If you’re a medical or allied health professional considering migration to Australia, one of the first major steps in your journey is lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
This online submission is the gateway to applying for skilled migration visas such as the Subclass 189, Subclass 190, or the Subclass 491.
At MedMigration, we work with doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals to guide them through each stage of the EOI process — from skills assessment to final visa grant.
In this guide, we’ll break down the EOI process step-by-step so you can feel confident and prepared.
Step 1: Check Your Occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
Before you can submit an EOI, you must confirm that your profession is on one of Australia’s official Skilled Occupation Lists.
Healthcare roles in high demand include:
- General Practitioners
- Registered Nurses (all specialisations)
- Midwives
- Physiotherapists
- Psychologists
- Radiographers and Sonographers
- Social Workers
- Speech Pathologists
Step 2: Obtain a Positive Skills Assessment
You’ll need a skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority to prove your qualifications and experience are equivalent to Australian standards.
For example:
- Doctors – Australian Medical Council (AMC)
- Nurses and Midwives – Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC)
- Allied Health Professionals – Specific authorities like SPA (Speech Pathology Australia) or APC (Australian Physiotherapy Council) may apply.
Tip: You must have a positive skills assessment before submitting your EOI.
Step 3: Calculate Your Points
The EOI is points-tested for most skilled migration visas. You can use the official Points Calculator to estimate your score.
Points are awarded for:
- Age
- English language proficiency (IELTS, OET, PTE Academic)
- Skilled employment experience
- Educational qualifications
- Australian study or work experience
- Partner skills
- Regional study or nomination
Minimum requirement: 65 points — but higher scores improve your chances of receiving an invitation.
Step 4: Create an ImmiAccount
The EOI is lodged online through SkillSelect via your ImmiAccount.
When creating your account:
- Gather all your documentation (passport, qualifications, work references, skills assessment letter).
- Complete each section truthfully — false or misleading information can lead to refusal.
- Choose the visas you want to be considered for (e.g. 189, 190, 491).
Step 5: Submit Your Expression of Interest
Once your EOI is complete:
- Double-check every detail.
- Submit it online — there is no fee for lodging an EOI.
- Your EOI will stay in the SkillSelect system for up to two years.
You can update your EOI at any time if your circumstances change (e.g. new qualifications, higher English scores, additional work experience).
Step 6: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Receiving an Invitation to Apply depends on:
- Your points score
- The demand for your occupation
- State/territory nomination opportunities
Some states, such as Victoria, Queensland, and NSW, open and close nomination rounds throughout the year.
If you’re willing to work in regional areas, your chances of being invited increase. You can explore real regional healthcare job vacancies via:
Step 7: Lodge Your Visa Application
If you receive an ITA (Invitation To Apply), you’ll have 60 days to lodge your visa application via your ImmiAccount.
At this stage:
- You’ll pay the visa application fee.
- Provide supporting documents (police checks, health examinations).
- Meet any additional requirements for your visa subclass.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the EOI Process
- Submitting without a valid skills assessment
- Overestimating points and being refused later
- Not updating the EOI when your circumstances change
- Ignoring regional nomination opportunities
How MedMigration Can Help You with Your EOI
The EOI process can be competitive and complex — but you don’t have to navigate it alone.
At MedMigration, we:
- Identify the best visa pathways for your profession and circumstances
- Ensure your skills assessment is successful
- Maximise your points score
- Guide you through state nomination opportunities
- Help you secure employer sponsorship if relevant
Final Thoughts
Submitting an Expression of Interest is more than just filling out an online form — it’s a strategic step that can determine how quickly (or whether) you get an invitation to migrate.
By understanding the process, meeting requirements, and seeking expert support, you’ll be in the strongest position to start your healthcare career in Australia.
📩 Contact MedMigration today to start your EOI process with confidence.
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