Right now, Australia is among the best countries for people who are looking for better work and life opportunities as the country is suffering from a skilled workers shortage. SkillSelect is the application system through which you can express yourself in working and living in Australia. To express that interest, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
But before submitting one you should know all the ins and outs of it like if you are eligible for it or not. This blog will help you understand the key factors associated with SkillSelect and EOI.
What Is SkillSelect and the Expression of Interest?
SkillSelect Australia is an online application system for skilled workers who want to express interest in applying for a skilled migration visa, to live and work in Australia. Through SkillSelect, the Government of Australia, state and territory governments invite a number of skilled workers to make visa applications.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) Australia is an online application which includes personal details, skills assessment and English test results, that you must complete in order to apply for a visa through SkillSelect. It is a way for the Australian government to assess the skills of potential immigrants and determine which occupations are in short supply.
You will need to provide detailed information about your skills and experience, as well as your education and qualifications. It is important to ensure that your Expression of Interest is well-written and tailored to the nominated occupation you are applying for.
If you are invited to apply for the skilled migration visa you have conveyed interest in. SkillSelect covers the following subclasses:
- SkillSelect Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
- Skilled Independent (New Zealand Stream) Visa
- Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
- Temporary Graduate Skilled Visa (Subclass 485)
- Permanent Residence Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 191)
Eligibility Criteria for SkillSelect to Submit an EOI
In order to be eligible to submit an EOI SkillSelect, to be eligible you need to have:
- You must have skill assessment
- You must be able to demonstrate that you have the English language skills necessary to work in Australia
- You must have at least 65 points or more.
How to Create an Expression of Interest (EOI)
You have decided to express interest in applying for a skilled migration in Australia through SkillSelect.Your visa application starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI) which is why it should be crafted with perfection.
The first step is to create an expression of interest (EOI). This is a brief document that summarises your skills and experience and why you are interested in the job. It is important to make sure your EOI is well written, as it will be used to assess your eligibility for the job.
The following tips will help you to create a winning EOI on SkillSelect:
Start by introducing yourself (given name and surname, date of birth, countries of citizenship and stating your reasons for applying.
- State the nominated occupation
- Outline your skills, employment history and experience, making sure to highlight the relevant ones for the job.
- Make it clear why you are interested in the job and what you can offer.
- English language proficiency
- Any information pertaining to a state or territory nomination. This shows whether you are prepared to live and work in regional Australia
Your EOI is your chance to shine and show why you are the perfect candidate for the job. Make sure to take your time writing it and proofread it carefully.
Point-based assessment and occupation list for SkillSelect EOI
When submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect, it’s important to understand the point-based assessment criteria, as well as the relevant occupation list. This will ensure that your points are accurately calculated so you can maximise your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a visa. Your allocated points determine where you rank in the EOI pool, and ultimately increase your chances of being selected for immigration. The point-based assessment system is based on a range of factors, such as age, language proficiency, work experience, education level and other skills. You can calculate your points from here.
The list of eligible skilled occupations ‘Skilled Occupation List’ will vary depending on your location and field; it’s important to understand which occupations are suitable for you and make sure they are included in your application. SkillSelect also allows you to enter multiple occupations if you are qualified in more than one area.
You can calculate your points with the help of this table:
| Age Group | Points | English Proficiency | Points | Work Experience | Points |
| 18 to 24 | 25 Points | IELTS 6 | 0 Points | At least one but less than three years | 5 Points |
| 25 to 32 | 30 Points | IELTS 7 | 10 Points | At least three but less than five years | 10 Points |
| 33 to 39 | 25 Points | IELTS 8 | 20 Points | At least five but less than eight years | 15 Points |
| 40 to 44 | 15 Points | At least eight but less than ten years | 20 Points |
| Educational Qualification | Point | Education in Australia | Points |
| Doctorate from an Australian educational institution or other recognised standard | 20 Points | A Master’s degree by research or a Doctorate degree from an Australian educational institution that included at least 2 academic years study in a relevant field. | 10 points |
| At least a Bachelor degree, including a Bachelor degree with Honours or Masters, from an Australian recognised Standards | 15 Points | Regional Study | 5 Points |
| Diploma completed in Australia, trade qualification completed in Australia, or qualification or award of recognised standard | 10 Points | ||
| Obtained a qualification or award recognised by the relevant assessing authority for your nominated skilled occupation as being suitable for that occupation | 10 Points |
| Spouse Skills & Qualifications | Points | ProfessionaL Years | Points | Nomination & Sponsorship | Points |
| spouse also needs to be an applicant for this visa and meet age, English and skill requirements | 10 Points | Successful completion of professional year in Australia | 5 Points | Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190) | 5 Points |
| Your spouse must also be an applicant for this visa and has competent English | 5 points | Skilled Nominated or Sponsored Visa (Subclass 489) | 10 Points | ||
| Your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident | 10 Points |
How to Apply for SkillSelect?
The procedure is pretty easy and can be found on the website of the Australian Government.
- First, you need to get your skill assessed
- Write your EOI
- Submit your EOI
- You will be issued an invitation to apply for a skilled visa (this is not guaranteed though)
- You can apply for your chosen visa through ImmiAccount
- Upload all documents to ImmiAccount
The invitation is issued to those who have submitted an EOI and met or exceeded the point criteria in eligible occupations.
Also, check to make sure to stay up to date on current SkillSelect policy changes and updates. This can be done by subscribing to the Australian Government’s Department of Immigration and Border Protection newsletter or by visiting the official website regularly.
What if You Are Not Invited To Apply for a Visa?
As it is not guaranteed that you will get an invitation after submitting an Expression of Interest will stay in the SkillSelect for two years maximum if you did not get an invite.
Conclusion
When it comes to your expression of interest, make sure that it’s as strong as possible. Highlight your skills and experience, and make sure that you target the right immigration category. Also, make sure that you’re familiar with the SkillSelect process and the different stages of the application process.
