Points for spouse

[KylaWatt]

I wonder if anyone can help - my husband is a software developer and we going to be applying for a 189 visa. We currently standing on 65 points. I'm a Microbiologist that has been practicing as a Laboratory manager for 6 years. What I understand is that my occupation is not on the SOL list. Will we still be able to qualify for the 5 points if I'm not on the list? Is it worthwhile me writing an English test (I can prove functional English) and having my skills assessed?

[Gunner]

Hi KylaWatt

Based on the research we've done, you can only claim for your partner's skills if their job is on the same skills list as the main applicant.

E.g. even though my wife's job is on a regional list (the ACT list), we cannot claim points for her because her job is not on the main SOL list like mine. (We are also applying for 189 visa, sitting on 65 points too - submitted our EOI yesterday).

Since you will not be claiming points for partner skills, you only have to prove functional english - this can be done in a few different ways and taking IELTS test is one way. See link below.

http://www.immi.gov.au/faqs/Pages/how-can-i-prove-i-have-functional-english.aspx

For my wife, we just got a letter from her high school confirming that her studies were in English - this also saves us the extra cost of her having to take IELTS too.

Best of luck to you guys!

[SD_MOA]

Hi KylaWatt,

Gunner is correct. Your occupation needs to be on the same list as the main applicant. With 65 points I would expect you will get an invite within the next couple of rounds anyway.

All the best.

Regards

[KylaWatt]

Thank you so much for the feedback....hopefully 65 points will be enough. Hope you received some good news Gunner - all the best.