An expiring SkillSelect Expression of Interest (EOI) is a good reason to review your skilled-migration plans. Before submitting again, check that your occupation, points and supporting evidence still reflect your circumstances.
Home Affairs says a SkillSelect EOI remains active for two years from submission. That period does not guarantee an invitation. This checklist covers points-tested skilled migration, including subclasses 189, 190 and 491; the National Innovation Visa has a different EOI process. Home Affairs: after submitting an EOI.
1. Check which deadline is approaching
Log in to SkillSelect and record your EOI number, submission date, status and any expiry notice. Save a copy of the claims you submitted.
If you already have an invitation, check that deadline first. For subclass 189, Home Affairs gives you 60 calendar days to apply and says this cannot be extended. A fresh EOI does not extend an existing invitation. If you are pursuing state nomination, distinguish the state’s invitation to apply for nomination from Home Affairs’ invitation to apply for the visa. Subclass 189 instructions.
2. Recalculate your points from the evidence
Do not simply copy the old total. Review:
Your age and the relevant points band.
Your English level and the evidence supporting it.
Qualifications completed since the previous EOI.
Eligible skilled employment, including work that may now fall outside the relevant ten-year period.
Relationship circumstances and any partner-points claim.
Any separate study, Professional Year or community-language claim.
Employment points depend on eligible work, not just time in a job. Check duties, dates, hours and supporting records. Use the official points table, and keep evidence for each claim.
Our 189 evidence checklist provides a claim-by-claim worksheet. It is useful preparation before an invitation, too.
3. Review English and skills-assessment validity separately
An EOI’s two-year life does not extend your test results or assessment.
For English, check the accepted test, test date, individual scores and the rules applying to your visa and claimed level. Tests taken before and after 7 August 2025 use different approved-test and score settings. Do not assume a test provider’s expiry date answers every migration question. Official English requirements.
For your skills assessment, check the occupation, assessment purpose, issue date and stated validity. For these points-tested visas, Home Affairs generally requires the assessment to be within three years of the invitation date, or within any shorter validity period stated in the assessment. Its published guidance also addresses assessments obtained during the invitation period; obtain case-specific advice if this affects you rather than assuming a later assessment fixes every earlier claim. Official skills-assessment guidance.
4. Check the state process before replacing an EOI
A new SkillSelect EOI does not automatically update a state Registration of Interest (ROI) or nomination record. Check which EOI number the state holds and its current instructions before withdrawing or replacing anything.
Program-year changes can matter independently of EOI expiry. For example, Victoria’s 13 October 2026 notice says applicants with a previous-year ROI must submit a new ROI when its 2026–27 program opens. Do not assume an older ROI carries forward. Victoria’s current notice.
5. Do not treat a new EOI as a priority shortcut
For subclass 189 and family-sponsored 491 invitation rounds, Home Affairs uses points ranking and, for equal scores, the date and time an EOI reached its score. State nomination has its own selection process. Do not assume a replacement EOI inherits an earlier position or improves your chances. Official invitation process.
While your existing EOI remains active, keep it accurate. You can update it before an invitation, but not after one has been issued. Do not leave incorrect information unchanged to preserve an earlier date.
6. Keep your current visa plans separate
Submitting an EOI does not give you a bridging visa or permission to remain in Australia. If your current visa is nearing expiry, assess your lawful-stay options separately and early. Home Affairs: changing visas.
Before you submit again
Have your current evidence, reviewed points calculation, state-program instructions and contact details ready. After submission, save the confirmation and EOI number, and check that any linked state record has been dealt with correctly.
If your evidence or pathway has changed, contact WiseKangaroo for a review before making new claims.
Information checked 22 October 2026. This article is general information only. Consult a registered migration agent for advice about your circumstances.
