In November 2019, the Australian Department
of Home Affairs (DHA) updated the point allocation system which determines the
eligibility of candidates under certain skilled visa categories – known as
‘points-tested’ visas. While points for a spouse/de-facto partner’s
qualifications were available in the previous point system as well, the new Australia points calculator redefined point allocation under these factors, and
introduced new criteria – wherein points can also be awarded for being
unmarried.
Married
Applicants
If an applicant for a points-tested visa
has a spouse or de-facto partner (who is also an applicant for the same visa),
the primary applicant can claim up to 10
points – provided the spouse/de-facto partner:
· Is under 45 years of age
· Has competent English language
skills
· Has nominated an occupation
that features on the same skilled occupation list as the applicant’s nominated
skilled occupation, and has a positive skills assessment from the relevant
assessing authority for that occupation. The assessment must not be for a
Subclass 485 Visa.
If the accompanying spouse/de-facto partner
only fulfils the English language requirement, but not the age or skill
requirements, 5 points can be
availed by the primary applicant. Under the previous Australia immigration
point system, this provision did not exist.
If the spouse/de-facto partner is a
permanent resident or citizen of Australia, the applicant can gain 10 points. However, in this case,
points cannot be claimed for fulfilling the age, language or skill
requirements.
Unmarried
Applicants
If the applicant is single, 10 points will be added to the total
score. This criteria did not exist under the previous system.
These criteria are applicable to candidates
under three General Skilled Migration visa:
·
Subclass 189 – Skilled
Independent Visa
·
Subclass 190 – Skilled
Nominated Visa
·
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work
Regional (Provisional) Visa
It is important to note that there are
several other point allocation parameters. Marital status and partner skills
are only two of the many factors that are considered to evaluate an applicant’s
eligibility for a particular visa.
Thus, a
candidate’s marital status can influence their overall point score in a
significant manner, and impact the probability of receiving an invitation to
apply for the visa from DHA. Those applying for points-tested skilled visas
must take into account the updated selection criteria of the Australia points
calculator, accordingly calculate their expected score, and take steps to
enhance eligibility.
