SkillSelect EOI — Expression of Interest System for Skilled Migration
How the SkillSelect EOI System Works
The SkillSelect EOI (Expression of Interest) system is the gateway to Australia’s points-tested skilled migration visas. Before you can apply for a 189 visa, 190 visa or 491 visa, you must first submit an EOI through SkillSelect. The Department then ranks all EOIs by points score and invites only the highest-scoring candidates to apply — making your skilled migration points total the single most important factor in how quickly you receive an invitation.
Which Visas Require a SkillSelect EOI?
The following visa applications must be lodged through SkillSelect:
Points-tested skilled visas:
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Business skills visas:
- Business Talent visa (subclass 132)
- Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Optional SkillSelect — Employer Sponsored Visas
Some employer-sponsored visas can be lodged through SkillSelect but this is optional — direct application is also possible:
Requirements to Lodge a SkillSelect EOI
Before you can submit a SkillSelect EOI, you must have:
- A completed skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation
- Evidence of your English language ability at least at the Competent level
You may also wish to secure a state or territory nomination before lodging your EOI — nomination adds 5 points (190 visa) or 15 points (491 visa) to your skillselect points score and significantly improves your invitation prospects. Visit our 491 visa state nomination requirements or 190 visa page for state nomination details.
Processing of EOIs — Independent (189) and Family Sponsored (491) Applicants
The Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews all submitted EOIs for the independent (189) and family-sponsored (491) streams and invites the highest-scoring candidates to lodge a visa application. Invitation rounds are issued periodically — check our invitation rounds page for current round dates and cut-off scores.
The Department applies occupation ceilings to each occupational group — a maximum number of EOIs that can receive invitations in a program year. Once an occupation reaches its ceiling, the Department stops issuing invitations in that occupation for the remainder of the year regardless of your points test australia score. Applicants with higher points scores — from stronger work experience, better English and higher qualifications — receive invitations first in each round.
Processing of EOIs — State Nominated (190 and 491) Applicants
If you seek state or territory nomination for the 190 visa or 491 visa, lodge your EOI in SkillSelect first. Once the state or territory government nominates you, SkillSelect typically issues your formal Department of Home Affairs invitation to apply immediately — without waiting for the next regular invitation round.
You must score at least 65 points to receive an invitation for any points-tested skilled visa. State nomination adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491) automatically to your pr points calculator score — confirm your total reaches 65 points including nomination before lodging.
Occupation ceilings do not apply to state-nominated applicants — the annual ceiling limits only affect independent (189) and family-sponsored (491) streams. However, each state and territory may apply its own internal quotas or occupation priorities for nomination.
60-Day Time Limit After Receiving a SkillSelect Invitation
Once SkillSelect issues your formal invitation, you have 60 calendar days to lodge a valid visa application through ImmiAccount. This deadline is strict — the Department does not grant extensions.
If you do not lodge within 60 days, your invitation lapses. You can receive a maximum of 2 invitations from a single EOI — after two invitations (whether used or lapsed), your EOI is removed from the SkillSelect system. Do not waste an invitation — lodge your application as soon as you have gathered all documents rather than waiting until the deadline.
Prepare all documents — health examinations, police checks, English test results, employment references and skills assessment — before you receive your invitation, not after. Book a free VisaAid consultation to confirm your EOI is accurate and your documents are ready before the invitation clock starts.
How to Maximise Your SkillSelect EOI Invitation Prospects
Your skillselect eoi score is the only factor the Department uses to rank you against other applicants in your occupation. The higher your score above 65, the faster your invitation. Five ways to improve your ranking before you submit:
- Achieve Proficient or Superior English — IELTS 7.0 adds 10 points, IELTS 8.0 adds 20 points
- Complete a Professional Year in accounting, ICT or engineering — adds 5 points
- Accumulate Australian work experience points — up to 20 points for 8+ years
- Obtain a state or territory nomination — adds 5 points (190) or 15 points (491)
- Claim partner skills points if your partner holds a skills assessment — adds up to 10 points
Check the latest invitation rounds to see what score is currently attracting invitations in your occupation before deciding when to submit your EOI.
SkillSelect EOI — Key Facts
- Submit your EOI anytime — there is no application window or deadline for EOI lodgment
- Your EOI stays active for 2 years — update it whenever your circumstances improve
- You can update your EOI after submission — improving your English score, completing a Professional Year or gaining a nomination all increase your score mid-pool
- There is no cost to submit or update an EOI
- The Department invites applicants in points score order, highest first, within each occupation
- Once invited, you have 60 days to lodge — prepare documents before your invitation arrives
Calculate your full points score and book your free EOI strategy session with VisaAid before you submit.