If you are an IT professional from India or a nurse from the Philippines considering permanent skilled migration to Australia, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect is your essential first step. The SkillSelect system manages applications for Australia's General Skilled Migration programme, matching skilled workers with visa pathways based on occupation, qualifications, and points. This guide explains how to submit an EOI, what the invitation process involves, and how to position yourself for success.
Understanding the SkillSelect EOI process helps you prepare accurate documentation, maximise your points score, and respond promptly when an invitation arrives. Whether you are targeting the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or a state-nominated pathway, the EOI is where your skilled migration journey formally begins.
Key facts
Aspect | What to know |
|---|---|
Governing authority | Department of Home Affairs manages SkillSelect and skilled visa invitations |
Eligible visa subclasses | Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) |
EOI validity | Remains active for two years from submission date unless withdrawn |
Cost to submit EOI | No fee to lodge an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect |
Invitation rounds | Frequency and occupation priorities vary; check the SkillSelect invitation reports on the Home Affairs website for current schedules |
What is SkillSelect and why you need an EOI
SkillSelect is the Australian government's online system for managing skilled migration applications. It operates on an invitation-only model: you cannot apply directly for a General Skilled Migration visa. Instead, you submit an Expression of Interest outlining your skills, qualifications, work experience, and English language ability. The system assigns you a points score based on this information.
The Department of Home Affairs and participating state and territory governments use your EOI to assess whether you meet their current migration needs. If your occupation is in demand and your points score is competitive, you may receive an invitation to apply for a visa. For IT professionals and registered nurses, both occupations frequently appear on skilled occupation lists, making the EOI your gateway to permanent residency pathways.
An EOI is not a visa application. It is a declaration of interest that remains in the system for up to two years. During that time, you can update your details if your circumstances improve (for example, if you gain additional work experience or achieve a higher English test score). You can explore personalised visa pathway guidance to understand which skilled visa subclass aligns best with your profile before you begin your EOI.
Eligibility requirements before you submit
Before lodging an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect, you must meet several baseline requirements. These are not negotiable: submitting an EOI without satisfying them wastes time and may result in an invitation you cannot accept.
Skills assessment
You need a positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation. For IT professionals, this is typically the Australian Computer Society (ACS). For nurses, it is the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) or the relevant nursing board in your target state. The skills assessment confirms that your qualifications and experience meet Australian standards. Obtain this before you submit your EOI; the assessment reference number is mandatory in the SkillSelect form.
Occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
Your nominated occupation must appear on the appropriate skilled occupation list for the visa subclass you are targeting. The Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) applies to subclass 189 visas, while the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Regional Occupation List (ROL) apply to state-nominated and regional visas. Check the current skilled occupation lists on the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm your occupation's eligibility and any caveats (some occupations have additional conditions or state-specific availability).
English language proficiency
You must demonstrate competent English as a minimum, typically through an IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET test. Competent English generally means an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in each component. Higher scores (proficient or superior English) earn additional points, so aim for the best result you can achieve. Your test must be less than three years old at the time of EOI submission.
Age and points threshold
You must be under 45 years of age when you receive an invitation (not when you submit the EOI). The points test allocates points for age, English ability, skilled employment (both in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, and other factors such as partner skills or state nomination. You need a minimum points score to be competitive; this threshold varies by occupation and invitation round. Review the points test criteria on the Home Affairs website to calculate your score before submitting.
How to submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect
Submitting an EOI is free and completed entirely online. Follow these steps to lodge your Expression of Interest accurately.
Step 1: Create a SkillSelect account
Visit the SkillSelect portal and register for an account. You will need a valid email address and will create a password. Keep your login details secure; you will return to this account to update your EOI or respond to invitations.
Step 2: Complete your personal details
Enter your personal information: full name as it appears on your passport, date of birth, gender, and current country of residence. Ensure these details match your identity documents exactly. Any discrepancy can delay or invalidate a later visa application.
Step 3: Provide your skills assessment details
Enter the reference number and date of your positive skills assessment. Select your nominated occupation from the dropdown list (it must match the occupation assessed). The system uses this to determine your eligibility for specific visa subclasses.
Step 4: Document your work experience
List all skilled employment relevant to your nominated occupation, both in Australia and overseas. For each role, provide the employer name, job title, dates of employment, and a brief description of duties. Only include employment that occurred after you met the qualification level required for your occupation (for example, after you completed your degree if a degree is required). The system calculates points based on years of skilled employment, so accuracy here directly affects your score.
Step 5: Enter your qualifications
Record your highest educational qualification and any additional qualifications relevant to your occupation. Include the name of the institution, the qualification title, the country where you studied, and the date you completed it. If you studied in Australia, indicate this clearly, as Australian qualifications earn additional points.
Step 6: Provide English language test results
Enter your English test type, test date, and scores for each component (listening, reading, writing, speaking). The system will calculate your English proficiency level and assign points accordingly. If you have taken multiple tests, enter the results from the test you wish to use for points (you can only claim points from one test result).
Step 7: Add partner and dependent details (if applicable)
If you have a spouse or de facto partner who will migrate with you, include their details. If your partner also has competent English and a positive skills assessment in an eligible occupation, you may claim partner points. List any dependent children who will accompany you.
Step 8: Indicate your state or territory preferences
You can select one or more Australian states or territories you are willing to live in if you receive a state nomination. This does not restrict you to those states, but it signals your interest to state governments running their own nomination programmes. If you are only interested in the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189), you can leave this section blank.
