The points system for Australian visa’s are set to change from November 2019, with a new points system offering extra points if you are single!
According to the new rule, applicants who do not have a spouse or de facto partner will get 10 points. The legislation states “Points are awarded for attributes that are linked in with the applicants 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 idea is to bring more skilled migrants and discourage unskilled partners who come with married skilled migrants.
The amendments to the points system follow the recommendations made by the Productivity Commission. According to the commission, around 50% of Australia’s permanent skill intake is secondary applicants, many of whom have limited skills.
In it’s 2016 report, the Productivity Commission recommended that the points system be amended so that secondary applicants with skills and other desirable employment related characteristics contribute significantly to the points score of the primary applicant.
Applicants who have a skilled spouse or partner will also get 10 extra points in the new system. They will also get 5 points if their spouse or de facto partner have competent English.
