I've lodged My EOI, why haven't I received an Invitation Yet?

You have obtained your General or Specialist AHPRA registration. You have sat your English test. You have lodged your Expression of Interest. Now, Nothing. Why haven't I received an invitation? When will I? These are very common questions about the subclass 189. Whilst the short processing time and independent nature of this visa might seem appealing, what most people don't realise is that it is not as simple as it seems. Let's explore why you may have been waiting what seems like an age to receive an invite and whether you are likely to receive one at all.

A woman pondering when she will receive an invite, or perhaps just thinking about what's for dinner.

Understanding the Subclass 189 Visa

The Subclass 189 visa is tailored for skilled workers looking to live and work permanently in Australia. This is highly appealing as it does not require nomination from an employer, is only a few months processing and is seemingly an easy process.

Step 1 - lodge an EOI

Step 2 - Receive your invite

Step 3 - apply and become a permanent resident!

Simple right?!

However, despite meeting qualifications and the minimum points, it's important to remember that receiving an invitation is not guaranteed. Many applicants experience anxiety as they wait for news.

Factors Affecting Your Invitation

Australia's immigration department conducts regular invitation rounds, selecting EOIs based on points scores and the demand for specific occupations. A number of factors could affect your prospects of receiving an invitation, such as:

1. Points Score

Your points score is a critical factor during invitation rounds. Many medical professionals feel secure about their qualifications, but maximizing your score can significantly improve your chances. Presently for Medical Practitioners, the lowest points score to receive an invite is 75 points. Therefore, if you only have 60, 65 or 70 points you are very likely to keep on waiting for an invite.

Review Your Points: Have you claimed points for all relevant factors? For example, having a superior English language score, such as an IELTS score of 8 or more, can give you another 10 points. Your spouse may be eligible for points if they have their skills assessed. Small details can profoundly influence your score.

2. Occupation Ceilings

Australia maintains a list of skilled occupations with set limits on the number of invitations issued each year. As a medical professional, you may belong to a highly sought-after category, impacting your invitation timeline.

For instance, if you are a general practitioner there may be a limited number of spots compared to specialized fields like surgery, which could have higher demands leading to quicker invitations.

3. Changes in Priority

The Australian government updates its priority occupation list based on labor market needs, which can delay invitations for certain specialties. For example, if your specialty recently dropped off the priority list, it may take longer for your EOI to be processed.

Stay informed about trends in the medical field to anticipate shifts that could affect your application.

What Should You Do Next?

While waiting can be frustrating, consider these strategies to maximize your chances:

Explore Your Options

Look into applying for alternative visa subclasses, if eligible. Don't put all your eggs in one basket so to speak!

Consult Professionals

Consider reaching out to a migration agent. They can offer personalized advice based on your circumstances and make some suggestions on how to increase your points score or explore other avenues.

Update your EOI

Make sure that your EOI holds the most up to date information. If anything changes, ensure that you update to increase your chances of an invite.

You Are Not Alone

You're part of a community of medical professionals who understand your journey. Sharing experiences and tips can be beneficial. Consider joining online forums or local networks to connect with others also pursuing their Subclass 189 visa.