You wish to apply for a GSM visa, but don't have enough points - we have good news:
Your partner might be the key for achieving your Australian dream.
As per recent legislation updates, the following changes will be implemented to the points test based General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas as from 19 November 2019.
GSM applicants will now have the opportunity to gain more points based on their partner's profile (spouse or de facto partner).
Which visas are included in this change?
The relevant visas for this change are:
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
New Skilled Work Regional visa (Provisional) (Subclass 491)
How can my partner help with my GSM Visa?
Your be awarded with 5 points if your partner has a Competent English level.
10 points if your partner is an Australian Citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
10 points for applicants with a skilled partner who is under 45, has Competent English level, holds a suitable skills assessment and with an occupation which is on the same skilled occupation list as the GSM Applicant. This section currently award only 5 points.
10 points for Specialist Educational qualifications relevant to STEM qualifications (e.g. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Currently worth only 5 points.
What if I don't have a partner?
If you are in between relationships there is something for you too - Lack of partner will award you with 10 points towards your points test
How will the new changes affect the way the Department invites candidates to apply?
When the sum of all points except partner qualifications are equal, invitations will be ranked in the below order:
First: Applicants with a skilled partner.
Equal First: Applicants without a partner.
Second: Applicants with a partner who demonstrates Competent English but who do not have the skills to obtain skilled partner points.
Third: Applicants with a partner who is ineligible for either competent English or Skilled partner points.
To maximise your partner's points, you'll need to start preparing the evidence now.
Contact us and we can prepare a detailed plan for you and your partner, so your application can be submitted among the first ones in November 2019. The LifeinAus team