Queensland Skilled Migration Program Opens for New Onshore and Offshore Candidates
The Queensland Skilled Migration program is now open for both onshore and offshore candidates who wish to migrate to the state under Visa 491 or Visa 190. Unfortunately, following the closure of the Business Visa program, the Queensland government does not accept new nominations for the program.
ONEderland Consulting has summarised all important information on the Queensland Skilled Migration program below.
But if you’re short on time, the following shortcut may help you:
- Opening of Queensland Skilled Migration Program
- Queensland Skilled Migration Pathways
- Queensland Skilled Occupation List
- Step-by-step of Submitting Queensland State Nomination
- Why You Should Migrate to Queensland
Opening of Queensland Skilled Migration Program
The Queensland Skilled Migration program for 2024-25 has officially opened on 13 September 2024.
To be nominated for the Queensland Skilled Migration program, you must choose ‘Queensland’ as your only state of interest in your EOI. Additionally, suppose you want to be nominated for the 2024-25 Queensland Skilled Migration program. In that case, you must have submitted your EOI on or after 13 September 2024.
If you have submitted an EOI before the mentioned date but have yet to receive an invitation, consider lodging a new EOI application with your most recent information.
Read more: State Nomination Allocation Australia 2024-25
Queensland Skilled Migration Pathway
Four pathways are available under the Queensland Skilled Migration program: Skilled Workers in Queensland, Skilled Workers Outside Australia, Queensland Graduates, and 491 Small Business Owners (SBO).
Skilled Workers in Queensland Pathway
This pathway is designed for skilled professionals currently employed in Queensland and aspire to assist in filling priority skill gaps. This pathway also opens for international graduates in Queensland who are not eligible for the Queensland Graduates pathway, should they meet the eligibility criteria.
The minimum requirements for Queensland State Migration under Skilled Workers in Queensland Pathway are:
| Requirements | Visa Subclass 190 | Visa Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. |
| Occupation | Have an occupation on Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List, focusing on addressing verified shortages in Queensland’s developing industries. | Have an occupation on Home Affairs’ Skilled Occupation List, focusing on addressing verified shortages in Queensland’s developing industries. |
| English | Have Proficient English or above. | Have Proficient English or above. |
| Work Experience | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the past 6 months. This employment should have been:
When submit your EOI for Queensland nomination, you must still work in a capacity that fits the abovementioned qualifications. |
Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the past 3 months. This employment should have been:
When submit your EOI for Queensland nomination, you must still work in a capacity that fits the abovementioned qualifications. |
| Evidence of Ongoing Employment | Have proof that your employment is continuing for another 12 months. This is calculated from when you submit your EOI. | Have proof that your employment is continuing for another 6 months. This is calculated from when you submit your EOI. |
| Commitment to Living in Queensland | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in Queensland for two years. | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for three years. |
The Queensland Government assesses a variety of factors when selecting and inviting applicants to apply for nomination. These include details from your Expression of Interest (SkillSelect) and Registration of Interest, such as wage, total skilled employment experience, English language proficiency, and partner skills.
Skilled Workers Outside Australia
This pathway is for skilled professionals from outside of Australia who can contribute to Queensland’s highest skilled labour needs, including:
- The shift to net zero emissions and climate change adaptation.
- Queensland’s Big Build initiative includes the construction of more hospitals, upgraded schools, more homes, and improved transportation.
- Queensland’s growing demand for health care.
The minimum requirements are:
| Requirements | Visa Subclass 190 | Visa Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. |
| Occupation | Have an occupation listed on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List. | Have an occupation listed on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List. |
| English | Have Proficient English or above. | Have Proficient English or above. |
| Work Experience | Have at least 5 years of competent work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related one.
Only work experience listed as relevant to your specified occupation on your EOI will be evaluated. |
Have at least 5 years of competent work experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related one.
Only work experience listed as relevant to your specified occupation on your EOI will be evaluated. |
| Commitment to Living in Queensland | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in Queensland for two years. | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for three years. |
If you work in the energy sector, the Queensland Government will give you priority processing for as long as you meet the minimum requirements listed above and:
- Have a positive skills assessment for a priority occupation to support the energy sector.
- Have been working in your nominated or closely related occupation for at least 3 years in the energy sector. This experience can be counted towards the standard minimum 5 years of work experience requirement.
Queensland Graduates
This pathway is for international graduates with an applicable qualification from a university in Queensland who are currently employed to fill priority skills gaps.
