Published Oct 27, 2025 · 4 min read

Expression of Interest: A Visa Application How-To

Applying for an Australian working visa? In the pathway to the application process, the Expression of Interest (EOI) is pivotal in getting you started right. What is it and how does it relate to your visa? Let’s dive into details and discover how you can create a solid EOI submission.  Expression of Interest | What […]

Applying for an Australian working visa? In the pathway to the application process, the Expression of Interest (EOI) is pivotal in getting you started right. What is it and how does it relate to your visa? Let’s dive into details and discover how you can create a solid EOI submission. 

Expression of Interest | What it’s all about 

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is a statement submitted to the Australian Immigration about wanting to apply for a working visa to Australia. Consider it as an introduction to the visa application process. 

Vying for a Working Visa | Who the EOI is for

This formal statement are for those who are looking to apply for a:

  • Skilled Independent (subclass 189) visa
  • Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa
  • Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa

From Expression to Invitation | The Process 

1. Creating an EOI

  • Create an account in SkillSelect
  • Fill in all your personal information
  • Select the occupation that aligns with your set of skills and qualifications
  • List down your Education and Work Experience 
  • Prepare and attach your skills assessment document files 
  • Include your English language proficiency test results (IELTS, PTE or TOEFL)
  • Get your overall score in the points-based system 

2. Submitting an EOI

  • Make sure to read through all the information
  • Remember to add in all the relevant details you can
  • Once you’ve done these, you’re all set

3. After submitting 

  • Wait for the result from Immigration
  • The EOI has a 2-year validity period
  • You have the chance to update it anytime 
  • If you pass the required score for your visa subclass, you’ll receive an invitation
  • The invite indicates the go-ahead for your visa application (submit requirements and pay visa fee)

The Prep Period | Documents and Requirements

✔️Passport 

✔️Birth Certificate

✔️Degree & Diplomas

✔️Transcripts

✔️Employment Letters

✔️References

✔️Test Scores

✔️Assessment Report

Good on Paper | How to Write your Expression of Interest

1. Clear Communication

  • Concise, precise, and direct delivery
  • Avoid jargon or technical language
  • Stay relevant and on-topic

2. Format and Formality

  • Organize parts of the statement into different sections
  • Arrange headings, subheadings, and body paragraphs

3. Essentials Highlight

  • Present skills, achievements, qualifications, certifications
  • Show examples of skills that can be beneficial to the Australia

4. Evidence Presentation

  • Include and attach documents that are proof of qualifications
  • Evidence enhances credibility 

5. Proofread and Polish

  • Reread the text for improvements
  • Check for coherence and relevance 
  • Tweak to refine grammar

Eligibility Scores | Points-Based System

By Age
Table 1

By QualificationsTable 2

By English ProficiencyTable 3

By Work ExperienceTable 4

By Other Factors
Table 5

 

Nomination for Additional Points | Subclass 190 & 491

An applicant gets more points when they get nominated by a state or territory. Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) adds 5 points, while Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) gets 15 points. You can check out the requirements for each location:

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

New South Wales (NSW)

Northern Territory (NT)

Queensland (QLD)

South Australia (SA)

Tasmania (TAS)

Victoria (VIC)

Western Australia (WA)

Learn how to gain extra points from our very own Nick Yock

Expression of Interest vs. Registration of Interest | What’s the difference?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is a statement submitted to Immigration about wanting to apply for a Skilled Migration Visa to Australia while the Registration for Interest (ROI) is made for individuals searching for state nominations.

Table 6

Expression of Interest vs. Registration of Interest | The similarities?

Both are essential processes to go through when planning to work and migrate to Australia. EOI opens the opportunity while the ROI focuses on getting applicants who can have skills that are needed in certain states.

Pro Tips: Important DO’s when making your EOI 

☑️ Give complete and true information 

☑️ Submit verified documents

☑️ Meet the necessary requirements

☑️ Update your EOI account as often as possible 

Aussie Opportunities | Jobs in the Skilled Occupation List

Here are a few occupations to choose from within the extensive list provided by Immigration:

  • Agricultural Consultant
  • Architect
  • Artistic Director
  • Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)
  • Dairy Cattle Farmer
  • Hardware Technician
  • Librarian
  • Optometrist
  • Retail Manager
  • Speech Pathologist
  • Youth Worker 
  • Zookeeper

Need more information before taking on the next crucial step on your journey? Count on Pathway to Aus to provide you with expert migration agents to help you prep and process what you need!

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