189 / 190 Special report on the pitfalls of 'full-score secondary applicants' in skilled migration
1 | Why is everyone striving for a 'full-score secondary applicant'
A spouse (secondary applicant) can bring up to 10 points for the main applicant. Combined with advantages in age, English proficiency, education, etc., many can reach
the 'hot range' of 85 – 95 points. However, immigration law is extremely detailed, and a slight oversight can lead to rejection due to 'invalid points'. This article combines the latest official regulations with
real industry cases to outline the 8 most common pitfalls.
2 | 2025 Official Spouse Points Rules Overview
• 10 points: Skilled spouse (under 45 years old + Competent English + valid skills assessment)
o 189 visa: Spouse's occupation must be on the MLTSSL (Long-term List)
o 190 visa: Spouse's occupation can be on the MLTSSL or STSOL
• 5 points: English-speaking spouse (only requires Competent English, no skills assessment needed)
• 10 points: Single / Spouse is already an Australian citizen or PR
⚠ The above points must not only be valid on the day of invitation but also meet the additional conditions listed below, otherwise, it will be considered 'false declaration'.
3 | 189 vs 190: Hidden Rule Differences
4 | Eight High-frequency Pitfalls for 'Full-score Secondary Applicant'
1. Occupation list misalignment
o 189 spouse's occupation falls on STSOL ➜ 0 points.
o A single word difference is common in IT, engineering, education, and training occupations.
2. Skills assessment or English score expired
o Most assessments are valid for 3 years, some (e.g., accounting/audit) only 2 years.
o If the expiry date is before the invitation date, 10 points are instantly void.
3. Spouse age threshold
o On the 45th birthday, the points qualification is lost. Don't let the EOI wait too long.
4. Post-invitation 'status change' caught by the system
o Example: Invited as 'single +10 points', but cohabiting or registering marriage after submission, leading to a total score drop ➜ direct visa refusal. The law clearly states that spouse points must still be met at visa approval.
5. EOI score chasing resets date-of-effect to zero
o Although higher points after adding English/work experience, the queue order is reset; for popular occupations, this might mean a later invitation.
6. Overlooking state nomination additional clauses (190)
o E.g., NSW requires both main and spouse to reside in the state; WA requires spouse's occupation also on the state list.
7. Secondary applicant forgot to apply together
o Only included spouse information at the EOI stage but 'applied alone' in the formal application ➜ immigration officer sees it as inconsistent, points invalid.
8. Contradictory information triggers 'false representation' investigation
o When applying for a spouse visa later, if immigration finds conflicts with the previous 'single' declaration in old visa history, Form 80 addresses, etc., even obtained PR may be revoked.