SkillSelect is the online platform where you submit an Expression of Interest for skilled migration visas (189, 190, 491). Here is how it works.
What is an EOI?
An Expression of Interest is not a visa application. It is a declaration of your qualifications, experience, and points score. The Department of Home Affairs uses it to rank candidates and issue invitations to apply.
Step by step
- Go to skillselect.gov.au and create an account
- Fill in your details: personal information, qualifications, work experience, English scores, and skills assessment details
- Select your visa preferences: tick which visa subclasses you are interested in (189, 190, 491, or all three)
- Calculate your points: the system will calculate your total based on the information you provide
- Submit your EOI: once submitted, you enter the pool and wait for an invitation
How invitations work
The Department runs regular invitation rounds (usually monthly). In each round, they select the highest-scoring candidates from the pool, up to the occupation ceiling for each ANZSCO code.
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to lodge your visa application. If you do not lodge within 60 days, the invitation expires and your EOI goes back into the pool.
Important rules
Your EOI must be accurate. Everything you claim in your EOI must be supported by evidence when you lodge your visa application. If you claim 10 points for work experience but cannot prove it, your visa can be refused.
You can update your EOI at any time. If your English score improves or you gain more work experience, update your EOI to increase your points. Your effective date resets to the date of the update.
Points are assessed at two points in time: the date of invitation and the date of visa application. You must meet the points threshold at both times.
Multiple EOIs are not allowed. You can only have one active EOI at a time for each visa subclass.
Tips
- Submit your EOI as soon as you have your skills assessment and English results
- Set your preferences to all three subclasses (189, 190, 491) to maximise your chances
- Check the SkillSelect invitation round results each month to understand the current competitive score for your occupation
- Do not overstate your claims. Audits happen and visa refusals for fraud are permanent.
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Important: Australian.com provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Only a registered migration agent (MARA) or Australian legal practitioner can provide immigration advice. Information is current as of the date published but immigration law changes frequently. Verify all details with the Department of Home Affairs.