Getting Married While Waiting for a Skilled Visa? Here’s What You Need to Know!

If you applied for a Skilled Migration visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491) as a single applicant and later got married, you might be at risk of losing 10 points from your application. Here’s why:

How Partner Points Work

When you apply for a Skilled Migration visa, you can claim 10 points if:

• ✅ You are single, OR
• ✅ You have a partner who is an Australian citizen or permanent resident, OR
• ✅ Your spouse or de facto partner meets all the following conditions:
  • ✔ Is applying for the same subclass of visa as you.
  • ✔ Is not an Australian permanent resident or citizen.
  • ✔ Was under 45 at the time the invitation to apply for the visa was received.
  • ✔ At the time of invitation, nominated a skilled occupation on the relevant list.
  • ✔ Had been assessed by the relevant skills assessing authority as having suitable skills for their nominated occupation.
  • ✔ Had competent English at the time of invitation.

Why Can You Lose Points If You Get Married?

Even though your visa invitation was based on your status at that time, the government reassesses your points before making a final decision. This means:

• ❌ If you were single at the time of invitation but got married before your visa was granted, you may lose 10 points.
• ❌ If your new spouse is not an Australian citizen or permanent resident, you will no longer qualify for the 10 points for being single.
• ❌ If your new spouse does not have a skills assessment for an occupation on the relevant list and competent English at the time of invitation, you will no longer qualify for the 10 points.

What Should You Do?

• ✔ If you are planning to get married while your visa is pending, consult a migration professional first.
• ✔ If you receive a notice from the department questioning your relationship status, seek legal advice immediately.

Final Thoughts

If you applied for a Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa as a single applicant, be aware that getting married before your visa is granted could affect your points score. Always seek professional advice before making any major life changes while your visa is pending.

Need Help with Your Visa Application?

Understanding how relationship status impacts your visa application can be complicated, but Visa Finder is here to help. Our expert migration agents can assist with:

• ✅ Reviewing your current points score and advising on possible changes.
• ✅ Helping you assess your partner’s eligibility to contribute to your application.
• ✅ Providing legal guidance if you receive a notice questioning your relationship status.
• ✅ Assisting with adding a spouse or de facto partner to an existing visa application.

Book a Consultation for Personalised Advice!

Visa Finder is committed to helping skilled professionals successfully navigate Australia’s migration system. Whether you need to adjust your application due to marriage or assess your partner’s eligibility, our team is ready to assist.

Book a consultation today! Click here to get started, or reach out to our migration experts for personalised advice.