SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) System

Skilled Visa Points Calculator

Applicants for a number of visa subclasses need to first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and only the best candidates will receive invitation to lodge their applications.

The following types of application can only be lodged through SkillSelect:

Skilled (Points Tested) Visas
Business Skills Visas (closed)
- Business Talent Subclass 132 Visas (closed to new applications)
- Business Innovation & Investment Subclass 188 Visas (closed to new applications)
The Business Innovation and Investment Program no longer accepts new EOIs. High achieving entrepreneurs and investors may instead consider the National Innovation visa, which uses its own EOI lodged through ImmiAccount rather than SkillSelect. We can also advise on the New Zealand Business Investor Work Visa.

Employer sponsored visas such as the 186, Skills in Demand 482 and 494 are not lodged through SkillSelect. However, employers and state and territory governments can search SkillSelect to find skilled workers whose EOI matches their needs, so a complete and accurate EOI can also help you be found by an employer.

How SkillSelect applies to Skilled Points Tested Visas

To lodge an EOI, you must have completed your skills assessment and have evidence of your English language ability.

You also may wish to obtain a nomination from a state or territory government prior to lodging an EOI as this will improve your chances of getting an invitation.

Processing of EOIs – Independent and Family Sponsored Applicants

For Independent and Family Sponsored Applicants, the Department of Home Affairs reviews the EOIs which have been lodged in invitation rounds. They issue the best candidates with an invitation to make an application for skilled points tested migration. Invitation rounds are now held a few times each program year rather than on a fixed schedule, and the number of invitations depends on the planning levels. See our latest SkillSelect invitation round results.

Quotas are set for each occupational group (this is referred to as an “occupational ceiling“). The people with the best points score will be issued with an invitation. People with a higher points score due to having more work experience, better English scores and higher qualifications will have the best chance of getting an invitation.

Processing of EOIs – State Nominated Applicants

If you are looking at being nominated by a state or territory government, you will need to first lodge your EOI. Once the state or territory government completes your nomination, you would usually receive an invitation immediately from SkillSelect.

You must have a passing score to receive an invitation (65 points) for Skilled Points Tested applicants.

Whilst occupational ceilings do not apply to state nominated applicants, states and territories may have internal quotas for each occupation.

Time Limit to Apply after being Invited

Once you receive an invitation, you will need to make your visa application within 60 days.

If you are unable to apply within this time, your invitation lapses. If you are invited once, there is no guarantee that you will be re-invited later, and in any case you can only be issued with a maximum of 2 invitations before your application is removed from the EOI system.

In other words, you need to be prepared ahead of time to make sure you are in a position to take up the opportunity when it comes your way. Feel free to book an immigration consultation if you would like a full assessment of your situation, or if you would like our assistance in making your Expression of Interest and visa application.

Tips to improve your EOI

Keep it up to date. Your points are recalculated automatically, for example when you gain another year of experience, but you must update your EOI when your circumstances change, such as a new English test, a new job or a change in your relationship status.
Claim only what you can prove. If you are invited, you must have evidence of every claim at the time of invitation. Overclaiming can lead to refusal.
Watch your expiry dates. An EOI stays in SkillSelect for 2 years. Skills assessments and English tests also have their own validity periods.
Consider separate EOIs. You can lodge separate EOIs for the 189, 190 and 491 visas, or for different states, to keep your options open.
Improve your points. Higher English scores, a Professional Year, NAATI or partner points can make a big difference.