#AustralianPRPoints

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Achieving permanent residency (PR) in Australia is a dream for many aspiring immigrants. With its high quality of life, excellent healthcare system, and robust economy, Australia presents an attractive destination for individuals and families seeking a better future. However, the path to Australian PR can be competitive and complex, with applicants vying to score enough points under the Australian immigration points test. One often overlooked yet highly beneficial factor in boosting your points is your partner’s skills. This article explores how your partner’s skills can enhance your Australian PR points, providing a detailed guide to maximize your chances of success.

Understanding the Australian Immigration Points System

The Australian immigration system employs a points-based mechanism to evaluate potential immigrants for various visa subclasses, particularly the General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas. The main subclasses under GSM include:

Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa): This visa does not require a sponsor and allows for permanent residency.

Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): This visa requires a nomination from an Australian state or territory and grants permanent residency.

Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa): This is a temporary visa leading to permanent residency and requires sponsorship by an Australian state, territory, or eligible relative.

To qualify for these visas, applicants must score a minimum number of points, assessed based on various criteria such as age, English language proficiency, skilled employment experience, educational qualifications, and more. One of these critical criteria is the skills of your partner or spouse, which can significantly contribute to your overall points score.

How Partner Skills Can Enhance Your Points

Including your partner’s skills in your visa application can potentially add up to 10 points to your overall score. Here’s how:

Partner’s Age: If your partner is under 45 years of age, this can positively contribute to your points, aligning with the age criteria of the points test.

English Language Proficiency: If your partner can demonstrate competent English proficiency, it can add valuable points to your application. Competent English typically requires an IELTS score of at least 6 in each band or equivalent in other accepted tests.

Skilled Occupation: If your partner has a skills assessment for an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list, you can earn additional points. The occupation must be on the same list as your nominated occupation or an equivalent list applicable to your visa subclass.

Partner’s Education and Work Experience: Higher educational qualifications and relevant work experience of your partner can also contribute to your points, similar to how these factors enhance your own points.

Partner Points Category: There are specific points awarded directly for partner skills. This includes:

10 points if your partner is also applying for the visa and meets age, English, and skills criteria.

5 points if your partner only meets the English language requirement.

10 points if you are single or if your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident (this ensures you are not disadvantaged if your partner cannot provide additional points).

Detailed Breakdown of Partner-Related Points

To better understand how partner skills contribute to your points, let’s delve into the specific categories and their impact:

Partner’s Age (0 Points): While your partner’s age doesn’t directly add points, it must align with the requirement of being under 45 years old at the time of invitation.

Partner’s English Proficiency (Up to 5 Points): If your partner meets the competent English requirement, it adds 5 points to your score. Competent English is typically evidenced by an IELTS score of 6 in each band, or equivalent scores in other accepted tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, etc.

Partner’s Skills Assessment (Up to 10 Points): If your partner’s occupation is on the same skilled occupation list and they have a positive skills assessment, this can add 10 points. The assessment must be from a recognized authority relevant to their profession.

Partner’s Education and Work Experience (Indirect Points): Although not directly adding points as a separate category, your partner’s higher education and skilled work experience bolster the application’s strength. This is particularly relevant if you are applying for state or territory nominations where the overall profile is considered.

Practical Steps to Maximize Partner Points

Evaluate Eligibility: Begin by assessing your partner’s eligibility for the points. Ensure they meet the criteria for age, English proficiency, and have a recognized skills assessment in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

Prepare for English Testing: Schedule an English language proficiency test for your partner. Aim for competent English scores, but achieving higher scores can be beneficial for state or territory nominations and overall application strength.

Obtain a Skills Assessment: Identify the relevant assessing authority for your partner’s occupation. Gather necessary documents, such as qualifications, work experience letters, and professional memberships, and submit them for assessment.

Documentation and Proof: Ensure all supporting documents, such as marriage or relationship evidence, are well-organized. This includes proof of cohabitation, joint financial accounts, and other evidence demonstrating a genuine and ongoing relationship.

Consult a Migration Agent: Given the complexities of the Australian immigration points test, consider consulting a registered migration agent. They can provide personalized advice and assist in maximizing your points, including those from your partner’s skills.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Your Australian PR Points

While leveraging your partner’s skills is crucial, there are other strategies to further boost your points for Australian PR:

Improve Your Own English Proficiency: Higher English proficiency scores (proficient or superior English) can significantly add to your points.

Gain More Skilled Work Experience: Accumulate more years of skilled work experience, both in Australia and overseas, to enhance your points.

Pursue Higher Education: Completing higher educational qualifications, especially from Australian institutions, can add substantial points.

State/Territory Nomination: Applying for state or territory nomination under subclass 190 or subclass 491 can add additional points.

Professional Year Program: Completing a Professional Year Program in Australia in accounting, IT, or engineering can add points and improve employability.

Community Language Credential: Obtaining a credential in a community language recognized by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) can add points.

Conclusion

In the competitive landscape of Australian immigration, every point counts. Leveraging your partner’s skills can be a game-changer in enhancing your overall points score and improving your chances of obtaining Australian PR. By understanding the criteria, preparing thoroughly, and strategically including your partner’s qualifications and work experience in your application, you can significantly bolster your prospects. Additionally, adopting other complementary strategies to boost your points can further solidify your pathway to becoming a permanent resident in Australia. For the best outcomes, consider seeking professional advice from registered migration agents who can guide you through the intricate process and help you achieve your Australian immigration goals.

Originally published at https://www.visa4you.co.in on August 7, 2024