👫 What Are Partner Points?
Partner points are extra points you can claim in your EOI if your partner (spouse or de facto) meets certain criteria. They are part of the Points Test used for visas like:
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Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
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Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190)
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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491)
The idea is simple: if both you and your partner can contribute skills, qualifications, and English ability to the Australian workforce, your application is stronger.
✅ How to Claim Partner Points
There are three main ways your partner can help boost your EOI:
1. Partner Meets Age, English, and Skills Criteria (10 Points)
To claim 10 points, your partner must:
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Be under 45 years old
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Have at least Competent English (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
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Have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List
This is the best-case scenario, giving you the maximum partner boost.
2. Partner Has Competent English Only (5 Points)
If your partner cannot provide a skills assessment but can still prove Competent English, you may claim 5 points.
Competent English means:
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IELTS: 6.0 in each band
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PTE Academic: 50 in each component
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TOEFL iBT: Listening 12, Reading 13, Writing 21, Speaking 18
This is a useful option if your partner is not working in an eligible occupation but still has strong English skills.
3. Single Applicants or Australian Citizen/PR Partners (10 Points)
If you are applying alone (no partner included in the application), or if your partner is already an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you automatically receive 10 points.
This can sometimes be more strategic than including a partner who cannot add points.
❌ What If Your Partner Cannot Add Points?
Not all partners can contribute points. For example, if your partner is:
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Older than 45
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Has limited or no English
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Does not have a positive skills assessment
👉 In this case, you simply cannot claim partner points. However, this does not reduce your existing score — you just continue with the points you’ve earned individually.
Many applicants in this situation choose to apply as a single applicant (claiming the 10 single applicant points) if that gives them a higher score.
📊 Summary of Partner Points
| Partner Status | Points You Can Claim |
|---|---|
| Partner <45 + Competent English + Skills Assessment | 10 points |
| Partner with Competent English only | 5 points |
| Single applicant OR Partner is Aus Citizen/PR | 10 points |
| Partner not eligible | 0 points |
🌟 Final Thoughts
Partner points can be a game-changer in skilled migration, especially when competition for invitations is high. If your partner can contribute, it strengthens your case. But even if they cannot, there are still ways to maximize your score — through higher English results, state nomination, or regional pathways.
At My Travel International, we guide individuals and couples through every stage of the migration journey — from IELTS preparation and skills assessments to EOI strategy and visa applications.
📞 Contact us today at 0722622157 or visit www.mytravelinternational.com to find the best pathway for you and your partner.
