How Your Spouse Can Maximise Your Points for Skilled Migration in Australia
- 7 hours ago
- 7 min read
Last Updated: 14 May 2026
Your spouse or de facto partner may help you claim an extra 5 or 10 points under Australia’s skilled migration points test. .
Depending on your partner’s English level, occupation, and skills assessment, these additional points may improve your chances of receiving an invitation for pathways. Spouse points for skilled migration Australia may be available for visa pathways such as the:
In most cases, applicants can maximise partner points through one of these options:
10 points if their partner has:
competent English,
a suitable skills assessment,
and an eligible skilled occupation
5 points if their partner only has competent English
10 points if:
the applicant is single, or
their partner is an Australian permanent resident or citizen
For many applicants, partner points can significantly improve invitation competitiveness in Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) system.
This guide explains:
how partner points work,
who qualifies,
which visa subclasses allow partner skills points,
common mistakes that may lead to visa refusal,
and strategies couples use to increase their GSM points legally.
How Spouse Points Skilled Migration Australia Works?
Australia’s GSM visas operate through a points-tested system. In many occupations, the minimum 65 points is often not enough to receive an invitation. In competitive occupations, even an extra 5 points may significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Applicants commonly need:
80+ points for competitive occupations
State nomination advantages
Additional partner points to improve ranking
This is especially important for occupations with high invitation competition, including:
ICT occupations
Accounting
Engineering
Marketing
Healthcare roles
Trade occupations in certain states
For some applicants, partner points can be easier and faster to obtain than:
NAATI points
Regional study points
Additional work experience points
How Many Partner Points Can You Claim?
There are three possible partner points outcomes under the GSM points test.
Situation | Points |
You are single OR your partner is an Australian citizen/permanent resident | 10 points |
Your partner has suitable skills + competent English | 10 points |
Your partner has competent English only | 5 points |
Your spouse or de facto partner must generally be included in the same visa application to claim partner-related points.
Claiming 10 Points Through a Skilled Partner
This is the maximum partner points option available for most couples.
To claim 10 partner skills points, your spouse or de facto partner must usually meet all of the following requirements at the time of invitation:
Be under 45 years old
Have competent English
Hold a suitable skills assessment
Have an eligible skilled occupation
Be included in the same visa application
Not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
These requirements are consistent across GSM partner point guidance.
Which Occupation Lists Apply for Partner Points?
One of the most misunderstood areas is occupation list eligibility.
The occupation list your partner needs depends on the visa subclass.
Visa Type | Partner Occupation Requirement |
Partner occupation must usually be on the MLTSSL | |
Partner occupation can generally be on the STSOL or MLTSSL | |
Subclass 491 State Nominated | Partner occupation may be on MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL |
This distinction is extremely important because many applicants incorrectly assume any skilled occupation automatically qualifies for partner points.
Example: When Partner Points Work
Example 1 — Eligible for 10 Partner Points
Main applicant: Software Engineer
Visa: Subclass 189
Partner occupation: Chef
Both occupations are on the MLTSSL
Partner has competent English and positive skills assessment
Result: The applicant may claim 10 partner points.
Example 2 — Not Eligible for 10 Partner Points
Main applicant: Accountant
Visa: Subclass 189
Partner occupation: Cook
Cook is not eligible for 189 partner points requirements
Result: No skilled partner points for Subclass 189. However, the couple may still qualify for:
5 English points, or
10 partner points under a Subclass 190 pathway instead
Claiming 5 Points for Your Partner’s English
If your spouse cannot meet the skills assessment requirement, you may still claim 5 points if they have competent English.
This is one of the most common strategies used by couples because it is often faster and cheaper than obtaining a full skills assessment.
Accepted English tests may include:
IELTS
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
OET
Cambridge C1 Advanced
Minimum scores vary depending on the test.
For migration purposes, competent English generally requires minimum scores such as:
English Test | Competent English Requirement |
IELTS | At least 6 in each band |
PTE Academic | 47 Listening, 48 Reading, 51 Writing, 54 Speaking |
TOEFL iBT | 16 Listening, 16 Reading, 19 Writing, 19 Speaking |
OET | 290 Listening, 310 Reading, 290 Writing, 330 Speaking |
Cambridge C1 Advanced | 163 Listening, 163 Reading, 170 Writing, 179 Speaking |
These score requirements are based on current Department of Home Affairs competent English requirements.
For many applicants, the 5 English points are enough to move from:
75 to 80 points
80 to 85 points
85 to 90 points
That increase can significantly improve invitation competitiveness.
Claiming 10 Points if You Are Single
You may automatically receive 10 points if:
You are single, or
Your spouse/de facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident
For many applicants, this is one of the simplest ways to receive partner-related migration points because no skills assessment or English test is required.
