Australia PR Points for Partner Skills

Your partner's qualifications can add valuable points to your Australia PR application. Depending on their skills and English level, they can contribute up to 10 extra points to your total score.

Calculate how your partner affects your score with our PR Points Calculator.

Partner Points Breakdown

Partner points depend on your partner's skills assessment and English proficiency:

Note that single applicants get 10 points automatically. This means having a non-skilled partner can actually reduce your total compared to applying as a single person.

How Partner Points Work

Maximum Points: Skilled Partner (10 points)

Your partner can add 10 points if they:

• Are under 45 years of age
• Have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same list as yours
• Have at least Competent English

This is the most valuable partner scenario. If your partner qualifies, this 10 points can push you over the invitation threshold.

Medium Points: English Only (5 points)

Your partner can add 5 points if they:

• Have Competent English (IELTS 6.0 or equivalent)
• Do NOT have a skills assessment

This is easier to achieve than the full 10 points. Even basic English proficiency can help your application.

Single Applicants: Automatic 10 Points

If you are single (or your partner is an Australian citizen/PR not included in your application), you get 10 points automatically.

This means single applicants start with an advantage. If you have a partner without English or skills, including them in your application could reduce your total by 10 points.

No Points: Unskilled Partner (0 points)

If your partner:

• Is over 45 years old
• Has neither Competent English nor a skills assessment

You get 0 partner points. This is the scenario where including your partner costs you the 10 points you would have had as a single applicant.

Partner Skills Assessment

What Is Required?

For your partner to contribute points through skills, they need:

• A positive skills assessment from the relevant authority
• An occupation on the same skilled occupation list as your nominated occupation
• Competent English (minimum requirement)

Which Occupation Lists Count?

Your partner's occupation does not need to match yours. It just needs to be on a relevant skilled occupation list. Check whether both occupations appear on the same list (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL).

Cost and Time

A partner skills assessment costs similar to your own assessment and takes a similar amount of time. If your partner's occupation is in demand, the investment can be worthwhile for the 10 points.

Partner English Requirements

Competent English Standard

Your partner needs to meet the same Competent English standard as you:

• IELTS: 6.0 in each band
• PTE: 50 in each section
• Other tests: equivalent scores

Note: Your partner only needs Competent English to add points. They do not need Proficient or Superior English to contribute partner points.

Preparing Your Partner

If your partner is not confident in English, consider:

• English classes or preparation courses
• Practice tests to build confidence
• Taking the test early so you can retake if needed

Strategic Considerations

Should You Include Your Partner?

This depends on your situation:

Include them if:

• They have skills assessment and English (10 points)
• They have English but no skills (5 points — better than nothing)
• You want them to receive permanent residency with you

Consider separate applications if:

• They have neither skills nor English (0 points)
• Your score without them reaches 65+
• They can apply separately later

Remember: If you apply as single now and add your partner later, they will need a separate visa application (which costs more and takes longer).

Timing Your Application

If your partner is close to meeting English requirements, it may be worth waiting. The difference between 0 and 5 points (or 5 and 10) can determine whether you receive an invitation.

Practical Tips

Document Everything

Your partner will need:

• English test results
• Skills assessment (if claiming skills points)
• Evidence of your relationship
• Identity documents

Relationship Evidence

You must prove your relationship is genuine and ongoing. Common evidence:

• Joint bank accounts or financial documents
• Joint lease or property ownership
• Photos and travel together
• Statutory declarations from friends/family

Plan Together

Discuss your migration strategy as a couple. Decide whether your partner will pursue skills assessment, English improvement, or if you will apply separately. A united approach works best.

Partner Points vs Going Solo

As you can see, a skilled partner matches the single applicant points, but an unskilled partner leaves you 10 points behind.

Calculate Your Partner Points

Your partner can be an asset to your PR application. Calculate the impact to see the best strategy.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information about partner points for Australian skilled migration. Requirements change over time. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs.