If you are planning to immigrate to Australia and apply for an Australia PR visa, understanding the Expression of Interest (EOI) process is essential. It is the first formal step in the Australian General Skilled Migration (GSM) program and plays a critical role in getting invited to apply for permanent residency.
In this detailed guide, we will explain what an EOI is, how it works, why it matters, and steps to submit an Expression of Interest.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online application lodged through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect platform. It’s a way to express your interest in applying for certain skilled visas under Australia's migration programs, such as Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491.
The EOI is not a visa application in itself. It is a pre-application process that shows the Australian Government that you're a qualified candidate who wants to migrate. Based on the information provided in your EOI, you may be invited to apply for a skilled visa.
How Does the EOI System Work?
The Australian immigration system is points-based, designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to the country’s economy. When you submit an EOI, you enter a pool of candidates and receive a points score based on key selection factors such as:
- Age
- English language proficiency
- Work experience
- Educational qualifications
- Skills assessment
- Partner’s skills and qualifications (if applicable)
Once in the pool, your profile is ranked against other candidates in the same occupation. High-ranking profiles have a better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during regular government invitation rounds.
Step-by-Step Process to Submit an EOI
Let’s break down the EOI process step by step if you wish to immigrate to Australia:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before submitting an EOI, ensure you meet the minimum eligibility criteria for your chosen visa category. Most GSM visas require:
- Age under 45
- At least 65 points
- A positive skills assessment in a listed occupation
- English proficiency tests
- Good health and character
At Cross Border Education, we offer a free eligibility check to assess your profile before you begin.
Step 2: Get Your Skills Assessed
You must get your qualifications and work experience assessed by the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation. For example:
- Engineers: Engineers Australia
- Accountants: CPA Australia or CAANZ
- IT Professionals: ACS (Australian Computer Society)
Step 3: Take an English Language Test
English proficiency is a key factor in your points score. Tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT are accepted. You should aim for at least competent English to meet the minimum requirement, but higher scores can significantly boost your points.
Step 4: Calculate Your Points
You will need to score at least 65 points to be eligible. The more points you have, the better your chances of receiving an ITA. Here is a quick breakdown:
|
Factor |
Maximum Points |
|---|---|
|
Age |
30 |
|
English Proficiency |
20 |
|
Work Experience (Overseas and Australian) |
20 |
|
Qualifications |
20 |
|
Australian Study |
5 |
|
Partner Skills |
10 |
|
State Nomination/Regional Sponsorship |
15 |
Step 5: Submit EOI via SkillSelect
Once your documentation is in order, head to the SkillSelect portal and create an account. You’ll be asked to enter:
- Personal details
- Education history
- Work experience
- English test scores
- Skills assessment outcome
- Preferred visa subclass
- State or territory preferences (for Subclass 190/491)
Step 6: Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)
After submission, your EOI will remain in the pool for up to two years. You can update your EOI at any time if you achieve higher English scores, gain new experience, or receive a nomination. Invitation rounds typically occur monthly. If you are among the highest-ranking applicants in your occupation group, you may receive an ITA to apply for a visa.
How Long Does the EOI Process Take?
There is no fixed timeline. It depends on your total points score, the demand for your occupation, number of invitations issued by the Department of Home Affairs, or state/territory nomination timelines. Some candidates with 90+ points receive invitations within weeks, while others may wait months.
Why Does the EOI Process Matters?
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process holds immense importance for anyone planning to migrate to Australia through the skilled migration route. Submitting a strong and accurate EOI is not just a formality. It is the gateway to securing a skilled migration visa. A well-crafted EOI enables you to stand out among thousands of applicants, improving your chances of receiving an invitation to apply. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility for state or territory nominations and employer sponsorships, which can significantly boost your visa prospects. In short, the EOI is your first impression on the Australian immigration authorities and it must be compelling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The common mistakes to avoid while submitting an EOI are:
- Overstating points to improve ranking (this may result in a ban)
- Using outdated test results or expired skills assessments
- Choosing the wrong occupation or assessment authority
- Failing to update changes in profile (example: marital status, job change)
With expert guidance from Cross Border Education, you can avoid these pitfalls and confidently move forward.
How Cross-Border Education Can Help?
As one of the best Australian PR consultants, Cross Border Education has helped thousands of aspiring immigrants achieve their Australian dream. Our EOI support includes:
- Profile evaluation and points calculation
- Assistance in documentation
- End-to-end support in submitting EOI via SkillSelect
- Guidance on state or territory nomination
- Updates on invitation rounds and strategy to improve ranking
We stay updated with the latest immigration trends to give you the best chance of success.
Conclusion
The Expression of Interest (EOI) is a crucial step in Australia's skilled migration process. It is an online form submitted via the SkillSelect portal to express your desire to apply for visas like Subclass 189, 190, or 491. The EOI helps the Australian government assess your skills and determine your eligibility for a PR visa.
The blog explains how the EOI works, from checking eligibility and getting a skills assessment to taking an English test, calculating points, and finally submitting the EOI. Your profile is ranked in a pool of applicants, and higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
It highlights why submitting a well-prepared EOI matters: it acts as a gateway to skilled visas, helps position you competitively, and opens doors to state nominations or sponsorships. The blog also warns against common mistakes like providing incorrect information or miscalculating points.
