Visas for Individuals

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a critical step in the application process for an independent visa, particularly under Australia’s General Skilled Migration (GSM) program, including the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) and State Nominated Visa (subclass 190). It is not a visa application but a way to express your interest in migrating to Australia as a skilled worker.

How Does an EOI Work?

1. Online Submission through SkillSelect
The EOI is lodged through SkillSelect, an online platform managed by the Department of Home Affairs. It allows applicants to showcase their skills, qualifications, and eligibility for various skilled migration visas.

2. Providing Key Details
When completing an EOI, you need to provide details such as:

• • Personal information
  • Education and qualifications (You must have a valid Skills Assessment)
  • Work experience
  • English language proficiency
  • Occupation (nominated from the Skilled Occupation List)

3. Points-Based Assessment

Your EOI is assessed against the points system. Points are awarded based on factors like age, skills, work experience, and English proficiency. The higher your points, the better your chances of receiving an invitation.

4. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Submitting an EOI does not guarantee a visa. Instead, it enters you into a pool of candidates. If your EOI scores high enough relative to other applicants and meets demand for your occupation, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the visa.

The General Skilled Migration (GSM) program is a key pathway for skilled workers seeking to migrate to Australia on a permanent basis. It aims to attract individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy by filling skill shortages in various industries.

Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and English language proficiency. A points-based system determines eligibility, with higher points increasing the likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply.

Competitiveness of the GSM Program:

The GSM program is highly competitive. The number of invitations issued depends on Australia’s current economic needs and labour market demands. Certain occupations may have higher demand, influencing the number of invitations extended to applicants in those fields.

Invitation Rounds:

Invitation rounds will be run periodically during the program year for:

• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) – Family Sponsored

In each round, invitation numbers may vary depending on the number of on-hand applications.

State or territory government nominations for skilled visas will not be affected by the departmental invitation rounds.

For results of previous SkillSelect invitation rounds, see Previous rounds.

Guarantee of Visa Grant:

Receiving a visa under the GSM program is not guaranteed. Even if you meet the minimum points threshold and other eligibility criteria, the process is competitive, and only the highest-ranking candidates receive invitations to apply. Additionally, meeting the eligibility requirements does not ensure a visa grant, as each application undergoes a thorough assessment.

Key Considerations:

• Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates to the Skilled Occupation List and any changes to visa requirements.
• Enhance Your Profile: Improving your English proficiency, gaining relevant work experience, and obtaining higher qualifications can increase your points score.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consulting with a registered migration agent can provide personalised guidance tailored to your circumstances.

In summary, while the GSM program offers a valuable opportunity for skilled workers to migrate to Australia, it is a competitive process with no guarantees. Prospective applicants should thoroughly assess their eligibility, stay updated on current requirements, and consider seeking professional assistance to enhance their chances of success.

The Subclass 190 visa (Skilled Nominated) is a points-based visa that allows skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia as a permanent resident. This is a permanent visa that can be lodged from within or outside Australia.  Applicants must first submit an EOI using SkillsSelect, be nominated by a State or Territory government agency and receive an invitation to apply for the visa.

The Australian Temporary Graduate Visa subclass 485 visa is a temporary visa for international students who have completed two years of study in Australia. It can last from 18 months to five years depending on your situation.

As there is no restriction on study or work whilst holding a subclass 485 visa, it is a good way to extend your stay in Australia to improve your chances of becoming eligible for a permanent or a provisional skilled visa.

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visas, or subclass 186 visas, are permanent residency visas for skilled workers which requires your employer/sponsor to have a genuine need for an on-going permanent position.

There is the temporary transition stream for those who are in Australia on the 482 visa and have worked in the occupation for a minimum set period or direct entry for offshore or onshore applicants in occupations on the medium to long-term skilled occupation list.

BREAKING NEWS – From 25 November 2023, all Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa holders will be eligible for ENS visas sponsored by their employers regardless of which occupation list they fall under.  Sponsored visa holders will be eligible for ENS Temporary Transition Stream after two years (down from three years) of sponsorship on a 482 TSS.

The Subclass 444 Special Category is a temporary visa, and it allows a New Zealand citizen to remain indefinitely in Australia to live, work or study. It is issued when you enter Australia.

The Subclass 444 is not a permanent visa and visa holders do not have the same rights and benefits as Australian citizens or Australian permanent residents.

Neither Australian permanent residents nor Subclass 444 holders are able to:

• vote in Australian government elections
• access student loans
• join the Australian Defence Force

Choose a Career Not a Visa

Choose a course of study that you’re passionate about and are interested in as you’ll require relevant work experience in your chosen course of study if you wish to remain permanently in Australia.

An Accredited Business Sponsorship is a special status granted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to eligible employers who demonstrate a strong history of compliance with sponsorship obligations and a commitment to employing overseas skilled workers responsibly.

This status is available to sponsors of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) and provides several benefits designed to streamline the visa process.

Benefits of being an accredited sponsor, in addition to the priority processing of visa applications and nominations, have the ability to advertise positions on their website; 482 visa applicants are not required to provide police clearance certificates if the sponsoring employer can attest to their good character.  This significantly reduces processing times.