S A N D H U Z

Migration Education Consultants

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What is an EOI and Roi?

EOI An Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first official step for individuals who wish to migrate to Australia under the Skilled Migration Program (such as Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas). It is not a visa application, but rather a way to show your interest in applying for a skilled visa.

ROI A Registration of Interest (ROI) is a document submitted by prospective applicants who wish to be considered for nomination by a specific Australian state or territory (for example, for the Subclass 190 or 491 visa). It allows state authorities to assess if an individual meets their criteria before inviting them to apply for nomination. Submitting an ROI does not guarantee an invitation or a visa.

EOI vs ROI – What’s the Difference?

Thinking about making Australia your new home? You’ve probably come across two important terms during your research: Expression of Interest (EOI) and Registration of Interest (ROI). While they may sound similar, they are used in different parts of the migration process and serve different purposes. Understanding the difference between EOI and ROI is crucial — and we’re here to simplify it for you.

What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?

An EOI is a formal online profile submitted through the Australian Government’s SkillSelect system. It tells the government that you want to apply for a skilled visa and provides details like your skills, work history, education, English proficiency, and more. Some key points about EOI:

  • Submitted via SkillSelect.
  • Required for most General Skilled Migration (GSM) visas (e.g., subclass 189, 190, 491).
  • Used by the federal government and states/territories to assess your eligibility.
  • You must meet the minimum points requirement.
  • Active for 2 years from the submission date.

What is a Registration of Interest (ROI)?

An ROI is a separate step required specifically by certain Australian states or territories, such as Victoria. It’s a way to show a particular state that you're interested in living and working there, before they invite you to submit a nomination application. Some key points about ROI:

  • Required only for specific state nomination programs.
  • Submitted directly to the state government, not SkillSelect.
  • Usually comes before the state invites you to apply for nomination.
  • Includes your skills, occupation, and reasons for choosing that state.
  • Used to shortlist suitable candidates for state sponsorship.

Why is EOI Important?

  • Review your skills and qualifications
  • Decide whether to invite you to apply for a visa
  • Match you with labor market needs.

Why is ROI Important?

  • It lets the state government know that you’re willing to live, work, and contribute to their local economy.
  • States use your ROI to evaluate whether your occupation and skills match their current workforce needs.
  • If the state is satisfied with your profile, they may invite you to apply for state nomination, which is often required before lodging a full visa application (e.g., subclass 190 or 491).

How to Create and Submit Your Expression of Interest (EOI)

At Sandhuz Migration, we guide you every step of the way when preparing and lodging your EOI. Here’s a simplified look at the process:

  • Begin Your EOI Get started by creating your EOI profile in the SkillSelect system. You'll enter your basic personal details and receive a unique EOI ID along with login credentials via email. Keep these safe!
  • Add Key Details as You Go You don’t need to complete your EOI in one sitting. As you receive your English test scores and skills assessment results, you can log in and update your profile. Just remember to save your progress at every step.
  • Submit Your EOI Once all sections are filled out correctly, it's time to submit your completed EOI. If anything in your life changes—like work experience or test scores—you can update your EOI anytime before an invitation is issued.
  • Wait for an Invitation If your EOI stands out, you may receive an invitation to apply for a skilled visa. From the date of invitation, you'll have 60 days to lodge your visa application.
  • Finalise Your Visa Application Using your ImmiAccount, you’ll complete the full visa application and upload all required documents. Timely submission is crucial, so make sure everything is uploaded before the deadline.

EOI preparation can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Let Sandhuz Migration and Education Consultants take care of the process, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and submitted on time.

How to Create and Submit Your Registration of Interest (ROI)

At Sandhuz Migration, we simplify the entire ROI process for you — making sure your profile stands out to the right state authorities. Here’s how it works:

  • Start Your ROI Begin by visiting the website of the state or territory where you're interested in living and working (for example, Live in Melbourne for Victoria). Fill in your basic personal and professional details, including your nominated occupation, work experience, and reasons for choosing that particular state.
  • Provide Supporting Information Most states ask for information like your English proficiency, skills assessment outcome, and employment history. Make sure everything you submit is accurate and matches your documents — as this information helps the state assess your suitability for nomination.
  • Submit Your ROI Form Once all required fields are completed, go ahead and submit your ROI. Keep a record of your submission and confirmation email. Some states allow you to submit only one ROI at a time, so choose wisely.
  • Wait for a Nomination Invitation If the state government finds your profile aligns with their current occupation demand, they may invite you to apply for state nomination. This step is competitive and based on state-specific priorities — so patience and accuracy matter!
  • Proceed with EOI and Visa Application After receiving a nomination invitation, you’ll proceed to submit or update your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and then apply for your visa through ImmiAccount.

