EOI (Expression of Interest) Overview
To apply for skilled migration, you must complete the skills migration EOI points assessment. A score of 65 points or above is required to be eligible to apply for Australian skilled migration. If an applicant seeks the 5-point spouse bonus, the spouse’s age limit is 45 years (previously 50 years).
From 1 July 2012, the Department of Home Affairs introduced a new invitation-based skilled visa system — the EOI (Expression of Interest). In short, the EOI is an official points scorecard published on the Department of Home Affairs website. To lodge a skilled migration application, you must first submit an EOI to indicate your intention to migrate. Before submitting your EOI, you will need to have your skills assessment letter, a Department-recognised English language result, and a 65-point combination structure worked out. Submitted EOI applications are placed in a candidate pool, and the Department selects eligible applicants from the pool each month based on its requirements. Only after receiving an invitation from the Department can you lodge your visa application materials.
Key Points for Australian Skilled Migration Applicants Submitting an EOI
1. Based on the EOI points scorecard, the applicant has reached 65 points. (Each Australian state and territory now selects the best candidates; high scorers are generally more likely to receive an invitation.)
2. Once submitted, the EOI enters the candidate pool and remains valid for two years. A single EOI may receive a maximum of two invitations. If both invitations are declined, the EOI will be removed from the pool;
3. Invitation rounds are currently issued at irregular intervals,with invitations distributed throughout the financial year based on demand— the number of invitations per round willvary depending on the composition of applicants in the pool and the Department’s requirements. Applicants must lodge a visa application within 60 days of receiving an invitation, otherwise the invitation will lapse;
4. Invitation selection distinguishes between onshore and offshore applicants. Where applicants have equal scores, invitations are issued in order of submission date — meaning a score of 65 does not guarantee an invitation; the higher the score and the earlier the submission, the better.However, the Department retains considerable discretionary authority in its selection process.
5. After submitting an EOI, only the nominated occupation cannot be changed; all other points factors may be updated;
6. There are no time or geographic restrictions on submitting an EOI application.
Click here to accessthe ‘New Skilled Migration EOI Online Self-Assessment System’.
Australian Skilled Migration (EOI) Points Table — effective from 16 November 2019
| Australia Skilled Migration Points (EOI) | Detailed Explanation of Australia Skilled Migration Points | Points (EOI) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18-24 | 25 |
| 25-32 | 30 | |
| 33-39 | 25 | |
| 40-44 | 15 | |
| 45-49 | 0 | |
| English Language Ability | Competent English – IELTS (4 bands at 6) | 0 |
| Proficient English – IELTS (4 bands at 7) | 10 | |
| Superior English – IELTS (4 bands at 8) | 20 | |
| Australian work experience in the nominated occupation | 1–3 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 5 |
| 3–5 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 10 | |
| 5–8 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 15 | |
| 8–10 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 20 | |
| Overseas work experience in the nominated occupation | 3–5 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 5 |
| 5–8 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 10 | |
| 8–10 years relevant work experience (past 10 years) | 15 | |
| Educational Qualifications (including overseas and Australian qualifications) | ﹒Offshore recognised apprenticeship \n ﹒AQF III/IV completed in Australia \n ﹒Diploma completed in Australia |
10 |
| Bachelor’s degree (including Honours and Master’s by coursework) | 15 | |
| Doctorate – PhD | 20 | |
| STEM qualification | Completion of at least 2 years of a research-based Master’s or Doctoral programme in a STEM-related field | 10 |
| Study in Australia | 2 or more years of full-time study | 5 |
| Community Language | NAATI accreditation (Level 2 interpreting / Level 3 translating or above) | 5 |
| Single applicant | 10 | |
| Spouse/partner | . Skills assessment and IELTS 4 bands at 6 (or equivalent, e.g. PTE 4 at 50) | 10 |
| ﹒Spouse/partner is an Australian permanent resident or citizen | 10 | |
| ﹒IELTS 4 bands at 6 (or equivalent, e.g. PTE 4 at 50) | 5 | |
| Professional Year (PY) | Nominated occupation relates to an eligible Professional Year programme (available for accounting, engineering, and IT only) | 5 |
| State/Territory Nomination | Applicable to Subclass 190 state nomination | 5 |
| Regional Nomination | Applicable to Subclass 491 regional migration with state/territory or family nomination | 15 |
| Regional Study | Meeting the requirement of 2 years of study in a regional area of Australia (higher education) | 5 |
This points table applies to Australian skilled migration Subclass 189, Subclass 190, and Subclass 491 visa categories
The above is the detailed points breakdown. For applicants without Australian qualifications or work experience, the primary focus is on age, educational qualifications, work experience, and English language results — though earning the spouse points bonus is always advantageous.