Step 9: Review and submit
Review all information carefully. Once submitted, your EOI enters the SkillSelect pool. You can update most details later, but it is better to ensure accuracy from the start. Click submit when you are satisfied. You will receive a confirmation email with your EOI reference number.
What happens after you submit your EOI
After lodging your Expression of Interest, your EOI remains active in the SkillSelect system for two years. During this period, several outcomes are possible.
Invitation rounds
The Department of Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds at intervals determined by migration programme priorities. In each round, the highest-ranking EOIs for specific occupations receive invitations to apply for a visa. Ranking depends on your points score and the date you submitted or last updated your EOI (earlier submissions rank higher when points are equal). Invitation round results are published on the Home Affairs website, showing the occupations invited, the number of invitations issued, and the minimum points score for each occupation.
State or territory nomination
If you indicated interest in state nomination, state and territory governments may review your EOI and invite you to apply for their nomination. Each state runs its own programme with specific occupation priorities, often targeting skills in regional areas or sectors experiencing shortages. A state nomination adds points to your score and opens pathways to subclass 190 or 491 visas.
Updating your EOI
You can log back into SkillSelect at any time to update your EOI if your circumstances change. Common updates include improved English test scores, additional work experience, or a new skills assessment. Updating your EOI changes its date of effect, which can affect your ranking in invitation rounds. Only update when the change genuinely improves your competitiveness.
Receiving an invitation
If you receive an invitation, you will be notified by email and see the invitation in your SkillSelect account. You then have 60 days to lodge a full visa application. This is a strict deadline; if you do not apply within 60 days, the invitation lapses and you must wait for another invitation. Prepare your supporting documents in advance so you can respond quickly.
Maximising your chances of receiving an invitation
Competition for invitations varies by occupation and visa subclass. IT professionals and nurses generally have strong prospects, but improving your points score increases your chances.
Improve your English score
Achieving proficient English (IELTS 7.0 in each component or equivalent) adds 10 points compared to competent English. Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or equivalent) adds 20 points. Investing time in English study and retaking the test can significantly boost your ranking.
Gain additional skilled work experience
Each additional year of skilled employment in your nominated occupation adds points, up to a maximum. If you are close to a threshold (for example, approaching three or five years of experience), waiting a few months before submitting or updating your EOI may be worthwhile.
Consider state nomination
State nomination adds 5 points (subclass 190) or 15 points (subclass 491 regional). If your points score is borderline for a subclass 189 invitation, pursuing state nomination can make you competitive. Research which states are nominating your occupation and tailor your EOI preferences accordingly.
Partner skills points
If your partner has competent English and a positive skills assessment in an occupation on the same skilled occupation list, you can claim 5 partner points. Alternatively, if your partner has competent English but no skills assessment, you can claim 5 points for their English alone. Ensure your partner's documentation is ready before you submit your EOI.
Professional Year or Australian study
Completing a Professional Year programme in Australia (available for IT, accounting, and engineering graduates) adds 5 points. Similarly, holding an Australian qualification from an Australian institution adds points. If you are already in Australia on a student or temporary visa, these pathways can strengthen your EOI.
Common mistakes to avoid
Many EOI submissions contain errors that reduce competitiveness or lead to invitation refusals. Avoid these pitfalls.
Claiming points you cannot prove
Every point you claim in your EOI must be supported by documentary evidence if you receive an invitation. Overstating your work experience, qualifications, or English ability will result in your visa application being refused and may lead to a ban on future applications. Be honest and conservative in your claims.
Submitting before your skills assessment is ready
You cannot submit a valid EOI without a positive skills assessment reference number. Lodging an EOI prematurely means you must update it later, resetting your date of effect and potentially losing your place in the queue.
Ignoring EOI expiry
An EOI expires two years after submission. If you have not received an invitation by then, you must submit a new EOI. Set a reminder to check your EOI status periodically and resubmit if necessary.
Failing to respond to an invitation promptly
The 60-day window to lodge a visa application after receiving an invitation is non-negotiable. Gather your documents (police certificates, health examinations, employment references, qualification transcripts) before you submit your EOI so you are ready to act immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I submit more than one EOI at the same time?
Yes, you can submit multiple EOIs for different occupations if you have positive skills assessments for each. However, each EOI is assessed independently, and you can only accept one invitation at a time. Most applicants focus on a single EOI for their strongest occupation to avoid confusion.
How long does it take to receive an invitation after submitting an EOI?
There is no fixed timeframe. Some applicants with high points scores in priority occupations receive invitations within weeks, while others wait months or do not receive an invitation at all. Invitation frequency and occupation priorities change based on Australia's migration programme needs. Monitor the published invitation round results to gauge your prospects.
What is the minimum points score needed for a SkillSelect invitation?
The minimum points score to submit an EOI is 65, but this does not guarantee an invitation. The actual competitive score varies by occupation and invitation round. In recent rounds, many occupations have required 70, 80, or even 90 points to receive an invitation. Check the latest invitation round reports on the Home Affairs website for occupation-specific thresholds.
Can I update my EOI after I submit it?
Yes, you can log into SkillSelect and update most details in your EOI at any time. Updating your EOI changes its date of effect, which can affect your ranking in invitation rounds. Only update when a genuine change improves your points score or eligibility.
Do I need a job offer to submit an EOI through SkillSelect?
No, you do not need a job offer to submit an Expression of Interest for General Skilled Migration visas. The EOI assesses your skills, qualifications, and experience independently of employment. However, having skilled employment in Australia can add points to your score and improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