Preparing a Registration of Interest may seem complex, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Sandhuz Migration and Education Consultants, we make sure your ROI is professionally prepared, accurately filled, and submitted on time — increasing your chances of receiving that all-important state nomination.

Before You Begin Your EOI or ROI with Sandhuz Migration

Taking the first step toward your Australian migration journey is exciting — but it's important to start with the right strategy. Whether you're submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect or a Registration of Interest (ROI) for a particular state, here’s what you should consider:

  • Is Your Occupation in Demand? Before applying, check whether your nominated occupation is included on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists. Different visa subclasses — such as 189, 190, or 491 — refer to different lists, and some states have their own priority occupation lists. Identifying the right list ensures you’re targeting the visa and/or state that fits your skills.
  • Are You Meeting the Minimum Points Requirement? Most skilled visas are points-tested, and you’ll need at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation. Your score is calculated based on:
    • Age
    • Skilled work experience
    • Educational background
    • English language ability
    • Partner’s credentials (if applicable)
  • Should You Submit an ROI Too? If you're planning to apply for state nomination, some states (like Victoria) require a Registration of Interest (ROI) before they’ll consider nominating you. Submitting an ROI shows that you're committed to settling in that particular state and helps them assess if you meet their current workforce needs.
  • Consider Your Partner’s Profile If your points fall short, your partner might help strengthen your application. We’ll assess both profiles and recommend who should apply as the primary applicant to increase your chances of getting selected.

At Sandhuz Migration, we guide you through both the EOI and ROI process — making sure you meet the eligibility requirements, choose the right state, and submit all documentation correctly and on time.

What You’ll Need to Prepare Before Submitting Your EOI or ROI

Whether you're planning to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) or a Registration of Interest (ROI), it's essential to have all the necessary documentation ready. Here’s a list of key items to prepare before submission:

  • Skills Assessment Report: You'll need a valid skills assessment for your nominated occupation, issued by an approved Australian assessing authority. Make sure you have the assessment date, authority name, and reference number on hand.
  • English Language Test Results: You must provide results from an approved English test (like IELTS or PTE). Keep your score details, test date, and reference number ready, as this affects your eligibility and points.
  • Educational Qualifications: Include information about your academic history, such as degree titles, completion dates, and institution names. These details are crucial in calculating your overall points.
  • Work Experience Records: Prepare a detailed summary of your employment history, including job titles, employer details, duration of work, and roles performed—particularly those related to your nominated occupation.
  • Personal and Partner Information: Be ready to provide personal details like date of birth, passport info, and relationship status. If you’re including a partner, you may also need their qualifications and English test scores.

What Happens After You Submit Your EOI?

Once your Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted through SkillSelect, it stays active for up to 2 years. During this time, the Department of Home Affairs may review your profile and, if you meet the required criteria, you could be invited to lodge a visa application.

What Happens After You Submit Your ROI?

Once you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), it enters the state government’s selection pool for review. Your profile may be assessed against current migration needs and state priorities. Unlike the EOI process, which is managed at the federal level, ROI is reviewed by the specific state or territory to which you've applied.

There is no fixed timeline for receiving a response after submitting your ROI. However, if your skills and experience align with what the state is seeking, you may be invited to apply for a state nomination. If invited, you'll need to submit a nomination application within the given time frame, often followed by a visa application through SkillSelect.

During this waiting period, it’s important to keep your details current. Any updates to your employment, education, or personal circumstances should be reflected to ensure your ROI stays relevant to the selection criteria.

Keep Your EOI or ROI Up to Date

Submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI) or Registration of Interest (ROI) is just the beginning — keeping it current is equally important. Whether you’ve applied through SkillSelect or via a state-based ROI system, updating your profile with the latest information ensures you present the strongest version of your application.

When Should You Update?

You should review and update your EOI or ROI if there are any significant changes in your personal, educational, or professional background, such as:

  • Gaining new work experience or changing jobs
  • Completing a new qualification or certification
  • Achieving a higher English language test score
  • Experiencing a change in family structure, like marriage or the birth of a child

Why It Matters

Timely updates can significantly impact your points score (in the case of EOI) or your suitability for nomination (in the case of ROI). Submitting the most up-to-date profile gives you the best chance of being selected.

What Happens After an Invitation?

Once you receive an invitation — whether to apply for a visa (EOI) or for a state nomination (ROI) — your submitted details are locked in and cannot be changed. That’s why it’s critical to make all necessary updates before this stage.

How Sandhuz Migration Supports You

At Sandhuz Migration and Education Consultants, we don’t just help you lodge your EOI or ROI — we guide you throughout the entire process. From making initial submissions to tracking changes and advising on updates, our team ensures your profile always reflects your most current and competitive position.