An Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is the first step for points-tested skilled visas. It is a free online profile that tells the Australian Government and state governments you want to be considered for an invitation.
✔ Reviewed September 2026 by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). Official sources: Home Affairs: SkillSelect.
How SkillSelect works
You enter your occupation, skills assessment, English, work history, education and other details. SkillSelect calculates your points. The Department runs invitation rounds for the 189 and family-sponsored 491, and state governments search SkillSelect to nominate applicants for the 190 and 491. If you are invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
Before you lodge an EOI
- Get a positive skills assessment for your nominated occupation
- Take an English test and aim for Proficient or Superior English
- Calculate your points carefully and keep evidence for every claim
- Check state requirements if you want a 190 or 491 nomination
- Make sure your work experience dates match your skills assessment
Common EOI mistakes
Overclaiming points
Claiming points you cannot prove can lead to refusal and may affect future applications.
Wrong dates
Your work experience claims must match the dates recognised as skilled employment.
Out-of-date details
Update your EOI when you gain points, have a birthday that affects age points, or when a test result expires.
Improving your chances
Common ways to raise your points include a better English score, a Professional Year, NAATI CCL, regional study, partner skills and additional skilled work experience. Use our points calculator and read our points test guide.
How Study Mate Migration helps
Eligibility check
We review your age, occupation, qualifications, English, work history and visa history against the current criteria.
Strategy
We compare this visa with other pathways so you choose the option with the best chance of success.
Documents
You get a tailored checklist, and we review every document before anything is lodged.
Lodgement and follow-up
We lodge through ImmiAccount, respond to requests from the Department and keep you updated until a decision.
Frequently asked questions
Is lodging an EOI a visa application?
No. It only registers your interest. You can only apply for the visa after you receive an invitation.
Can I have more than one EOI?
You can, but it is usually better to have one accurate EOI that selects all the visas and states you are interested in.
How are invitations ranked?
Generally by points and then by the date you reached those points, but the Department and states may also prioritise particular occupations.
What happens after an invitation?
You have 60 days to lodge a complete visa application with evidence for every claim in your EOI.
Related visas and guides
Talk to a registered migration agent
Study Mate Migration is led by a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2518899). We help clients across Australia and overseas from our office in Adelaide, South Australia.
This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Visa costs are approximate and vary with your circumstances, number of applicants and government changes; extra costs such as skills assessments, English tests, health checks and police certificates also apply. Check the Department of Home Affairs website or speak with us for a current quote before you apply.
