Navigating Australia’s Partner Skills Assessment Process

When applying for skilled migration to Australia, every point can significantly impact the outcome of your visa application. One often-overlooked yet powerful opportunity to boost your points total is the partner skills assessment. If your partner meets certain criteria related to age, skills, English proficiency, and occupation, they can contribute additional points toward your overall application score — improving your competitiveness in the points-tested system.

But like most aspects of Australian migration, the partner skills assessment process is detailed, sometimes confusing, and governed by specific rules. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully navigate the partner skills assessment process — from eligibility and documentation, to common mistakes and strategic considerations.

Understanding the Role of Partner Skills in Skilled Migration

Under the General Skilled Migration (GSM) program — including subclasses 189, 190, and 491 — applicants are ranked according to a points-based system. Points are awarded for age, English proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors. Importantly, you can gain up to 10 additional points if your partner meets certain skill criteria.

There are three key pathways through which a partner can contribute points:

1. Partner Meets All Skill Criteria (10 points)

2. Partner Has Competent English Only (5 points)

3. Single Applicants (10 points)

Let’s break each of these down in more detail.

Option 1: Partner Meets All Skill Criteria – 10 Points

This is the most valuable path. To claim the full 10 points, your partner must meet all of the following conditions at the time of invitation:

• Age: Must be under 45 years old

• English Proficiency: Must have Competent English (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in all bands or equivalent)

• Skills Assessment: Must have a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority

• Occupation: The occupation must be on the same Skilled Occupation List applicable to the main applicant’s visa subclass

• Visa Application: Your partner must also be included in the visa application and be applying as a dependent

This is commonly used by couples where both individuals are skilled professionals — such as two engineers or IT professionals.

What Is a Positive Skills Assessment?

A positive skills assessment is an official verification by a designated assessing authority that your partner’s qualifications and/or work experience are suitable for the nominated occupation.

For example:

• An accountant would need assessment from CPA Australia, CAANZ, or IPA

• An engineer might need assessment from Engineers Australia

• An IT professional could be assessed by ACS (Australian Computer Society)

The assessment must be valid (generally within 3 years) and match the occupation your partner claims.

Option 2: Partner Has Competent English Only – 5 Points

If your partner does not meet all the skill-related requirements but does have competent English, you may still be able to claim 5 points.

This is a good option when:

• Your partner has not had a formal skills assessment

• Their occupation is not on the applicable occupation list

• Their qualifications do not meet Australian standards

• But they can demonstrate Competent English via a valid test

This path is easier to qualify for and can still help you rise above the invitation threshold for certain occupations and states.

Option 3: You Are Single – 10 Points

Surprisingly to some, being single actually provides the maximum 10 points in the partner category. This was introduced to create a fairer system and account for applicants without partners. You can also qualify for this if:

• You are divorced

• You are legally separated

• You are widowed

• Your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident

Keep in mind: if your relationship status changes during the process (e.g., you get married), this may affect your claim to those 10 points.

Eligibility Checklist for Claiming Partner Skills Points

To avoid refusal or point retraction, ensure your partner satisfies these strict criteria:

1. Relationship Evidence

You must prove that you are in a de facto relationship (minimum 12 months) or legally married at the time of invitation. This includes:

• Joint lease or mortgage documents

• Shared bills or financial accounts

• Travel itineraries together

• Photos, declarations, etc.

2. Competent English

This must be proven with test results from accepted English tests like:

• IELTS (6.0 in each band)

• PTE Academic (50 in each band)

• TOEFL iBT (minimum scores in each section)

• Cambridge C1 Advanced

The test must be valid at the time of invitation (usually 3 years from test date).

3. Skills Assessment

This is only needed for the 10-point partner skills claim and must be:

• For an occupation on the same skilled occupation list

• From a relevant authority (e.g., ACS, Engineers Australia)

• Valid and positive

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Partner Skills Assessment

Step 1: Choose the Right Occupation

Identify an occupation from the applicable MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL (depending on your visa subclass) that best fits your partner’s qualifications and experience.

