Common questions
Plain-English answers about Australian skilled migration, EOIs, points and the queue.
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is a record you lodge in SkillSelect saying you want to apply for a skilled visa. It lists your occupation, points and details. You can't apply for the visa until the government invites you from the EOI pool.
What is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is the Australian Government's online system that holds the pool of EOIs and issues invitations. This site turns SkillSelect's published data into plain-English answers; it is not affiliated with the government.
What's the difference between visa 189, 190 and 491?
189 (Skilled Independent) is points-only, no sponsor. 190 (Skilled Nominated) needs a state/territory to nominate you and adds 5 points. 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a regional provisional visa needing state or family sponsorship and adds 15 points.
What is the minimum points score?
You need at least 65 points to be invited for 189/190/491. But 65 is only the floor — for popular occupations the real scores being invited are much higher, often 90+. Use the calculator to work out your score, then Check My Rank.
What is a 'date of effect'?
Your date of effect is when your EOI reached its current points score (usually when you submitted it, or when you last updated your points). When two people have the same points, whoever has the earlier date of effect is invited first.
How are invitations decided?
Highest points first. Among people on the same points, the earlier date of effect goes first. So your position depends on how many people have more points than you, plus those on your score who applied before you.
Why is my wait long even though my score is above the recent cut-off?
The 'lowest score invited' can be a one-off (e.g. an old application finally clearing). What really matters is how many people are ahead of you versus how many get invited each month. That's why we show an estimated wait, not just a cut-off number.
Where does the data come from and how accurate is it?
From the Department of Employment's official SkillSelect EOI dataset. Figures are aggregated and can include stale or duplicate EOIs, so treat them as strong estimates. Always confirm with the Department of Home Affairs before deciding.
How often is the data updated?
SkillSelect publishes monthly snapshots; we refresh after each update. The snapshot date is shown at the bottom of every page.
Can a state nomination (190 or 491) help me?
Often, yes. A 190 adds 5 points and 491 adds 15, and each state runs its own selection — sometimes inviting occupations or scores that 189 won't reach. See the State Nominations page for what each state has been inviting.
Ready to check your own situation? Calculate your PR points → · Check your place in the queue →