SkillSelect EOI Guide for Nigerians: How to Boost Your PR Invite Chances
Planning to apply for the 189, 190, or 491 skilled visa in Australia? You can’t begin without lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect, the official platform the Australian Government uses to assess and invite skilled migrants.
But submitting an EOI isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s a strategic step that determines if and when you’ll get an invite. In this guide, you will learn how to get SkillSelect right the first time, avoid common pitfalls, and position yourself for PR success.
What is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is an online system managed by the Department of Home Affairs where skilled visa hopefuls:
- Create a migration profile
- Enter personal and professional info
- Claim points based on qualifications, experience, English, etc.
- Wait for an invitation to apply for a skilled visa (189, 190, or 491)
Note: You can’t apply for these visas without first being invited via SkillSelect.
Key Components of a Winning EOI
- Accurate Personal Info
Name, nationality, and date of birth. Ensure it matches your documents.
- Nominated Occupation
Must match one on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL. Afrovo helps confirm the most strategic option.
- Skills Assessment
Must be completed before submitting EOI. The assessing body (e.g. VETASSESS, Engineers Australia) must approve your occupation.
- English Test Results
Only submit valid IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL results. Higher scores = more points.
- Work and Education History
Clearly list relevant employment and educational qualifications. Must match your claimed points
- Point Claims
You’ll claim points for:
Age
English proficiency
Work experience
Qualifications
Partner skills
Regional study, NAATI, etc.
Afrovo Tip: Overstating your points = automatic rejection when invited.
How Invitations Work
Australia holds invitation rounds where top-scoring EOIs are selected. The 189 visa is highly competitive, while the 190/491 allows state nomination.
- Subclass 189: 85-95 points
- Subclass 190: 75-85 points
- Subclass 491: 70-80 points
States also use SkillSelect to find candidates for nomination.
Common EOI Mistakes by African Applicants
❌ Submitting EOI before completing skills assessment
❌ Claiming points for unverified work experience
❌ Entering incorrect dates or mismatched education history
❌ Applying for an occupation with no invitations
❌ Not updating EOI when points increase
❌ Forgetting to express interest in 190/491 (if needed)
How Afrovo Optimises Your EOI
We offer complete EOI setup and review to:
✅ Ensure full point accuracy
✅ Select the most viable occupation
✅ Improve invitation odds with bonus points (NAATI, regional study, partner)
✅ Advise on state nomination readiness
✅ Submit or update your EOI strategically based on market trends
No guesswork, no mistakes. Just a smart migration strategy.
“I had 75 points and no invite for 6 months. Afrovo helped me update my EOI after improving English and adding partner points. I got invited in the next round!”
— Seyi, Accountant from Nigeria
Let’s Get You to Australia
Start your migration journey today with Afrovo. We are passionate about helping Africans unlock global opportunities.
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