Partner Skills Points: How to Claim 10 Points for Skilled Visas (2026)
How partner skills points work on the Australian skilled migration points test: who qualifies for the full 10 points, the 5-point English-only fallback, and two worked examples showing how the boost moves a subclass 189 and 190 score. Figures as at September 2026.
Read the full guide, with official sources →
Watch
Chapters
- 0:00 Your partner can add
- 0:11 3 options — only
- 0:22 Partner skills (10 points)
- 0:33 Competent English:
- 0:53 Common errors:
- 1:05 85 points alone.
- 1:16 75 points alone.
- 1:26 No qualifying partner?
- 1:37 Where to read more
Transcript
Your partner's own qualifications can add 10 points to your skilled visa score, even though they're not the one applying.
There are three partner-related point options, but only one applies at a time: partner skills worth 10 points, partner English worth 5 points, or single applicant worth 10 points.
To claim the full 10 points, your partner must be under 45, have competent English, and hold a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same list as yours.
Competent English means an IELTS score of 6.0 in each of the four bands, or an equivalent result on another accepted test.
If your partner has that English but not a qualifying skills assessment, say they're over 45, or their occupation isn't on the list, 5 points applies instead of 10.
The most common errors: a partner's skills assessment in an occupation not on the relevant list, an English test that expires before invitation, or turning 45 in between.
On a subclass 189 example, a primary applicant with 85 points alone reaches 95 once partner skills adds 10, enough to clear a common invitation round.
On a subclass 190 example, 75 points alone becomes 85 with the same 10-point addition, the difference between waiting and an invitation.
If your partner doesn't qualify at all, single applicant still gives the same 10 points, so partner qualifications only add real value once they clear that skills bar.
The full guide, with the official sources, is on migratio.com.au. The link is in the description. And if you'd like to talk it through, you can compare registered migration agents there, and see their fees before you book anything.
Short versions
- Your partner can add 10 points without applying (0:30)
- The IELTS rule behind partner points (0:31)
- 85 to 95 — a worked points example (0:31)
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