How Many EOI’s Can I Submit for Skilled Migration?

As a migration agency, we were asked many times by this question, “How many EOIs can I submit for Australia?” This question is crucial for those of us looking to take steps into the process of skilled migration. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is a key step in the process, and understanding the rules around multiple submissions can have a significant impact on your chances of success.

We’ll explore the ins and outs of EOI submissions, including the pros and cons of submitting multiple EOIs and strategies for different visa subclasses. I’ll also delve into the EOI limits and restrictions set by SkillSelect, the system used to lodge EOIs. Whether you’re considering applying for a 190 and 491 visa at the same time or wondering if you can submit EOIs for both 189 and 190 visas, this guide will provide the answers you need to make informed decisions about your skilled migration journey.

Understanding Expression of Interest (EOI)

What is an EOI?

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a crucial step in the skilled migration process to Australia. It’s a formal submission I make to the Department of Home Affairs, indicating my intent to apply for a skilled migration visa. When I submit an EOI, I’m essentially showcasing my skills, qualifications, and other relevant factors to the Australian government. It’s important to note that submitting an EOI doesn’t guarantee a visa, but it’s a necessary first step in the application process.

The EOI system, known as SkillSelect, is designed to streamline the way skilled workers express their interest in visa applications. It’s a pivotal tool for those of us seeking skilled independent, nominated, and regional visas. By submitting an EOI through SkillSelect, I provide key information about myself, including personal details and professional background.

Purpose of EOI in skilled migration

The main purpose of an EOI in skilled migration is to allow the Australian government to assess your suitability for a skilled migration visa. It helps them determine if you`ve met the eligibility criteria for various visa types. The EOI system enhances transparency and improves the chances of any skilled individuals like you being invited to apply for a visa.

When you submit an EOI, it enters a pool where it’s reviewed and ranked based on various criteria such as work experience, qualifications, and other factors. This ranking system ensures that only the most qualified candidates are invited to apply for visas.

The EOI system is used for several types of visas, including the Skilled Independent Subclass 189 Visa, Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 Visa, and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 Visa. Each of these visas has its own set of eligibility criteria, and you need to score a minimum number of points on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test to be eligible.

Key components of an EOI

When you submit an EOI, you need to provide several key pieces of information. These include:

1. Personal information: This covers details like you full name, date of birth, citizenship, and country of residence.
2. Nominated occupation: You need to specify the occupation you’re nominating for your visa application.
3. Skills assessment: Before submitting your EOI, you need to get a skills assessment in your nominated occupation. This is an independent assessment of your skills and qualifications by a relevant Australian assessing authority.
4. Work experience and employment history: You need to provide details of your work history for the past 10 years, including your position, employer name, dates of employment, and whether the work was related to your nominated occupation.
5. Educational qualifications: You will be asked to provide information about your educational background, including the name of your qualifications, courses, institutions, and dates of study.
6. English language proficiency: You may need to take an English language test and score at least competent English. The test details and results need to be included in your EOI.
7. State or territory nomination information: If you’re seeking nomination by a state or territory, you need to indicate this in your EOI.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need to provide supporting documents when submitting an EOI. However, if you’re invited to apply for a visa later, you’ll need to provide evidence to support all the claims you made in your EOI.

Always take note that you can submit multiple EOIs for Australia, which can be a strategic move in your migration journey. However, it is best to keep your EOI updated with any changes in your skills, such as new qualifications or improved English test scores, to maintain its accuracy and competitiveness in the SkillSelect system.

Differences Between Single vs. Multiple EOIs: Pros and Cons

When it comes to submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for skilled migration to Australia, you will learn that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The question of how many EOIs you can submit is a common one, and the answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. Let’s explore the benefits and potential downside of submitting multiple EOIs, as well as some state-specific requirements to keep in mind.

Benefits of submitting multiple EOIs

Submitting multiple EOIs can significantly increase my chances of receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. By lodging separate EOIs for different visa subclasses or states, you can cast a wider net and potentially speed up your migration process. For example, you could submit one EOI for the Subclass 189 visa, another for the Subclass 190 visa, and additional EOIs for the Subclass 491 visa for different states.

