Key takeaway: Home Affairs says you must submit an expression of interest in SkillSelect and be invited before you can apply for the subclass 189 visa. The points threshold is 65, but reaching it does not mean an invitation will follow. You need a skills assessment before you submit the EOI.

Start with an expression of interest

SkillSelect is the Australian Government’s online system for skilled workers who want to express their interest in applying for a visa to live and work in Australia. You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) before you can be invited to apply for the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa. The same EOI step applies to the subclass 190 and 491 visas. You can update your EOI at any time before you receive an invitation.

Department of Home Affairs: SkillSelect Department of Home Affairs: SkillSelect Expression of Interest

The points threshold

The subclass 189, 190 and 491 visas are points based. To be invited to apply for one of them, Home Affairs says you need to meet or exceed the points threshold of 65. Points are awarded for factors such as age, work experience, educational qualifications and English language proficiency. When you complete your EOI, SkillSelect gives you an indicative points score. Reaching the minimum threshold does not mean an invitation will follow.

Department of Home Affairs: SkillSelect Expression of Interest

Occupation and skills assessment

Home Affairs lists the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) Points-tested stream among the visas that use the skilled occupation list. The combined list gives the ANZSCO code for each occupation and the assessing authority for skills assessments. The current list for each visa program is in its legislative instrument. You need a skills assessment in your nominated occupation before you can submit the EOI. It is an independent assessment of your skills and qualifications by an Australian assessing authority. In the EOI you enter the date of the assessment, the name of the authority and the reference or receipt number.

Department of Home Affairs: Skilled occupation list Department of Home Affairs: Submitting your Expression of Interest

English language and work history

You may need to take an English language test and score at least competent English. Citizens of Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the USA can use a valid passport as evidence of competent English. Home Affairs does not accept English test results from tests delivered completely online (remote-proctored or at-home). The EOI also asks for your work history for the past 10 years.

Department of Home Affairs: Submitting your Expression of Interest Department of Home Affairs: Competent English

After an invitation

An invitation is a separate step from the EOI and from a visa grant. If you are invited to apply, you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to complete and submit a visa application online. This article does not predict whether you will be invited.

Department of Home Affairs: SkillSelect Expression of Interest

Questions before acting

Does reaching 65 points mean I will be invited?

No. Home Affairs says that even if you meet the minimum points threshold, there is no guarantee you will receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.

Is an EOI a visa grant?

No. You submit an EOI first, then wait for an invitation. Only if you are invited do you complete and submit a visa application, within 60 days of the invitation.

Do I need a skills assessment before I submit the EOI?

Home Affairs says you will need a skills assessment in the occupation you are nominating before you can submit your EOI.

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About the author

António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.

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