Step 2: Identify the Assessing Authority

Each occupation is tied to a specific authority. For instance:

• ACS (ICT/Software roles)

• VETASSESS (broad range of general occupations)

• Engineers Australia (Engineering fields)

• TRA (Trade Recognition Australia for trades)

Step 3: Collect Required Documents

Commonly required documents include:

• Educational certificates and transcripts

• Employment references

• Résumé/CV

• English language test results

• Passport and identity documents

Each authority has its own requirements and formatting standards. Carefully read their guidelines.

Step 4: Submit Skills Assessment Application

Lodge the application with your documents, pay the fee, and await a result. This can take several weeks to months depending on the authority.

Step 5: Include Assessment in EOI

Once you receive a positive outcome, update your partner’s details in your Expression of Interest (EOI) and claim the relevant points. Make sure the document is uploaded during the visa stage.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even eligible applicants lose partner points due to preventable issues. Here are some pitfalls:

1. Skills Assessment Not Ready at Time of Invitation

Only points that are supported by evidence at the time of invitation are considered. If your partner’s skills assessment is still in process, you cannot claim those 10 points yet.

Solution: Wait until all supporting evidence is ready before submitting your EOI, or update it before receiving an invitation.

2. Ineligible Occupation

If your partner’s occupation is not on the correct list for your visa subclass (MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL), they are not eligible to contribute the 10 points.

Solution: Double-check the occupation list that applies to your subclass and state.

3. Expired English Test

Many applicants submit an EOI with old English test scores. If it expires before invitation, the points become invalid.

Solution: Ensure your partner’s English results will still be valid when you expect to receive the invitation.

4. Insufficient Relationship Evidence

Failing to prove that you’re in a de facto or legal marriage can lead to the loss of points.

Solution: Collect robust evidence of cohabitation, financial interdependence, and social acknowledgment of your relationship.

Strategic Considerations

Should You Wait for Your Partner’s Skills Assessment Before Submitting EOI?

If claiming the 10 partner points brings you above the competitive threshold, it may be wise to wait. However, if your score is already strong (e.g., 90+), the added points may not be essential.

Is It Better to Claim 5 Points for English or 10 for Full Skills?

If your partner cannot meet the skills assessment criteria quickly, claiming 5 points for Competent English is often easier, faster, and still helpful. Don’t delay your application unnecessarily for the full 10 points if they are not urgently needed.

Can You Apply as the Secondary Applicant Instead?

If your partner has stronger credentials and a higher point score, consider reversing roles — making them the primary applicant and you the secondary.

Partner Skills in State Nomination (Subclass 190 and 491)

Many Australian states have their own nomination criteria under Subclasses 190 and 491, and some require or favor partner contributions. For example:

• Some states prioritize applicants whose partners also have skills in-demand locally

• A partner’s occupation can enhance your employability in regional areas

• States may set specific rules on partner English or skills

Always check state-specific requirements before lodging an EOI.

After Invitation: Document Submission for Partner Points

Once invited, you must provide all documentation to support your claimed partner points:

• Skills assessment (if claiming 10 points)

• English language test result

• Identity documents

• Proof of relationship

Immigration case officers will scrutinize these documents, so consistency and accuracy are vital.

If Partner Documents Are Delayed or Incomplete

You cannot retroactively change the points claimed at invitation stage. If you submit insufficient evidence, you risk:

• Application refusal

• Loss of paid visa fees

• Ban from reapplying for a period

If you suspect your partner’s documents won’t be ready in time, update your EOI before invitation and remove the partner points.

Final Thoughts: Making Partner Skills Work For You

Australia’s partner skills assessment process is a powerful tool in skilled migration — but only when used strategically and accurately. The difference of 5 or 10 points can mean the difference between receiving an invitation or waiting indefinitely. By thoroughly understanding your partner’s eligibility and preparing supporting documents early, you can position yourself for success.

Whether you’re a couple navigating this process together or an individual considering whether to claim partner points at all, staying informed and deliberate is the best way forward. If needed, seek the guidance of a registered migration agent who can assess both partners’ profiles and recommend the strongest path.