16 November: Partner Points Changes Now In Force

Thinking of applying for the 189, 190 or the new 491 regional visa? Don't forget that the partner points changes are now in force.

> Read more about the 3 major changes that happened 16 November

Here's a reminder of what these partner points changes are:

1. If you have a skilled* spouse/de facto partner, they can add an additional 10 points to your points score (previously 5 points)

2. If your spouse/de facto partner is not 'skilled*', but has competent** English, they can add 5 points to your points score (previously 0 points)

3. Applicants without a spouse or de facto partner will be awarded an additional 10 points (previously 0 points)

* What's considered a 'skilled' partner?

'Skilled' partners are those who:

• are applying for the same subclass of visa as the primary applicant

• is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident

• at the time of invitation was under 45

• at the time of invitation nominated a skilled occupation

• at the time of invitation had a suitable skills assessment

• at the time of invitation had competent English

** What's considered 'competent' English?

IELTS: 6.0 in each band, or PTE: At least 50 for each of the 4 components, or equivalent

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Source:

• https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2019L01402

• https://www.mia.org.au/membersresources/mia-notices/mia-notice-106--14-november-2019