What Is SkillSelect Australia: Complete EOI and Invitation Rounds Guide 2026

✍ Written by AU PR Calculator Editorial🔍 Reviewed by a MARA-registered migration agent📅 Last updated: 11 August 2026⏱ 9 min read

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What is SkillSelect?

SkillSelect is the Australian Government's online system that manages the skilled migration program. Before you can apply for most skilled visas (like the Subclass 189, 190, or 491), you must first let the Department of Home Affairs know that you are interested by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect.

It is not a visa application. It is a free online profile where you provide details about your occupation, skills, English proficiency, and work experience. Based on this information, SkillSelect calculates your points score. If you score high enough in a competitive invitation round, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a visa.

How the Expression of Interest (EOI) Works

When you submit an EOI, you enter a competitive pool of candidates. Your profile remains active for 2 years. During this time, state governments and the federal government review the pool and issue invitations based on workforce shortages and points scores.

Important Rule: Claim Only What You Can Prove

You do not upload documents to SkillSelect when creating an EOI. However, if you receive an invitation, you must provide evidence for every single point you claimed. If you claimed 80 points but can only prove 75 at the time of invitation, your visa will be refused. Never claim points you don't yet have (e.g., claiming a higher English score before taking the test).

How Invitation Rounds Work

Invitations are not issued continuously. They are issued during specific "Invitation Rounds."

  • Federal Rounds (Subclass 189): Managed directly by the Department of Home Affairs. These rounds happen periodically, often only a few times a year. They invite the highest-scoring applicants in targeted occupations.
  • State Rounds (Subclass 190 and 491): Managed individually by state and territory governments (like NSW, VIC, WA). They run their own schedules and have their own specific criteria in addition to the federal points test.

To see the latest cutoff scores and round dates, check our 2026 Invitation Rounds Guide.

The "Date of Effect" Tie-Breaker

What happens if two applicants have 85 points, but there is only one invitation left? The system uses the "Date of Effect." This is the exact date and time your EOI reached its current points score. The applicant who reached the score first gets the invitation.

If you update your EOI to add more points (e.g., you pass a new English test), your Date of Effect resets to the day you make the update. If you update your EOI but your points don't change (e.g., updating your address), your Date of Effect remains the same.

What Happens When You Receive an Invitation?

Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is the golden ticket. Once invited:

  1. Your EOI is "locked" and cannot be updated.
  2. You have exactly 60 days to submit your formal visa application and pay the visa fees.
  3. If you miss the 60-day deadline, the invitation expires. Your EOI returns to the pool, but there is no guarantee you will ever be invited again.

Gather Documents Early

Because the 60-day window is strict, you should gather all necessary documents (police clearances, medicals, employment references) while you are waiting in the pool. Do not wait until you are invited to start preparing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee to submit an EOI in SkillSelect?
No. Submitting and maintaining an EOI in SkillSelect is completely free. You only pay when you lodge a formal visa application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). For the 2026–27 financial year (from 1 July 2026), the base visa application charge for the primary applicant is AUD $6,135.
How long does an EOI stay active in SkillSelect?
Your EOI remains active in the SkillSelect pool for 2 years from the date you submit it. If you don't receive an invitation within those 2 years, your EOI is archived. You can always submit a fresh EOI if that happens, though your date of effect will reset to the new submission date. Resubmitting is entirely free.
What is the date of effect and why does it matter?
The date of effect is the exact date and time your EOI reached its current points score. When two applicants have the exact same points, the Department of Home Affairs invites the one with the earlier date of effect first. If you update your EOI and your points score goes up, your date of effect resets to that new date-not your original submission date. That's why it's always best to submit your EOI early with your current verifiable score rather than waiting for a higher score.
Can I change my nominated occupation after submitting my EOI?
Yes, you can update your nominated occupation in SkillSelect anytime before you receive an invitation. However, you must make sure you already hold a valid skills assessment for that new occupation. Keep in mind that changing your occupation might change which lists you're eligible for (like the MLTSSL or STSOL) and impact your overall chances of being invited.
What happens if I miss the 60-day lodgement deadline?
If you miss the 60-day window, your invitation lapses and your EOI goes back into the SkillSelect pool. While you're theoretically eligible to receive another invitation in a future round, there's absolutely no guarantee it will happen. Missing this strict deadline is a major setback, which is why we always recommend gathering your documents before you even get invited.
How often do SkillSelect invitation rounds run?
The Department of Home Affairs runs federal invitation rounds (for the subclass 189 and the family-sponsored 491) periodically throughout the programme year. They don't publish a set schedule in advance. In contrast, state and territory nominations (for the subclass 190 and state-nominated 491) are issued independently by each state government on their own schedules, often continuously throughout the year.
How the Points Test Works→Score Optimisation Guide→Subclass 189: Complete Guide→2026 Reform Guide→

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Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. SkillSelect processes, invitation round schedules, and visa application charges are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs. Always verify current requirements and fees directly at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging an application.