This strategy allows you to:

1. Explore various visa options simultaneously
2. Increase your visibility to different states and territories
3. Adapt to hanging circumstances or requirements more easily

Some experts even suggest submitting new EOIs regularly, such as monthly or quarterly, to maintain a competitive edge in the queue. This is because when competing on the same score level, it’s often on a first-come, first-served basis.

Downside of multiple submissions

While submitting multiple EOIs has its advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:

1. Increased complexity: Managing multiple EOIs can be time-consuming and potentially confusing.
2. Risk of conflicting information: You need to ensure that all of your EOIs contain consistent and accurate information.
3. Ethical considerations: Some states, like South Australia, caution against submitting numerous EOIs, as it may negatively impact your chances of selection.
4. Invitation management: If I receive multiple invitations, I must be responsible and withdraw the EOIs I no longer wish to pursue to avoid delaying other applicants’ chances.

It’s crucial to note that while you can submit multiple EOIs, you should never accept multiple invitations. This could lead to complications in your visa application process.

State-specific EOI requirements

Different states and territories in Australia have their own specific requirements for EOI submissions. Here are some key points you need to keep in mind:

1. New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland: These states require separate EOIs. If you don’t submit a distinct EOI for each, your application won’t be considered for invitations.
2. Western Australia (WA): For WA, it’s recommended to submit separate EOIs for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.
3. Tasmania: If you’re applying under the OSOP stream, you’re allowed to submit multiple EOIs.
4. South Australia: For the offshore stream, while multiple EOIs aren’t strictly prohibited, the state cautions against submitting numerous EOIs as it may affect your chances of selection.
5. Australian Capital Territory (ACT): ACT allows multiple EOIs, even if you have skill assessments in multiple occupations.

States like NSW require that the EOI be exclusively for their state and the specific visa subclass. This means you can’t select multiple states or visa subclasses in a single EOI for these states.

EOI Limit and Restrictions

When it comes to submitting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for skilled migration to Australia, there’s no strict limit on how many EOIs you can submit. This flexibility allows you to explore various visa options and increase your chances of receiving an invitation. However, it’s crucial to understand the guidelines and policies surrounding multiple EOI submissions.

Maximum Numbers of EOI allowed

Interestingly, there’s no cap on the number of EOIs you can submit in SkillSelect. In fact, you could theoretically submit an EOI every day if you wanted to. However, this approach isn’t practical or recommended. A more sensible strategy is to submit a new EOI monthly or quarterly. This approach can boost your chances of selection, especially when competing with other applicants who have the same score, as it’s often a first-come, first-served basis.

It’s important to note that while you can submit multiple EOIs, you can only receive a maximum of two invitations against one EOI. Once an EOI expires after two years, you’ll need to submit a new one to the department and wait for another invitation.

State-specific EOI Policies

Different states and territories in Australia have their own policies regarding EOI submissions. For instance:

1. New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland demand separate EOIs. If I don’t submit a distinct EOI for each, my application won’t be considered for invitations.
2. Western Australia recommends submitting separate EOIs for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas.
3. For NSW nomination, my EOI must be exclusively for the Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) and seeking nomination from NSW only.
4. Queensland requires that I select it as my only state of interest in my EOI to be considered for invitation.
5. The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) allows multiple EOIs, even if I have skill assessments in multiple occupations.

Department of Home Affairs Guidelines

The Department of Home Affairs provides several guidelines for submitting EOIs:

1. Accuracy is crucial. Misrepresentation or incorrect details can lead to serious legal consequences, including prosecution under the Criminal Code Act 1995.
2. You need to keep your EOI details current. If your circumstances change, you can update your EOI any time before receiving an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
3. If you’re invited to apply, you have 60 days from the date of the invitation to complete and submit a visa application online.
4. Even if you meet the minimum points threshold (currently 65 points as of July 1, 2023), there’s no guarantee that you’ll receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa.
5. While you can submit multiple EOIs, it’s important to be responsible. If you receive multiple invitations, you should withdraw the EOIs you no longer wish to pursue to avoid delaying other applicants’ chances.

While there’s no strict limit on how many EOIs you can submit for Australia, it’s essential to approach the process strategically and responsibly. Understanding the state-specific policies and following the Department of Home Affairs guidelines, you can maximise your chances of success in the Australian skilled migration process.