Partner Points for Australian PR: How Many Points Can Your Partner Add?

Partner points for Australian PR can add 5 or 10 points to your skilled migration score, depending on your relationship status and your partner's eligibility. Check the correct category before claiming points in your Expression of Interest (EOI).

The points test applies to points-tested skilled migration pathways, including the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Your partner's English ability, skills assessment and nominated occupation can affect the points you claim. Your relationship status can also determine which category applies.

This guide explains the partner points categories, requirements to check and common claiming mistakes.

How Do Partner Points for Australian PR Work?

The skilled migration points test has three partner-related categories. Each category has different eligibility requirements.

These categories are not interchangeable. You must meet the requirements for the category you claim.

For the skilled partner category, competent English alone is not enough. Your partner must also meet the prescribed age, occupation and skills assessment requirements at the relevant invitation date.

The five-point category does not require a suitable skills assessment. However, your partner must meet the relationship, same-visa-subclass and competent English requirements.

The points test is set out in Schedule 6D of the Migration Regulations 1994. Check the current Department of Home Affairs points table before calculating your score.

Who Can Claim 10 Partner Points for Australian PR?

You may qualify for 10 points if your spouse or de facto partner meets all the prescribed skilled partner criteria. Your partner must satisfy each condition at the relevant time.

1. Your partner must apply for the same visa subclass

Your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass as you. They must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. For example, if you apply for a subclass 190 visa, your partner must also be an applicant for that subclass.

2. Your partner must meet the age requirement

Your partner must be under 45 when you are invited to apply for the visa. Do not rely only on your partner's age when you first submit your EOI. Check that they meet the requirement at the relevant invitation date.

3. Your partner must nominate an eligible skilled occupation

Your partner must nominate a skilled occupation that meets the applicable occupation-list requirements at the invitation date. Having a professional job does not automatically meet this requirement. Check the nominated occupation against the applicable list and rules.

4. Your partner must have a suitable skills assessment

Your partner must have a suitable skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for their nominated skilled occupation. An assessment undertaken for a subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa does not satisfy this partner points criterion. Check the assessment outcome and nominated occupation before relying on it.

5. Your partner must have competent English

Your partner must have competent English at the relevant invitation date. The evidence must meet Department of Home Affairs requirements. Do not assume that studying in English or working in an English-speaking workplace automatically proves competent English.

If one prescribed requirement is not met, do not assume you can claim the 10-point skilled partner category.

Can You Claim 5 Partner Points for Competent English?

You may qualify for 5 partner points if your spouse or de facto partner has competent English and meets the other requirements for this category. Your partner must be an applicant for the same visa subclass and must not be an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Competent English is assessed at the relevant invitation date.

Unlike the 10-point skilled partner category, this category does not require a suitable skills assessment or an eligible nominated occupation.

When might the five-point category be relevant?

An applicant whose partner has competent English but no suitable skills assessment may need to assess the five-point category instead. Eligibility still depends on the complete circumstances. Do not claim points based on English ability alone.

Do Single Applicants Get 10 Partner Points?

The points test provides 10 points if you have no spouse or de facto partner, or if your spouse or de facto partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident. Your circumstances must meet the applicable migration law definitions.

This category does not require you to nominate a partner's occupation or provide their skills assessment. However, being unmarried does not automatically mean you have no spouse or de facto partner under migration law.

If your marital status changes while your visa application is being processed, Home Affairs says you may not receive the points under this category. Check the current rules before relying on the claim.

Partner Points for Australian PR: Worked Examples

The following examples illustrate how the categories can apply. They are simplified examples, not individual eligibility assessments.

These examples show why relationship status and partner eligibility matter. Two applicants with similar qualifications may receive different partner points. Assess your score against the current legislation and all applicable points categories.

What Evidence Should You Prepare for Partner Points?

The evidence required depends on the category you claim and your circumstances. Start by identifying which partner category applies to you.

This is a preparation checklist, not a complete list of required documents. The Department may require additional evidence. Married applicants may provide a marriage certificate. De facto partners may need evidence showing that their relationship meets the applicable requirements.

Documents should be consistent with the information in your EOI. Review names, dates, relationship details and supporting evidence before submitting your claims.

How Do Partner Points Affect Your Total PR Score?

Partner points form one part of your overall skilled migration score. Other points categories may include age, English language ability, skilled employment, educational qualifications, Australian study and other eligible criteria.

The points-tested subclasses 189, 190 and 491 have a minimum threshold of 65 points. Reaching this threshold does not guarantee an invitation to apply. Your invitation prospects can depend on the relevant occupation, selection arrangements and competing applicants.

Common Mistakes When Claiming Partner Points

A points claim must be supported by the relevant eligibility criteria and evidence. Check these common issues before submitting an EOI.

Assuming competent English is enough for 10 points

Competent English alone does not satisfy the skilled partner category. That category also requires an eligible occupation, a suitable skills assessment and the prescribed age criteria.

Using an unsuitable skills assessment

A skills assessment must satisfy the requirements for the nominated occupation and points category. An assessment for a different purpose may not meet the prescribed criteria.

Confusing the five-point and ten-point categories

The five-point category does not require a suitable skills assessment, while the skilled partner category does. Select the category that matches your actual circumstances.

Assuming an unmarried applicant is automatically single

Migration rules can recognise de facto relationships. Do not select the single category solely because you do not have a marriage certificate.

Claiming points without supporting evidence

Inaccurate or unsupported information can create problems when your application is assessed. Check your documents before submitting your EOI. Update your information if your circumstances change and follow applicable reporting requirements.

How Should You Check Your Partner Points Before Applying?

Start by identifying the partner category that matches your circumstances. Review your partner's age, English evidence, nominated occupation and skills assessment where relevant. Confirm your relationship status and ensure your evidence supports the points claimed.

Calculate your complete score across all applicable categories. Use the Australian PR points calculator as a starting estimate, then verify your claims against the official rules. Your final points claim must be accurate and supported by evidence.