Can I Submit an EOI Before Getting a Skills Assessment?
If you are considering skilled migration to Australia, you may be wondering whether you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) before obtaining a positive skills assessment.
For most skilled migration applicants, the answer is no.
A positive skills assessment is generally required before you can submit an EOI for the points-tested skilled migration visas, including the Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491).
Why Is a Skills Assessment Required?
A skills assessment provides an independent assessment of whether your qualifications and employment experience meet the requirements for your nominated occupation.
The assessment is conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation, rather than by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your skills assessment is important because your nominated occupation forms the basis of your skilled migration application. It can also affect the number of points you are able to claim and whether you meet the requirements to proceed with an EOI.
You can read more about the process in our guide to Australian skills assessments.
What Happens After the Skills Assessment?
Once you have obtained a positive skills assessment, you can generally proceed with your EOI.
The EOI requires you to provide information about matters including your occupation, qualifications, employment experience, English language ability and other factors relevant to your points score.
Your EOI is then entered into the relevant SkillSelect pool.
Being able to submit an EOI does not mean that you will automatically receive an invitation to apply for a visa. Invitations depend on factors including your points score, occupation, the number of places available and the relevant invitation arrangements.
For this reason, it is important to understand your likely points position before submitting an EOI.
Our Australian Skilled Migration Points Test guide explains how the points system works and the factors that may affect your score.
What If My Skills Assessment Is Negative?
If your skills assessment is unsuccessful, you should not simply proceed on the assumption that you will be able to claim that occupation in your EOI.
The reasons for an unsuccessful assessment should be carefully considered. Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to provide additional evidence, seek a review or reconsider whether another occupation may be appropriate.
Choosing the correct occupation from the beginning is therefore an important part of developing a skilled migration strategy.
Get Advice Before Submitting Your EOI
Submitting an EOI is an important step in the skilled migration process, but it should not be approached as simply completing an online form.
Your nominated occupation, skills assessment, points score and supporting evidence all need to be considered as part of your broader migration strategy.
If you are unsure whether your skills assessment, occupation or points position is suitable for an EOI, professional advice can help you understand your options before you proceed.
At Graham-Nguyen & Associates, we believe informed clients make better migration decisions.
Contact us today to discuss your Australian skilled migration options.
About the Author
Andrew Graham is the Principal of Graham-Nguyen & Associates and a Registered Australian Migration Agent (MARN 1067354). Based in Singapore, he advises clients throughout Singapore, Asia and around the world on Australian skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas, Australian citizenship and other Australian migration matters.
Andrew regularly publishes practical guidance on Australian migration law and policy to help prospective migrants make informed decisions. His articles combine current Australian migration legislation and policy with the practical insights gained from many years of assisting individuals and families with Australian migration matters.
Need Advice About Your Skilled Migration Options?
Understanding when to submit an EOI is only one part of developing a successful skilled migration strategy.
Your occupation, skills assessment, qualifications, employment history, English language ability and points position all need to be considered together before you proceed.
At Graham-Nguyen & Associates, I have assisted clients throughout Singapore, India, the Philippines and across the Asia-Pacific region with Australian skilled migration for many years.
If you would like advice tailored to your individual circumstances, I would be pleased to help.
At Graham-Nguyen & Associates, we believe informed clients make better migration decisions.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation:
📧 Email: enquiries@graham-nguyen.com
👉 Contact Us: https://www.graham-nguyen.com/contact
You Might Also Be Interested In...
If you found this article helpful, you may also be interested in these articles:
• Australian Skilled Migration: A Comprehensive Guide to Australia's Permanent Skilled Visa Program
• What Is an Australian Migration Skills Assessment?
• Australian Skilled Migration Points Test: A Complete Guide
• Expression of Interest (EOI) for Australian Skilled Migration: What It Is and Why It Matters
• Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189): Australia's Flagship Skilled Migration Pathway
• Australian Skilled Migration: Do You Have to Stay in Your Nominated Occupation?
• Why Evidence Matters in Australian Visa Applications
Final Thoughts
For most applicants seeking a points-tested skilled migration visa, obtaining a positive skills assessment should come before submitting an EOI.
Taking the time to choose the right occupation, obtain the appropriate skills assessment and understand your points position can help you make more informed decisions about your Australian migration pathway.
An EOI is an important step, but it is only one part of the broader skilled migration process.
