SKILLSELECT EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) SYSTEM

Applicants for a variety of visa subclasses must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), with only the best applicants being invited to submit applications.

Skill Select is the sole way to submit the following sorts of applications:

• Experienced (Points Tested) Visas

1. Subclass 189 Visas for Skilled Independent Workers
2. Visas for Skilled Nominated Subclass 190
3. Subclass 491 (Provisional) Skilled Work Regional Visa

• Visas for people with business skills

1. Subclass 132 Visas for Business Talent
2. Subclass 188 Visas for Business Innovation and Investment

Some employer-sponsored visas can be applied for through Skill Select, although this is optional; you can still apply directly instead of through Skill Select:

• ENS – Employer Nomination Scheme.
• RSMS – Regional Skilled Migration Scheme.
• 457 Temporary Employment (Skilled)

What does SkillSelect have to do with Skilled Points Tested Visas?

You must have completed your skills exam and have proof of your English language ability competence in order to submit an EOI.

Prior to submitting an EOI, you may want to get a nomination from a state or territory government, as this may increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

Processing of Expressions of Interest – Self-Sponsored and Family-Sponsored Applicants

The Department of Immigration evaluates the EOIs that have been submitted by Independent and Family Sponsored Applicants on a regular basis. They send out invitations to the top applicants to apply for skilled points tested migration. This happens every two weeks at the moment.

Quotas are established for each occupational group (known as a “occupational ceiling”). An invitation will be sent to the folks who have the highest point total. People with greater work experience, better English scores, and higher qualifications have the best chance of being invited.

Processing of Expressions of Interest – Applicants Nominated by the State

If you want to be considered for a position by a state or territory government, you must first submit an EOI. SkillSelect will normally send you an invitation as soon as the state or territory government completes your nomination.

To obtain an invitation, you must have a passing score (currently 65 points (as of 1 July 2018) for Skilled Points Tested applicants).

While state-nominated applicants are not subject to occupational ceilings, governments and territories may establish internal quotas for each occupation.

After being invited, there is a time limit for applying.

You must submit your visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation.

While state-nominated applicants are not subject to occupational ceilings, governments and territories may establish internal quotas for each occupation.

If you do not apply within this time frame, your invitation will expire. If you are invited only once, there is no certainty that you will be invited again, and you can only receive two invitations before your application is deleted from the EOI system.

In other words, you must be prepared ahead of time to ensure that you are ready to seize the chance when it arises. If you’d want a complete assessment of your circumstances, or if you’d like our help completing your Expression of Interest and visa application, please schedule an immigration appointment.