurate and personalized advice, consider consulting a registered migration agent or visiting the official Department of Home Affairs website.