So it seems there are potentially additional points up for grabs if you migrate to Australia as a single person, but also if you are migration with a spouse! This may sound a bit complicated and contradictory, but it will be explained ….
According to the Migration Amendment (New Skilled Regional Visas) Regulations 2019, three new visas have been introduced to ‘assist regional Australia.’
The explanatory statement issued by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs states, “The amendments introduce a revised points system for the subclass 491 visa as well as existing General Skilled Migration visas. Points are awarded for attributes that are linked with the applicant’s ability to make the greatest economic contribution, as the key purpose of the skilled migration program is to maximise the economic benefits of migration to Australia.”
The supposed changes to the ‘points test’ are to introduce:
· more points for having a skilled spouse or de facto partner (10 points);
· more points for applicants nominated by a State or Territory government or sponsored by a family member residing in regional Australia (15 points);
· more points for having certain STEM qualifications (10 points);
· points for applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner (10 points); and
· points for applicants with a spouse or de facto partner who has competent English (5 points).
So that clears that up then – right? Well possibly not. Basically you get more points if you are migrating alone but if your partner does have competent English you will get some extra points to add to your score. If you are still unsure and have questions or are looking to apply for a visa, do contact us for a consultation and we can answer as fully as possible for you.
Source: SBS
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