Don’t Lose Your Points! The Importance of Updating Your EOI
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process enables individuals to express their interest in applying for a skilled visa by submitting their qualifications, work experience, and other relevant information to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA). This process helps Australian states and territories identify skilled professionals to contribute to their economy through these point-based visas:
What Happens if I Do Not Update My EOI Application?
Once you submit your EOI and receive your invitation, your EOI application will be locked, and you will not be able to make any changes if you proceed with the visa application. Therefore, for your chosen visa to be granted, you are required to provide evidence to prove the points you have claimed. If you are unable to, which means that you currently have fewer points than you initially claimed, then your visa may be refused.
What are Some Common Scenarios for Not Updating Your EOI?
Relationship Status – I Stated, “Never Married” In My EOI But Now I am Married
If your EOI was initially submitted as “never married”, then you failed to update your relationship status in your EOI application when you were married or in a relationship with a de facto partner. This scenario is common and can lead to several issues, which are:
When you received the invitation, you may not be able to obtain the visa grant as the points you claimed in your invited EOI might not be the same as your current points.
Your EOI application and invitation provide inconsistent information, which may trigger a Public Interest Criteria (PIC) 4020 and complicate matters further.
Work Experience – I Changed Employer, Does It Still Count in My Work Experience?
Your work experience will automatically accumulate if you work with the same employer throughout the EOI application period and when you receive the invitation. However, during any time that you decided to change employers, you are encouraged to update your EOI, if you fail to do so and when you receive an invitation, you may not be able to have the same points as you once claimed, as your work experience with the new employer was not included.
Address – I Changed My Residential Address
If you have recently moved, remember to update your EOI application with your updated residential address. This will ensure that you are eligible for the visa when you receive the invitation from the nominated state.
Education – I Completed a Higher Education Qualification
Don’t forget to update in your EOI system that you have completed a higher qualification to ensure your points are reflected and have higher points. Make sure that you have evidence to provide once you receive your invitation.
Having Valid English & Skills Assessment
If your English test or Skills Assessment has passed its validity, ensure that you retake those tests and assessments to ensure the validity, and to maintain the points that you claim. If you managed to achieve a higher English test score to increase your points, also remember to update it in your EOI, because once you receive an invitation, you will not be able to claim a higher point, even though you have achieved it.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
Ensure to always keep your EOI up to date to ensure your visa applications reflect your current circumstances and qualifications. If you are in a similar situation to the abovementioned, it is advisable to speak with an immigration lawyer to assist with your visa pathway effectively. Reach out to Agape Henry Crux and speak with one of our Accredited Specialist Immigration Lawyers (s). As our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents, who specialise in handling highly complex matters. You can schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or emailing us at info@ahclawyers.com.
We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. We can also help you arrange an interpreter if this isn't your language.
This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.
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