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SkillSelect EOI 2026: 65 Points, 2-Year Validity and 60-Day Invitations
SkillSelect is the Australian Government's online system for skilled workers seeking invitation to apply for subclasses 189, 190 and 491. An Expression of Interest records the candidate's claims, but it is not itself a visa application.
EOI does not create a bridging visa
Because an EOI is not a visa application, submitting one in Australia does not itself create eligibility for a bridging visa. Applicants must separately maintain lawful status while waiting for any invitation.
Minimum 65 points
Home Affairs states that subclass 189, 190 and 491 candidates must meet or exceed the 65-point threshold to be eligible for invitation. Meeting 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. See our Australian Skilled Migration Points Test 2026.
EOI stays active for two years
Home Affairs states that an EOI remains active in SkillSelect for two years from submission. Candidates can update the EOI before invitation when circumstances change, including work experience, qualifications, English results, skills assessments or family structure.
60 days after invitation
Once invited, the applicant generally has 60 calendar days to lodge the visa application. The visa application must support the points and factual claims made in the EOI. An invitation does not guarantee visa grant.
Keep claims accurate
EOI errors can become serious at visa stage because the Department assesses whether the applicant can prove the invited score and satisfy all other criteria. Update the EOI before invitation when relevant facts change.
Primary sources: SkillSelect EOI guidance and Home Affairs guidance after EOI submission. Also see Skilled Migration Statistics Australia 2026.
