Melbourne-based migration consultancy RACC Australia released a revised “EOI Checklist for Skilled Migration” on 20 February 2026, aiming to cut the high rejection rate of Expressions of Interest lodged through the federal SkillSelect portal. Internal Home Affairs data show that nearly 28 per cent of EOIs for visas 189, 190 and 491 are invalidated due to missing or inconsistent documentation—an issue that slows down invitation rounds and fuels processing backlogs. The four-minute read distils recent policy tweaks, including automated duplication checks introduced in January and stricter evidence rules for partner-skill points. It walks prospective migrants through identity, English-language, skills-assessment and employment-evidence requirements, stressing that all claims must be fully defensible within 60 days of invitation. While the checklist is ostensibly a marketing tool, MARA-registered agents say it fills a gap left by the official SkillSelect interface, which still lacks real-time validation prompts found in Canada’s Express Entry system. For employers pursuing direct-entry permanent residency for critical hires, ensuring that overseas candidates follow the new checklist can prevent months-long delays between nomination and visa grant. The document also serves as a playbook for HR teams assisting staff with independent or state-nominated pathways. By front-loading evidence gathering—particularly for overseas work histories and English tests—companies can align mobilisation timelines with project start dates. RACC plans a webinar series in March to walk through common EOI pitfalls and recent state-nomination rule changes.
Source: RACC Australia
