What Really Happens After You Lodge Your Expression of Interest (EOI) for Skilled Migration to Australia?

So, you’ve taken that first leap and submitted your Expression of Interest (EOI) for skilled migration to Australia. That’s a big milestone! Well done! But now you’re probably asking the same question we hear every day:

“What happens next?”

If you’re feeling uncertain, you’re not alone. Many applicants think lodging the EOI is the hard part only to realise that the waiting game can be even more confusing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what really happens after you submit your EOI, what you can do in the meantime, and how we at Pathway to Aus can support you from start to finish. Whether you’re applying for a student visa, a skilled visa, or anything in between.

EOI Submitted. What Now?

First things first, submitting your EOI doesn’t mean you’re getting a visa. And it definitely doesn’t mean you get a bridging visa right away. That only comes after you receive an invitation and lodge a formal visa application.

Until then, your EOI sits in the SkillSelect pool, waiting to be picked up in one of the government’s invitation rounds. You’ve done the right thing, but now you need to play the waiting game wisely.

How Long Do Invitation Rounds Take?

The truth? No one knows for sure.

The Department of Home Affairs usually runs a few invitation rounds per year, but there’s no published schedule for the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189). Some rounds come back-to-back. Others take months.

That’s why we always tell our clients at Pathway to Aus: don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Use the waiting time to strengthen your application and explore backup options.

What Can You Do While You Wait? (Hint: A Lot)

You don’t have to sit idle while waiting for an invitation. In fact, there are several ways to increase your chances and most of them are doable if you have the right guidance.

1. Work on Your English Score

If you already have Proficient English, try aiming for Superior English. That could mean an extra 10 points.

Need help getting there? We can connect you with IELTS and PTE preparation programs tailored to your skill level. Sometimes, a few weeks of focused study can make all the difference.

2. Explore Partner Points

If you have a partner, they might help boost your score too.

Do they have a skills assessment?

Can they prove competent English?

Are they in the same or related occupation list?

This alone could give you up to 10 more points—something many applicants overlook.

3. Take the NAATI CCL Test

If you speak a second language fluently, you could earn 5 bonus points by passing the Credentialed Community Language test (CCL). This option is open to a wide range of languages, and we can guide you through registration and prep.

4. Update Your Work Experience or Education

Even one more year of skilled work can push your points up. Or maybe you’re considering a course in Australia that aligns with your occupation. This is something that could open doors to both points and state nomination.

We help clients find courses that lead to visas all the time. It’s one of the ways Pathway to Aus supports both education and migration under one roof.

Should You Start Gathering Documents?

Yes, but be smart about it. When you get invited, you’ll only have 60 days to lodge your visa. So it’s smart to prepare certain documents now.

Here’s what you can start working on:

• Valid passport
• Relationship or marriage certificates
• Employment letters and contracts
• Qualifications and transcripts
• Your skills assessment letter

But don’t jump the gun on police clearances or medical exams. These expire and they must be valid at the time of decision, not just application. Getting them too early could mean repeating the process and paying again.

We help our clients timing everything properly so nothing goes to waste.

Thinking About State Nomination? You Should Be.

If the 189 invitation doesn’t come through, state-nominated options like the 190 or 491 visas might still be within reach.

But here’s the thing: each state does it differently.

Some ask you to lodge a Registration of Interest (ROI). Others review EOIs on their own and reach out if you meet their criteria. Rules can change monthly or even weekly.

That’s why we track state announcements daily at Pathway to Aus and alert clients when new opportunities match their profile. Whether you’re aiming for Queensland, South Australia, NSW or Tasmania—we help you stay ahead.

What If You’re Not Invited at All?

Here’s a hard truth: sometimes, you can do everything right and still not get invited.

That’s why we always recommend having a Plan A, B, and C. In migration, flexibility is survival.

Some backup options include:

• 482 Employer Sponsorship Visa – A great pathway if you find a willing employer
• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme – Leads to permanent residency
• Training Visa (407) – Ideal for skills development and gaining local experience
• Student Visa – Continue studying and improve future options
• Working Holiday Visa – Great for applicants under 35
• Partner Visa – If you’re in a genuine relationship

We’ll help you decide what fits best based on your background, goals, and timeline.

Why Choose Pathway to Aus?

Pathway to Aus isn’t just a migration agency. We’re your complete migration and education partner.

From helping students pick the right course, to advising skilled professionals on state nomination, to securing employer sponsorships, we do it all under one roof.

What makes us different?

✔️We’re registered migration agents with deep experience

✔️We work closely with colleges, TAFEs, and RTOs across Australia

✔️We help you design a long-term strategy, not just apply for a visa

✔️We speak your language—literally. Our team comes from all over the world

✔️We’re based in Australia but work with clients globally every day

Whether you’re starting from zero or stuck somewhere in the process, we’ll help you move forward—with a real plan.

FAQs

Do I get a bridging visa when I lodge my EOI?

No. A bridging visa only kicks in after you’re invited and you submit a valid visa application.

Can I change my EOI after submitting it?

Absolutely. You can update your points, English score, work experience, and more at any time.

Should I be applying for jobs now too?

Yes—especially if you’re exploring employer-sponsored pathways. We can guide you on what employers look for and how to approach them.

Final Thoughts

Lodging your EOI is a big step, but it’s not the end. It’s the start of a process that needs patience, strategy, and adaptability.

With the right guidance, you can stay ahead of shifting policies, build a stronger case, and find your best path to Australian permanent residency.

And that’s what we do every day at Pathway to Aus—help people like you turn uncertainty into opportunity.

Ready to take control of your migration journey?

👉 Book a consultation with Pathway to Aus and speak directly with a registered migration expert.

Whether you’re planning to study, looking for state nomination, or just unsure what to do next—we’re here to help.