Partner Skills points are a way to add up to 10 points in the points test that many Vietnamese couples overlook. Partner Skills points require a Skills Assessment for the spouse/partner. This article explains the details.
How Partner Skills points work
Partner Skills points are a factor in the points test that allow an applicant to add points based on the skills of an accompanying spouse or partner. There are three tiers depending on the spouse/partner’s status.
The highest tier, 10 points: the spouse/partner has a valid Skills Assessment in an occupation on the applicable list (MLTSSL for 189, MLTSSL/STSOL for 190, MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL for 491), is under 45 years old, and has Competent English. The 5-point tier: the spouse/partner has Competent English but no Skills Assessment. The 10-point tier also applies if: the applicant is single, or the spouse/partner is an Australian PR/citizen.
Khi nào nên dùng Partner Skills
Partner Skills points are useful when the spouse/partner also has a skilled occupation. In a couple where both have occupations on the list, the person with the higher total score can be chosen as the main applicant, while the other becomes the accompanying spouse/partner to add the 10 points.
This strategy is common among couples who both hold university degrees. However, both must meet their own requirements (Skills Assessment, English, age). This is an investment worth considering if both partners are serious about Australian migration.
Important Notes
Partner Skills points come with timing requirements: the spouse/partner’s Skills Assessment must still be valid (3 years), and the English test result must still be valid (3 years), at the time the ITA is received.
The relationship must be a legal marriage (marriage certificate) or a stable de facto relationship of at least 12 months. A relationship with an ordinary boyfriend/girlfriend does not count. Specific regulations may change.
You should refer to official Home Affairs website and Home Affairs – Skilled visas to check current conditions.
Summary
Partner Skills points have 3 tiers: 10 points (spouse/partner has a valid Skills Assessment + is under 45 + has Competent English, OR the applicant is single, OR the spouse/partner is a PR/citizen), 5 points (spouse/partner has Competent English without a Skills Assessment). Both partners must meet the requirements. The relationship must be legal or a de facto relationship of 12+ months. The Skills Assessment and English result are valid for 3 years.
