Thinking of scoring an extra 5 points using your partners’ positive skills assessment result? How old are they? This new change could have a big effect on your points test.
WHEN: Effective 1 July 2018
WHO: This change will affect General Skilled Migration applicants applying for a 189, 190 or 489 visa
WHAT: Maximum age limit for skilled partners will be lowered from 50 to 45. Currently, if a spouse/partner can pass a skills assessment, they can add an additional 5 points to their partners’ general skilled migration application. From 1 July, the spouse/partner will now need to have not yet turned 45 years old.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME? If you are 5 points short of the required points, and were relying on your partner who’s older than 45, unfortunately you’ll need to start exploring other options to gain the additional 5 points.
TIPS FROM OUR PRINCIPAL AGENT:
Naturally, the most straight-forward option would be to get a higher score on your English test. We have found that some of our clients who have struggled to get a higher score in IELTS after many attempts, finally achieved the score they needed by switching to PTE. This strategy may not be suitable for everyone, for example those who prefer paper-based tests vs computer-based tests.
A strategy that we often recommend our clients pursuing is seeking state nomination.
Getting state nomination not only adds 5 points to your points test, it can also help you bypass the high points requirements (e.g. 70-80 for accounting, ICT occupations). Every state’s requirement, and even occupation list, is different so planning and finding the option most suitable for you takes more effort, but the result (PR!) is worth it.
Here at Skylark Migration, we help people strategise their best pathways to PR on a daily basis and have helped many people achieve what was seemingly an impossible task. If you struggle with this process, this is something we can help you with! Find out more here
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L00741/Explanatory%20Statement/Text