Common Questions About EOI Answered: How to Optimize Your Expression of Interest to Secure a Skilled Visa Invitation in Australia

Want to migrate to Australia but don’t know where to start? The EOI (Expression of Interest) is the very first and most important step. It’s how you express your intention to the Australian Government to be considered for skilled migration visas.

In this article, IMMI Centre will explain in detail what an EOI is, how the submission process works, how points are calculated, expected waiting times, and proven strategies to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

What is EOI?

An EOI (Expression of Interest) is an online application submitted through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. It is not a visa application, but rather the step that allows the government to assess your profile.

If you meet the requirements, you will receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA), at which point you can lodge your skilled visa application. In other words, the EOI is the first and decisive step that determines whether you have a chance to move forward in the Australian skilled migration process.

• Skilled Visa Subclasses That Require an EOI:

  • Visa 189 – Skilled Independent: A permanent residency visa that does not require nomination from a state/territory or sponsorship from a family member.

  • Visa 190 – Skilled Nominated: A permanent residency visa that requires nomination from an Australian state or territory government. Successful applicants receive additional points for nomination.

  • Visa 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional): A five-year provisional visa that requires nomination from a state/territory or sponsorship from an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. It provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years if conditions are met.

How the EOI Points Test Works

To be considered under the EOI Points Test system, applicants must score at least 65 points according to Australia’s skilled migration scale. However, 65 points is only the minimum requirement to enter the pool.

In practice, most occupations require a much higher score — typically 80–90 points or more — to have a realistic chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Below is a breakdown of how EOI points are calculated across key criteria:

• Age

  • 18 – 24 years: 25 points

  • 25 – 32 years: 30 points (highest)

  • 33 – 39 years: 25 points

  • 40 – 44 years: 15 points

  • 45 years and over: 0 points

  ➫ This means the “golden age” for Australia’s skilled migration is between 25 and 32 years old, as applicants in this group gain the maximum score advantage.

  
  

• English Language Proficiency

  • Competent English (IELTS 6.0 / PTE 50): 0 points (minimum required to lodge an EOI).

  • Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 / PTE 65): 10 points.

  • Superior English (IELTS 8.0 / PTE 79): 20 points.

  ➫ English alone can contribute up to 20 points, which makes a significant difference. It is also the easiest factor to improve in a short time with targeted test preparation.

  
  

• Educational Qualifications

  • Trade certificate / Diploma: 10 points.

  • Bachelor’s degree: 15 points.

  • Master’s degree or PhD: 20 points.

  ➫ Achieving a higher qualification not only adds more migration points but also boosts your career prospects in Australia.

  
  

• Skilled Employment Experience

  Outside Australia:

  • 3 – 5 years: 5 points.

  • 5 – 8 years: 10 points.

  • 8 – 10 years: 15 points.

  In Australia:

  • 1 – 3 years: 5 points.

  • 3 – 5 years: 10 points.

  • 5 – 8 years: 15 points.

  • 8 – 10 years: 20 points.

  ➫ Work experience inside Australia is valued more highly, as it demonstrates your ability to adapt and perform in the local labor market.

  
  

• State or Regional Nomination

  In addition to personal points, you can gain extra points through state or regional sponsorship:

  • Visa 190 (Skilled Nominated): +5 points when nominated by a state or territory government.

  • Visa 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional): +15 points when nominated by a state/territory or sponsored by an eligible relative living in a designated regional area.

  
  

• Note: While the minimum to submit an EOI is 65 points, in practice most occupations currently require 80–90 points to realistically receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Ways to Improve Your Chances of Receiving an Invitation Through EOI

1. Improve Your English Language Score

English is the factor you can enhance most quickly to boost your points.

• With Proficient English (IELTS 7.0 or PTE 65), you gain 10 points.

• With Superior English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79), you gain 20 points.

This means English proficiency alone can make a difference of up to 20 points, helping you cross the competitive threshold. Strong English skills are also an advantage when seeking employment in Australia later on.

