How to Calculate and Claim Spouse Points for Australia PR?

How to Calculate and Claim Spouse Points for Australia PR?

Applying for Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia is a competitive and meticulous process. One way to increase your points in the Australia PR application is through spouse points, which can improve your eligibility and possibly expedite your PR journey. This blog will walk you through the criteria, process, and benefits of claiming spouse points for Australia PR, and highlight when consulting spouse visa consultants or LEAMSS experts can make a difference in your application.

Understanding the Australia PR Points System

Australia's PR system relies on a points-based structure, where applicants earn points based on criteria like age, English proficiency, work experience, and educational qualifications. To qualify, applicants must meet the minimum required points (currently 65) but are often encouraged to aim higher to enhance their chances in the pool of applicants. For applicants with a spouse or partner, additional points can be earned, which can sometimes make a substantial difference.

What are Spouse Points for Australia PR?

Spouse points for Australia PR are extra points awarded to applicants with a spouse or partner who meets certain criteria. These points serve as an incentive for applicants whose spouse possesses skills or qualifications that could contribute to the Australian economy.

The spouse points breakdown is as follows:

10 points: Awarded if your spouse meets the age, English language proficiency, and skills assessment requirements.
5 points: Awarded if your spouse meets only the English language proficiency requirement.
0 points: Awarded if your spouse does not meet the eligibility criteria for additional points but is listed as a dependent on your application.
The spouse points system applies to married and de facto (living together) partners, as well as same-sex partners.

Eligibility Criteria for Claiming Spouse Points for Australia PR

To qualify for the 10 or 5 spouse points, your spouse or partner needs to fulfill specific conditions

1. Age Requirement
Your spouse should be under 45 years of age at the time of application.
2. English Language Proficiency
Your spouse must meet a minimum English language requirement. Typically, this means scoring a Competent level in an approved English language test, such as IELTS or PTE.
3. Skills Assessment
If you aim to secure the full 10 points, your spouse must have a positive skills assessment from an approved assessing authority, and their occupation must be listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL).
4. Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
If your spouse is already an Australian citizen or holds PR status, you are automatically eligible for 10 points.
It's worth noting that if your spouse does not meet these criteria, you can still claim 5 points if they meet the English language requirements alone.
Step-by-Step Process to Calculate and Claim Spouse Points
Let’s go through the step-by-step process of calculating and claiming spouse points for Australia PR:
Assess Eligibility:  First, confirm if your spouse or partner meets the basic requirements for age, language proficiency, and occupation listing.
English Language Test: Have your spouse take an approved English language test. The test result must be Competent (IELTS 6.0 in each band, PTE 50 in each section, or equivalent) or higher to qualify for the points.
Related Post: What is the Processing Time for Spouse Visitor Visa Australia?
Skills Assessment: If your spouse's occupation is on the Skilled Occupation List, have them go through the relevant skills assessment process. Different occupations have specific assessing authorities that issue these assessments, so be sure to choose the correct one.
Gather Documentation: Collect all necessary documents, including proof of marriage or de facto relationship, language test results, and the skills assessment.
Submit Application: When completing your PR application, include these details about your spouse to claim the additional points.

Consult Spouse Visa Consultants or  LEAMSS experts: Given the complexity of requirements and documentation, consulting spouse visa consultants or  LEAMSS experts is often recommended to ensure the process goes smoothly. These professionals can verify eligibility, guide you through the required documentation, and help maximize your points.

Importance of Consulting  LEAMSS experts for Spouse Points

The Australian immigration process has stringent requirements, and minor errors can delay or affect your application outcome. Seeking assistance from spouse visa consultants or LEAMSS experts can offer several advantages:

Detailed Assessment:  LEAMSS experts can assess your situation and provide a realistic calculation of the points you can claim, including spouse points.
Documentation Support: Consultants help organize and validate necessary documents, ensuring accuracy and completeness to meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs standards.
Legal Guidance: Spouse visa consultants are often well-versed in the legal nuances of Australian immigration. Helping you avoid potential pitfalls or misunderstandings about the criteria.
Strategy for Maximizing Points: They can guide you on the most efficient ways to accumulate points. Which may include advice on timing, additional certifications, or pathway options tailored to your profile.

When to Seek Help from Spouse Visa Consultants

Applying for PR and calculating spouse points can be challenging, especially if you're unfamiliar with Australian immigration policies. Engaging spouse visa consultants or LEAMSS experts can be beneficial for applicants who:

Are uncertain if their spouse meets the criteria for additional points.
Need help with English testing and skills assessment processes.
Require assistance with documentation or legal requirements.

Conclusion : 

Claiming spouse points can be a valuable addition to your Australia PR application. Potentially boosting your chances of achieving your dream of Australian residency. However, the process requires careful attention to detail, especially concerning English proficiency, skills assessments, and documentation. By understanding the spouse points system and seeking support from spouse visa consultants or  LEAMSS experts, you can streamline the process, ensuring you maximize every opportunity to secure those valuable points.
For the latest guidelines and to confirm eligibility, consult with professional  LEAMSS experts, as policies can change frequently.