SkillSelect and Expressions of Interest
How Skilled Visa Invitations Work

• A registration of your interest in being invited to apply for a subclass 189, 190, or 491 visa
• Scored automatically by the Department using the points you claim
• Eligible for invitation in periodic rounds while active (up to 24 months)
• Updatable at any time — but changes reset your submission date in some circumstances

• Not a visa application — lodging an EOI does not create any visa rights
• Not a guarantee of an invitation — receiving an invitation depends on your score relative to other candidates in the pool
• Not assessed by a case officer at the EOI stage — points are accepted at face value; verification happens at application stage
• Not a commitment — withdrawing an EOI has no negative consequence

Before a state or territory can nominate you for a 190 or 491, you must have an active EOI in SkillSelect that includes that state's visa preference. Some states require that you register your interest directly through their state nomination portal in addition to having a SkillSelect EOI.

Each state and territory publishes its own occupation list (sometimes called a 'skilled occupation list' or 'state nomination list') with targeted professions. Being on the CSOL or MLTSSL does not mean you are on any particular state's list. Check each state's current list before adding a 190 or 491 preference to your EOI.

A 190 state nomination adds 5 points to your score. A 491 regional nomination adds 15 points. These additional points are credited after the nomination is granted — they are not in your EOI until the nomination is received.

The most common and serious error. EOI points are not verified at submission — but they will be scrutinised at visa application stage. If you claim IELTS Superior (20 points) but only hold an IELTS Proficient score, or claim a qualification that has not been formally assessed, the Department may find your application involved a misrepresentation.

Claiming more years of experience than can be evidenced with payslips, tax records, or employer references. Experience must typically be in the nominated ANZSCO occupation — work in a related but different occupation may not count.

The Australian study requirement has specific conditions, including minimum duration of study in Australia. Not all qualifications completed partly offshore qualify.

Claiming partner/spouse skills points without the partner having a current positive skills assessment or functional English. Points claimed for a partner who does not meet the criterion will be removed.

If your circumstances change (e.g. a claimed qualification is downgraded, your English score expires) you should update your EOI. Lodging a visa application based on points that no longer apply at the time of invitation can constitute a misrepresentation.