2. Accumulate More Relevant Work Experience

Work experience is a critical factor that demonstrates your professional capability and adds to your EOI score. Make sure your experience is officially recognized (supported by contracts, payslips, or employer reference letters) so that it is accepted by the relevant skill assessment authority.

3. Choose an Occupation on the Priority List

Not all occupations are invited with the same points. The Australian Government often prioritizes sectors facing skills shortages, such as:

• Information Technology (IT)

• Engineering

• Healthcare and Nursing

If your nominated occupation is on the priority occupation list or a state’s short-term skilled list, your chances of receiving an invitation are significantly higher compared to low-demand occupations.

4. Obtain State or Regional Nomination for Extra Points

For visa subclass 190 and 491, obtaining state nomination or regional sponsorship immediately adds points:

• Visa 190 nomination: +5 points

• Visa 491 nomination/sponsorship: +15 points

Beyond the extra points, state or regional nomination also improves your chances, since many states allocate specific quotas for applicants they select.

5. Regularly Update Your EOI With Any Changes

Many applicants miss opportunities simply because they fail to update their EOI. Remember, the system assesses your application based on the latest information. If you improve your English score, gain additional qualifications, or increase years of work experience, update your EOI immediately. An outdated or inaccurate EOI will fall behind in the selection pool, even if you technically have enough points.

FAQ – Common Questions About EOI

➥ Can I update my EOI after submission?

Answer: Yes. You can update your EOI at any time if there are changes, such as improving your English test score, completing a new qualification, gaining more work experience, or receiving state/territory nomination.

➥ How many points do I need to submit an EOI, and how many to get invited?Answer: You must have at least 65 points to submit an EOI. However, in reality, the invitation cut-off is usually higher. Many occupations currently require 80–90 points or more to receive an ITA, depending on your occupation, nomination, and competition.

➥ Can I lodge multiple EOIs for the same skilled visa?

Answer: You can submit multiple EOIs if you wish. However, this may spread your profile thin. The better approach is to maintain one main EOI and update it regularly instead of submitting multiple EOIs unnecessarily.

➥ If I decline an invitation, will I lose my chances later?

Answer: You may decline an ITA if you are not ready. Your EOI will remain in the pool, and you can be invited again in future rounds. However, repeatedly declining without valid reasons may cause states or immigration authorities to question your level of commitment.

➥ Does my EOI expire?

Answer: Yes. An EOI is usually valid for up to two years. After that, if you have not been invited or updated your details, it will expire. Therefore, plan to improve your profile within 6–12 months rather than leaving it stagnant for too long.

➥ Is there a priority order for EOIs? Who gets invited first?

Answer: The SkillSelect system ranks EOIs based on:

• Total EOI points

• Occupation demand and priority lists for each invitation round

• Date of submission (earlier applications may be selected first if points are equal)

Optimize Your EOI and Maximize Your Chances of Migrating to Australia

Are you worried whether your EOI (Expression of Interest) for Australia has enough points to receive an invitation? Don’t let your opportunity for migration slip away due to a lack of strategic preparation.

IMMI Centre can help you:

• Conduct a detailed assessment of your EOI score and chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for visas 189, 190, or 491.

• Provide expert advice on improving your English score, optimizing your work experience, and strengthening your academic qualifications.

• Guide you in choosing the right state or regional nomination to boost your chances.

• Support you throughout the entire process — from submitting your EOI to finalizing your skilled migration visa.

Contact IMMI Centre today for tailored advice and start building your successful migration pathway to Australia from the very first step — your EOI!

—————————————

Contact Information

Western Australia Office

Unit 15, 87 McLarty Avenue, Joondalup, WA 6027

Hotline Perth: +61 424 86 77 68

Sydney Office, Australia

Level 1, 4 Railway Parade, Burwood, NSW 2134

Hotline Sydney: +61 2 9715 4752

Vietnam Office

205 Truong Chinh Street, Tan Thoi Nhat Ward, District 12, Ho Chi Minh City

Hotline Vietnam: +84 364 183 784