SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI)

Any skilled worker wishing to relocate and work in Australia needs to file an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the new online system known as SkillSelect. Please note that an EOI is not a visa application but a mere indication that a skilled worker wants to apply for an Australian visa.

How to Lodge a SkillSelect EOI?

By submitting an EOI on SkillSelect, skilled workers can be discovered and sponsored by interested Australian employers or Australian authorities. If selected, the worker is then invited to apply for an Australian visa.

The following types of application can only be submitted through SkillSelect:

1. Skilled Visas: Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa; Skilled Nominated 190 Visa; Skilled Regional 489 Visa;
2. Business Skills Visa: Business Talent 132 Visa; Business Innovation & Investment 188 Visa.

Although EOI is not a visa application, the applicant still needs to complete skill assessment, have evidence of English language proficiency and share the following information:

• Personal Information;
• Desired Profession;
• Work Experience;
• Education;
• Business and Investment Experience (if applicable).

Then, the Department of Immigration issues the best candidates with an invitation to apply for skilled points tested migration.

SkillSelect Invitation Round

After the EOI submission is complete, the applicant is ranked by a points score system. Skilled workers with the best points scores will be issued with an invitation to apply for a visa. People with more work experience, higher qualifications and better English scores have more chances of getting an invitation.

What Happens if I’m Selected?

If the worker has been selected to apply for a visa, he or she will have 60 days to proceed, after which the invitation will expire. Hence, the applicant needs to be prepared in advance and act fast when the opportunity comes his way.

If not selected, the EOI will remain valid for two years, during which the applicant is able to update the EOI with any new details.