This category does not require:
Skills assessments
English tests
Occupation eligibility
However, relationship status must be declared accurately in your EOI and visa application.
Spouse vs De Facto Partner for Skilled Migration
Australia recognises both married and de facto relationships for GSM visas.
A de facto relationship generally requires evidence that:
The relationship is genuine and continuing
You live together
You share a committed life together
The relationship is not merely casual or online
Dating alone is usually not enough to establish de facto status.
A Common Mistake That Can Cause Visa Refusal
Many applicants incorrectly claim they are “single” in SkillSelect to gain 10 points, despite already being in a de facto relationship.
This creates serious risks.
If the Department later determines you were already in a de facto relationship when invited, your points score may drop below the invitation threshold, potentially leading to visa refusal.
This issue is specifically highlighted in migration guidance relating to SkillSelect relationship declarations.
Strategic Ways Couples Maximise Skilled Migration Points
Many successful applicants strategically plan both partner profiles before lodging an EOI.
Common strategies include:
Prioritising English Points First
Partner English points are often the fastest pathway because:
English tests can be completed quickly
No occupation assessment is required
Costs are usually lower
Using Different Visa Subclasses Strategically
Some couples cannot claim partner skills points under Subclass 189 but may qualify under:
This is because state-sponsored visas often allow broader occupation list eligibility.
Choosing the Stronger Main Applicant
In some situations, swapping the primary applicant can increase the overall points score.
Factors usually considered include:
Age
Occupation ceilings
Invitation trends
Work experience
State nomination opportunities
English scores
Combining Partner Points With Other Point Categories
Strong GSM applications often combine:
Partner points
NAATI points
Regional study points
Australian work experience
State nomination
This creates a more competitive EOI profile.
Can Relationship Status Changes Affect Your Visa?
Yes.
Your points must remain valid:
at the time of invitation, and
at the time a visa decision is made
If your relationship status changes after invitation, your points eligibility may also change.
Examples include:
Getting married
Entering a de facto relationship
Separation
Partner no longer meeting English or skills criteria
Applicants should update their details carefully to avoid incorrect points claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse help me get more points for Australian skilled migration?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner may help you claim an additional 5 or 10 points under Australia’s skilled migration points test, depending on factors such as their English level, skills assessment, occupation eligibility, and relationship status.
Can I claim spouse points for a Subclass 189 visa?
Yes. Applicants for the Subclass 189 visa may claim spouse points if their partner meets relevant Department of Home Affairs requirements. For skilled partner points under Subclass 189, the partner’s occupation generally needs to be on the MLTSSL.
How many partner points can I claim for skilled migration?
Applicants may generally claim:
10 points for a skilled partner
5 points for a partner with competent English
10 points if single or partnered with an Australian citizen or permanent resident
The number of points available depends on your circumstances and visa pathway.
Can I claim spouse points if my partner only has competent English?
Yes. You may still claim 5 partner points if your spouse or de facto partner has competent English, even if they do not have a suitable skills assessment.
Do de facto partners qualify for spouse points?
Yes. De facto partners may qualify for spouse points if the relationship meets Australian migration requirements. This generally involves showing a genuine and continuing relationship, shared living arrangements, and evidence of mutual commitment.
What English score does my partner need for spouse points?
For migration purposes, competent English generally requires scores such as:
IELTS: at least 6 in each band
PTE Academic: equivalent competent English scores
Other accepted tests may include TOEFL iBT, OET, and Cambridge C1 Advanced
Applicants should check current Department of Home Affairs requirements as English score thresholds may change.
Can relationship status changes affect my points score?
Yes. Changes to your relationship status after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) may affect your migration points and visa eligibility. For example, getting married or entering a de facto relationship may change the points you can legally claim.
How RACC Can Help With Cook PR Pathways in Australia
Getting PR as a Cook in Australia can involve multiple stages, including qualifications, skills assessments, employer sponsorship, state nomination requirements, and visa pathway planning.
RACC’s registered migration agents (MARN1572962, MARN1172003) provide guidance based on current migration requirements and occupation eligibility criteria.
We can assist with:
Understanding PR pathways for Cooks in Australia
Reviewing eligibility for Subclass 190, 491, 482, 186, and 494 visas
Explaining TRA skills assessment pathways, including JRP, TSS, OSAP, and MSA
Assessing whether your qualifications and work experience may meet Cook occupation requirements
Reviewing English requirements and migration points eligibility
Explaining employer sponsorship and regional migration options
Checking state nomination opportunities for Cook occupations
Providing guidance for international students studying Commercial Cookery
Explaining possible pathways from temporary visas to permanent residency
Keeping you informed about skilled migration updates and occupation list changes
Registered Migration Agents: MARN1572962, MARN1172003
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