June 2026 EOI Pool Snapshot: SkillSelect Trends for the 189, 190 & 491 Visas

Every month, the Department of Home Affairs' SkillSelect system publishes a snapshot of every Expression of Interest (EOI) sitting in the pool for Australia's points-tested and state/territory-nominated skilled visas. The June 2026 pull — covering the 189, 190, and 491 streams — gives a clear picture of just how competitive the skilled migration landscape has become.

As at June 2026, the combined EOI pool across all four streams stood at 2,314,533 EOIs. Below, we break down where that volume is concentrated, what points scores are associated with invited status, which occupations show the heaviest pool volume, and how the states and territories compare on nomination numbers

Disclaimer

• EOI pool figures represent submitted Expressions of Interest, not unique individuals. An applicant may hold separate, simultaneous EOIs across the 189, 190 and 491 subclasses, and separate EOIs for each occupation they hold a valid skills assessment for (one EOI per subclass/occupation combination at a time). Pool totals in this report should not be read as a count of distinct prospective migrants.

• An EOI may be lodged directly by the applicant or by a registered migration agent acting on their behalf. Lodging an EOI through SkillSelect is free; using an agent does not change who is legally responsible for the accuracy of the information submitted — that responsibility remains with the applicant.

• State and territory nomination criteria are not uniform for onshore and offshore applicants, and they vary by jurisdiction and pathway — for example, residency-period requirements, eligible occupation lists, and the weight given to local work or study history differ from state to state and change over time. The state comparisons in this report should not be assumed to apply equally to onshore and offshore applicants.

• This report summarizes a point-in-time SkillSelect data snapshot for general information only. It is not migration advice and should not be relied on as a substitute for an individual assessment. Readers should verify current requirements against official Department of Home Affairs and relevant state/territory government sources, or consult a registered migration agent, before acting on anything in this report.

June 2026 EOI Pool at a Glance

The pool is heavily weighted toward the state/territory nominated pathways.

Where Applicants Stand: EOI Status Mix

Not every EOI on record is actively waiting for an invitation. SkillSelect status codes tell a more nuanced story.

Points Score: What Invited EOIs Actually Look Like

Points scores among submitted EOIs cluster heavily in the 70-85 range. Invited records show the points bands converting by stream.

Hottest Occupations by EOI Volume

Engineering, technology, accounting and trade occupations dominate the EOI pool by sheer volume. 261313 Software Engineer tops the list with 125,758 EOIs on record.

State & Territory Nomination Snapshot (190 & 491 Regional)

State nomination remains a major driver of the skilled migration pool. Submitted and invited counts vary significantly by state and territory.

What This Means If You're Planning to Apply

• State nomination is the dominant pathway across this snapshot.

• A competitive points score still matters, especially in high-volume occupations.

• High-volume occupations need a stronger strategy, not just a submitted EOI.

• Closed EOIs show why timing and eligibility maintenance matter over the full two-year EOI life cycle.

• State choice matters: applicants should compare nomination demand, invited share and state-specific criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an EOI in the SkillSelect system?

An Expression of Interest is an online submission through SkillSelect that signals interest in being considered for a skilled visa invitation. It is not a visa application.

Is this June 2026 data new EOI activity, or a snapshot?

It is a snapshot. The figures reflect every EOI on record at the time of the June 2026 SkillSelect data pull.

How many points were associated with invited EOIs in this snapshot?

Points varied by stream and occupation. The invited EOI table shows minimum, average and maximum invited points by visa stream.

Which visa is faster to get invited on — 189, 190, or 491?

There is no universal answer. It depends on occupation, points score, state criteria, nomination availability and timing.

Why are so many EOIs marked closed?

EOIs can expire after two years if not invited, be withdrawn, or close when program settings or occupation ceilings make them ineligible.

Not sure where your points score stands? Our registered migration agents can assess your occupation, points score, and state eligibility against the latest SkillSelect snapshot — and build a strategy to get you invited sooner. Book a free initial consultation today.

Source: Department of Home Affairs, SkillSelect EOI pool data (CSV export), snapshot as at the June 2026 data pull. Figures reflect the point-in-time EOI pool, not a log of new submissions, nominations, or invitations issued specifically during June.