What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a profile you submit through SkillSelect, the Department of Home Affairs' online system for managing skilled migration applications. Your EOI is assessed and ranked against other EOIs based on your points score. If you receive an invitation to apply, you can then lodge a formal visa application. EOIs are required for the Skilled Independent visa (189), Skilled Nominated visa (190), and Skilled Work Regional visa (491).

What is a skills assessment and why do I need one?

A skills assessment is an evaluation of your qualifications and work experience by a relevant assessing authority to determine whether they meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. A positive skills assessment is required for most points-tested skilled visas and some employer-sponsored visas. The assessing authority depends on your occupation — for example, Engineers Australia assesses engineering occupations, and VETASSESS assesses a wide range of trade and professional occupations.

What happens if my skills assessment is negative?

If your skills assessment is negative, you may be able to apply for a review or reassessment. The process depends on the assessing authority. In some cases, you may be able to provide additional evidence to support your application. I can advise you on the best course of action after reviewing your negative assessment.

How many points do I need to receive an invitation to apply?

The points required to receive an invitation vary depending on the visa subclass, the occupation, and the current demand for that occupation. The minimum pass mark is 65 points, but in practice, most invitations are issued to applicants with 80 or more points. The cut-off points for each invitation round are published by the Department of Home Affairs. I can advise you on your points score and the likely cut-off for your occupation.

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EOIs & Skills Assessments

Get your skills recognised — the first step to skilled migration.

Nilesh Nandan

Immigration Lawyer · BBus(Accy) LLB MBA · Last updated March 2026

Book a 10-minute chat · $97

Overview

An Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and a positive skills assessment are essential prerequisites for most skilled migration visas in Australia. The skills assessment process can be complex, with different assessing authorities applying different criteria depending on your occupation. I guide you through every step to maximise your chances of a positive outcome.

Australia has over 40 skills assessing authorities, each responsible for assessing specific occupations. The requirements vary significantly — some require formal qualifications, others focus on work experience, and some require both. Choosing the right assessing authority and understanding their specific requirements is critical to a successful outcome.

Your EOI score in SkillSelect determines your ranking for invitation to apply for a skilled visa. Points are awarded for age, English language ability, skilled employment experience (both in Australia and overseas), educational qualifications, Australian study requirement, specialist educational qualification, partner skills, and state/territory nomination. I advise on strategies to maximise your points.

If your skills assessment is negative, you may be able to appeal the decision or apply for a review. Some assessing authorities have internal review processes, while others require you to lodge a fresh application addressing the issues identified. I can advise on the best approach for your specific situation.

Key Facts

Assessing Authorities40+ across all occupations

EOI PlatformSkillSelect (Department of Home Affairs)

Points Required65 minimum (higher scores invited first)

EOI Validity2 years from lodgement

Processing Time4-12 weeks (varies by authority)

How I Work — Step by Step

Occupation Assessment

I identify the correct skills assessing authority for your nominated occupation and review their specific requirements.

Evidence Gathering

I help you gather all required evidence including qualifications, employment references, and any supplementary documents.

Skills Assessment Lodgement

I prepare and lodge your skills assessment application with the relevant authority.

EOI Optimisation

I advise on strategies to maximise your EOI points score, including state nomination options.

Invitation & Visa Application

Once invited, I prepare and lodge your skilled visa application with all supporting evidence.

What I Do

Identify the correct skills assessing authority for your occupation
Prepare your skills assessment application with all required evidence
Advise on strategies to maximise your EOI points score
Handle skills assessment reviews and appeals
Manage the EOI lodgement and invitation process through SkillSelect
Advise on state and territory nomination options to boost your points

Who Is This For?

›Skilled workers preparing for the points-based migration program (189/190/491)
›Workers needing a skills assessment for employer-sponsored visas (SID/186)
›Applicants who have received a negative skills assessment and need a review
›Applicants seeking to maximise their EOI points score
›Workers unsure which assessing authority applies to their occupation

Recent Case Outcome

I recently assisted a client whose Subclass 189 visa application was jeopardised by a negative skills assessment from Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). We successfully argued at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) that his overseas trade qualification was equivalent to the Australian standard, leading to his visa being granted.

* Details anonymized to protect client confidentiality.

Common questions about

How do I know which skills assessing authority to use?+

The correct assessing authority depends on your nominated occupation. The Department of Home Affairs publishes occupation lists that specify the relevant assessing authority for each occupation. Common authorities include Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, ACS (for IT professionals), and TRA (for trades). I can identify the correct authority for your occupation.

What if my skills assessment is negative?+

A negative skills assessment is not necessarily the end of the road. You may be able to appeal the decision, apply for a review, or lodge a fresh application addressing the issues identified. Some assessing authorities have internal review processes. I can advise on the best approach for your situation.

How long does a skills assessment take?+

Processing times vary by assessing authority, typically ranging from 4 to 12 weeks. Some authorities offer priority processing for an additional fee. I can advise on expected timeframes for your specific occupation and authority.

What happens if I choose the wrong occupation or assessing authority for my skills assessment?+

Choosing the correct ANZSCO code and corresponding skills assessing authority is a critical first step that many applicants get wrong. A mistake here can lead to a negative assessment, which means you lose your application fee and valuable time. For instance, an IT professional might be unsure whether to apply to the Australian Computer Society (ACS) or VETASSESS. As your representative, I ensure we meticulously analyse your qualifications and work experience against the specific criteria of the most suitable assessing authority. Under the Migration Regulations 1994, a valid skills assessment is mandatory for most skilled visas, including the Subclass 189 and 190. Getting it right from the start is non-negotiable, as a refusal can significantly delay your migration plans and may even have implications for future applications. I guide my clients through this complex maze to ensure their application is lodged with the best possible chance of success.

Can I update my Expression of Interest (EOI) after submitting it?+

Yes, you can and absolutely should update your Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SkillSelect system. Your EOI is not a static application; it's a live profile that you can amend as your circumstances change. For example, if you gain another year of skilled employment, improve your English test score, or if your relationship status changes, these factors can alter your points score. Failing to update your EOI could mean you miss out on an invitation to apply. For instance, under the points test set out in the Migration Regulations 1994, claiming partner points incorrectly can lead to a visa refusal under Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4020 for providing misleading information. I always advise my clients to regularly review and update their EOI to ensure it accurately reflects their current situation and maximises their chances of receiving an invitation.