13/05/2026
If you're considering skilled migration to Australia via the 189 (Skilled Independent), 190 (Skilled Nominated), or 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visas, your first step is an Expression of Interest (EOI).
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝗢𝗜?
An EOI is a preliminary application lodged through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs' online system. It's not a full visa application, it's a snapshot of your qualifications, work experience, English ability, and other factors that determine your points score.
Your EOI sits in SkillSelect for up to 12 months. If your points score is high enough, you'll receive an invitation to lodge a full visa application. If you don't get invited within 12 months, your EOI expires (but you can lodge a new one).
The Points System: How It Works
𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
• Age – 15 points (highest for ages 25–39)
• English language ability – Up to 20 points (higher test scores = more points)
• Skilled employment – Up to 20 points (more years of experience = more points)
• Educational qualification – 15 points for a bachelor's degree or higher
• Bonus points – State sponsorship adds 5–10 points depending on your state
Typically, you need 65–70 points to receive an invitation for the 189 visa. State sponsorship (190 or 491) can add bonus points, improving your chances.
𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂'𝗹𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱
Before you start your EOI, gather:
• Passport details
• Complete employment history (employer, dates, job title, job description)
• Educational qualifications and transcripts
• English language test results (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL taken within last 3 years)
• Skills assessment from your occupation's assessing body
• Evidence of state sponsorship (if applying for 190 or 491)
• Partner details and skills (if your partner is included)
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽-𝗯𝘆-𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽: 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗘𝗢𝗜
Step 1: Prepare your documents. Have everything ready before you start. This makes the process faster and reduces errors.
Step 2: Go to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and access SkillSelect. Create an account with your email and verify your email address.
Step 3: Enter your personal details. Name, date of birth, contact information. Be accurate, any discrepancies can cause issues later.
Step 4: Fill in your occupation. Use the correct ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code for your role. Make sure you have a valid skills assessment from the right assessing body.
Step 5: List your employment history. Include all relevant skilled work (and some non-skilled work if related to your occupation). Be specific about dates and employer names. The Department will verify this information.
Step 6: Enter your qualifications. List your degree, diploma, or certificate. Have your official transcripts ready to verify.
Step 7: Enter your English language ability. Provide your test result (IELTS, PTE, etc.). You need at least "Competent" English (IELTS 6.0). Higher scores earn more points.
Step 8: If you're applying for 190 or 491, nominate a state. You don't need state sponsorship confirmed before lodging, some people lodge for 189 first, then seek sponsorship if they don't get invited.
Step 9: Review your points score. SkillSelect will calculate your total points. Check this carefully and make sure it matches your expectations.
Step 10: Lodge your EOI. Once you're satisfied, submit it. You'll receive a reference number, keep this safe.
𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀
1. Get your skills assessment early. Don't wait. Having a current assessment means you can lodge whenever you're ready.
2. Improve your English score. Moving from "Competent" (6.0) to "Fluent" (7.5) adds 10 points. Consider an English course if you're borderline.
3. Count all relevant employment. Be thorough about your work history. Every year counts, and work outside your nominated occupation can count if it's related.
4. Consider state sponsorship. Different states sponsor different occupations and offer different bonus points. Research which state might be easiest for your occupation.
5. If your partner has skills, include them. Partner skills can earn up to 10 points if your partner also has a skills assessment.
6. Document regional qualifications. Some states offer bonus points if you completed your qualification in a regional area.
7. Be honest about everything. The Department verifies information. Dishonesty can result in visa cancellation and bans on future applications.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗟𝗼𝗱𝗴𝗲?
Your EOI stays in SkillSelect for 12 months. You can monitor the Department's invitation rounds to see how your score compares.
If you receive an invitation:
• You have 7 days to accept it
• You then have 60 days to lodge your full visa application
• You'll need certified copies of your documents and health/character checks
If you don't receive an invitation within 12 months, your EOI expires. But you can lodge a new one, and by then, you might have more work experience or a better English score.
𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱
• Vague employment dates. Be specific. "2015–2020" is better than "around 5 years."
• Not updating your EOI if circumstances change. If you gain new qualifications or more experience before getting invited, update your EOI.
• Exaggerating your English ability. Only claim the level you can prove with a test.
• Wrong occupation code. Make sure your work genuinely fits your nominated occupation.
𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 :
Ready to lodge? Start by gathering all your documents and verifying your occupation code. Then, head to immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, create your SkillSelect account, and get started.
If you're unsure about your occupation's assessing body, which state might sponsor you, or how to maximise your points, Migration Guru can review your profile and help you get it right. Contact us today. Have questions? Call Migration Guru on +𝟲𝟭 𝟳 𝟯𝟬𝟯𝟲 𝟯𝟴𝟬𝟬, Email 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼@𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗿𝘂.𝗰𝗼𝗺.𝗮𝘂 or visit migrationguru.com.au. We are here to help.