SkillSelect
Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Every 189, 190 and 491 application starts with an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Get your EOI right, claim every point and stand out in invitation rounds.
About the Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
SkillSelect is the Australian Government's online system for skilled workers who want to be invited to apply for a skilled visa. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) tells Home Affairs and state governments about your skills, work experience and qualifications. You do not upload documents at the EOI stage, but every claim must be accurate and provable later.
Even if you meet the 65-point threshold, there is no guarantee of an invitation. The highest-ranked EOIs are invited first, and for equal scores the EOI that reached its score earliest goes first.
How the EOI process works
- Start your EOI and save your personal information (you receive an EOI ID by email)
- Add your details, including English test and skills assessment results
- Submit your completed EOI, and update it any time before you are invited
- Receive an invitation, then apply online within 60 days
Before you begin
- Check your occupation is on a skilled occupation list
- Check you meet or exceed the 65-point threshold
- Make sure every claim is accurate and can be evidenced
- Consider whether your partner should be the primary applicant
Occupation ceilings and invitation rounds
Home Affairs runs invitation rounds for the 189 and family-sponsored 491. Occupation ceilings may limit invitations for some occupations, but they do not apply to the 190 or state-nominated 491. Check your score with our points calculator.
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
More in EOI, ROI & State Nomination
Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
An EOI is your profile in SkillSelect, showing your skills, experience and qualifications. You must submit one before you can be invited to apply for a 189, 190 or 491 visa.
No. You do not upload documents with an EOI, but all claims must be accurate, because you will need to prove them in your visa application.
60 days from the date of the invitation.
By points score. For equal scores, the EOI that reached its score earliest (the date of effect) is invited first.
Yes, you can update it any time before you receive an invitation, for example when your English score or work experience improves.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
