How to Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Visas

Thinking about staying in Australia on a Skilled visa?

Before you can even apply for visas like the 189, 190, or 491, you need to lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.

Below, you’ll know exactly how to write and lodge an EOI to increase your chances of getting invited to apply for skilled visas.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is your way of telling the Australian Government, “Hey, I’ve got the skills you’re looking for—pick me!” It’s an online form you fill out in SkillSelect, the government’s system for skilled migration.

Your EOI includes details about your work experience, qualifications, English test results, and other factors that can earn you points.

Submitting an EOI is not the same as applying for a visa. 

You’re simply putting your hand up to be considered. If your profile matches what Australia needs, you might get an invitation to apply.

1. Skills Assessment

You must have a valid skills assessment for the occupation you’re nominating. This is done by a relevant Australian assessing authority, which checks whether your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards. 

For example, if you’re a carpenter, the Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) will assess your skills and qualifications. When you fill out your EOI, you’ll need to provide:

• The date of your assessment

• The name of the assessing authority

• Your reference or receipt number

If you don’t have a valid skills assessment yet, you can start by checking the assessing authority for your occupation. 

2. English Language Test

Most applicants need to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in English.

• If you’re from Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA, a valid passport is enough proof.

• Otherwise, you’ll need to take an approved English test (like IELTS) and include your test details and scores in the EOI.

• Higher scores (proficient or superior English) can give you extra points.

For Skilled Migration visas: 

• You get 20 points if you have Superior English.

• You get 10 points for Proficient English.

On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs updated the required English scores for different Australian visas. 

• If you’re taking PTE, the scores you previously needed to get Superior or Proficient English have changed.

• If you’re taking IELTS, the required scores are still the same. 

Here are the English proficiency scores you need to meet to get Proficient or Superior English (which you’ll need to get extra EOI points): 

Bonus tip: Because DHA accepts IELTS General Training, you have the option to take IELTS General Training over IELTS Academic, if you find that it’s easier for you. 

3. Educational Qualifications

You’ll need to list your qualifications, including:

• Name of your qualification and course

• Institution and campus

• The country where you studied

• Start and end dates

4. Work History

Provide your work history for the last 10 years, including:

• Job title/position

• Employer’s name

• Dates of employment

• Whether the work was related to your nominated occupation

Source: DHA - Expression of interest

Here's how you can lodge your EOI through SkillSelect:

1. Create an account – Visit the SkillSelect website and sign up.

2. Start your EOI. Here, you’ll see a form where you need to:

   1. Select the visa type you’re interested in (189, 190, or 491). You can select multiple visa subclasses as long as you’re eligible for them. 

   2. Select your preferred location in Australia. 

3. Enter your details 

   1. This includes personal information, work history, education, skills assessment, and English test results.

4. Review and submit – Double-check everything before hitting submit. Any wrong information could cost you points or your invitation.

5. Wait for an invitation – There’s no set timeline. Invitations depend on your points, occupation demand, and the visa quota.

Source: DHA - Expression of interest

You can submit an EOI if you are eligible for any skilled visa subclasses. This means you must:

• Have an occupation on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.

• Hold a positive skills assessment for that occupation.

• Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation.

• Meet the English language requirement for skilled migration visas 

• Score at least 65 points on the migration points test.

If you don’t meet these requirements, you can’t submit a valid EOI.

In other words, only people who are eligible for skilled visas like the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional) can lodge an EOI.

Source: DHA - Expression of Interest​

Submitting an EOI is free. 

Once you receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa, that’s when you need to pay a visa application fee. The amount you will pay for your visa application will depend on the subclass you are applying for. 

Sources: DHA - Explanation of application charges

Got any questions about your visa application or fees?

Ask our MARA-registered agents for guidance

Tip #1: Choose a location where your job is in high demand

When selecting your preferred location in Australia, do your research so you’ll know which state strongly needs your occupation. You can also view our State-Specific Skilled Occupation Lists:

• Victoria Skilled Occupation List

• Queensland Skilled Occupation List

• Western Australia Skilled Occupation List

• South Australia Skilled Occupation List

• New South Wales Skilled Occupation List

• Tasmanian Skilled Occupation List

Tip #2: Claim work experience that matches your nominated occupation

You can only claim work experience in your EOI if it’s at a relevant skill level for your nominated occupation. Here’s what that means:

• Relevant = The job must be closely related to your nominated occupation (the one on the skilled occupation list you’re applying under). 

  • For example, if you nominate “Software Engineer,” your claimed work experience should be in roles like software development, programming, or systems design—not unrelated jobs like retail assistant

• Skill level = The job must meet the minimum skill level expected for your occupation in Australia. This usually means it matches the qualification level and responsibilities described for your occupation in the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code.

Tip #3: Meet the Australian Study Requirement

To claim points for the Australian study requirement in your EOI, you must have completed:

• At least 2 academic years of study in Australia (can be one qualification or combined courses)

• In no less than 16 months

• While holding a valid student visa

Your course(s) must:

• Be a Bachelor’s degree or higher, diploma, advanced diploma, or trade qualification

• Be taught in English

• Be CRICOS-registered

• Be completed at an Australian educational institution in Australia

Tip #4: Update your EOI anytime 

You can always update your EOI if you gain more points, like a higher English score or extra work experience.

Sources: DHA - Meeting the Australian study requirement, smartmoveaustralia.gov.au/expression-of-interest

Want more expert tips to boost your visa points?

Ask our MARA-registered agents for guidance

What happens after you submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)?

Once you submit your EOI in SkillSelect, it goes into a pool with other applicants for your chosen visa type.

From there, the Department of Home Affairs regularly reviews EOIs and issues invitations based on:

• Your points score

• Your occupation’s demand

• The number of places available for that visa round

You won’t get any updates unless you’re invited, but you can log in anytime to check your EOI status or update your details if something changes (like a higher English score or new work experience).

What happens when I'm invited to apply?

If you’re invited, you’re now one step closer to your Australian visa.

You’ll get an email from the Department of Home Affairs, and your SkillSelect account will show your invitation.

From the date of invitation, you’ll usually have 60 days to submit your visa application online.

At this stage, you’ll need to upload all supporting documents to prove the information you claimed in your EOI.

What if I am not invited to apply for a visa?

If you don’t receive an invitation, don’t lose hope; many applicants need to wait or improve their points before getting invited. You can:

• Update your EOI with higher English test scores

• Gain more skilled work experience

• Complete an additional study for extra points

Your EOI stays active in SkillSelect for up to two years, so you have time to improve your profile and try again.

Lodging your expression of interest may sound like you’re just filling out a form. But it’s not as simple as that. 

Every point you claim must meet very specific rules. And missing one detail could mean losing your chance at an invitation.

For example, if you’re claiming points for a regional or Australian study, you can only do so if you meet the Australian study requirements.

There are things like this that you may only know from expert advice.

That’s where we can help. At IDP, our MARA agents can guide you through the process, check your eligibility, and make sure your EOI gives you the best chance of success. 

Don’t hesitate to seek help from our MARA agents for any of your visa or migration concerns. 

We have helped thousands of international students like you study and stay in Australia. 

Hear from students around the world

• Student visa success stories

Preparing to apply for permanent residency? More reads for you: 

• How to apply for Australian permanent residency (PR)

• Permanent Residency Pathways for International Students in Australia

Article sources: DHA - Creating and submitting your EOI, Submit an EOI, Meeting the Australian study requirement, DHA - Explanation of application charges