The minimum requirements are:
| Requirements | Visa Subclass 190 | Visa Subclass 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. | Have a points test score of 65 or higher. |
| Qualification |
|
|
| Occupation | Have an occupation listed on Home Affairs’ eligible Skilled Occupation List. | Have an occupation listed on Home Affairs’ eligible Skilled Occupation List. |
| English | Have Proficient English or above. | Have Proficient English or above. |
| Work Experience | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the past six months. This employment experience should have been:
You must be currently employed in a capacity that fits the requirements at the time of submitting your EOI |
Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the past three months. This employment experience should have been:
You must be currently employed in a capacity that fits the requirements at the time of submitting your EOI |
| Evidence of Ongoing Employment | Have proof that your employment is continuing for another 12 months. This counts from when you submit your EOI. | Have proof that your employment is continuing for another 6 months. This counts from when you submit your EOI. |
| Commitment to Living in Queensland | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in Queensland for two years. | Once the visa is issued, you must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for three years. |
There are also priority fields of study for the Queensland Graduates pathway, which include:
- Agriculture and Environment:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture and Viticulture
- Forestry Studies
- Fisheries
- Environmental Studies
- Other Agriculture, environmental and related studies
- Engineering and Related Technologies:
- Aerospace Engineering and Technology
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology
- Engineering and related technologies
- Geomatics Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering and Technology
- Maritime Engineering and Technology
- Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology
- Process and Resources Engineering
- Other Engineering and related technologies
- Education:
- Education
- Teacher Education
- Health:
- Health
- Medical Studies
- Nursing
- Radiography
- Information Technology:
- Computer Science
- Information Systems
- Information Technology
- Other information technology
- Natural and Physical Sciences:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Sciences
- Earth Sciences
- Mathematical Sciences
- Natural and Physical Sciences
- Other Natural and Physical Sciences
- Physics and Astronomy
Small Business Owners in Regional Queensland
This pathway is for migrants residing in and running a small business in regional Queensland. This pathway is open for the 491 Visa program only. There are two pathways under the Small Business Owners in Regional Queensland: Business Purchase and Start-up Business.
Pathway 1 – Business Purchase
To be eligible for this path, you must pay a minimum of AUD100,000 for an existing registered business outside of South East Queensland and employ at least one Australian resident. You must run the business for at least six months before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Business purchased after 1 September 2024 must be in one of the relevant postcodes: 4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895. If you signed your business purchase agreement before 1 September 2024, the entire list of 491 regional postcodes is eligible.
The requirements for this pathway are:
- Settlement of the business purchase must have occurred within the last 18 months before submitting your EOI.
- The purchased business must have been in operation for at least two years in its existing location immediately before the purchase.
- Provide proof that you have purchased the business at least AUD 100,000.
- Provide evidence that you have been operating the business for at least six months following settlement. Please keep in mind that the six-month operation period begins only after the full purchase price is paid.
- Provide proof of employing at least one Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week, or two employees working 10 hours per week. Employees cannot be family members or subcontractors.
Note: you must also meet additional requirements in the table below and 491 visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Pathway 2 – Start-up Business
To qualify for this path, you must have founded and run your own business for at least two years. Before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), the business must be profitable and have a turnover of AUD200,000 in the previous twelve months.
The eligible postcodes include 4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895.
The requirements for this path are:
- Provide evidence that you have been running a profitable start-up for at least two years, with a revenue of $200,000 in the twelve months before the application.
Note: you must also meet additional requirements in the table below and 491 visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
And the additional requirements for both pathways are:
| Requirements | Pathway 1 – Business Purchase | Pathway 2 – Start-up Business |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Have an occupation listed here. | Have an occupation listed here. |
| Living in Regional Queensland | Must provide evidence you live in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode listed on Pathway 1 or Pathway 2. | Must provide evidence you live in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode listed on Pathway 1 or Pathway 2. |
| Location of Business | Must own and run a business in an eligible postcode listed on Pathway 1 or Pathway 2. | Must own and run a business in an eligible postcode listed on Pathway 1 or Pathway 2. |
| Operating the Business Full-time | Must have worked for the business full-time (at least 30 hours per week) for at least six months. | Must have worked for the business full-time (at least 30 hours per week) for at least six months. |
| Ownership Interest | Provide proof that you own the entire business. 100% ownership must have existed since the business was purchased or formed. | Provide proof that you own the entire business. 100% ownership must have existed since the business was purchased or formed. |
Important notes:
- No share transfer (a business selling document is required).
- No vendor financing.
- Cannot buy business from a family member or relative.
- Relocating or selling a business requires approval from Migration Queensland (before visa grant). Migration Queensland has the right to withdraw state nominations from applicants who do not meet this condition.
- Purchasing a business previously used as part of a migration visa application is not allowed.
- After receiving the visa, applicants must operate their business for at least three years in a regional area (which may be monitored).
The following businesses are not accepted:
- Multiple enterprises operating under the same ABN with pooled financials/BAS. These businesses do not match the criteria for this course.
- Passive investments, often known as management rights.
- Home-based enterprises (including virtual offices).
- Commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as gasoline stations).
- Diagou business.
Queensland Skilled Occupation List
Suppose you’re onshore and looking to join the Queensland Skilled Migration program. In that case, your nominated occupation must be listed on Australia’s Skilled Occupation List.
If you’re offshore and looking to join the Queensland Skilled Migration program, you must ensure your nominated occupation is listed on the Queensland Offshore Skilled Occupation List.
Please keep in mind that certain occupations require a licence to work in Queensland.
Read more about the Skilled Migration Program here.
Step-by-step of Submitting Queensland State Nomination
To submit Queensland state nomination, you must follow these six steps:
1. Check your eligibility
Ensure you have met all requirements the Department of Home Affairs and Queensland Government set for either Visa 491 or Visa 190. Also, ensure you meet all additional requirements for the specified pathways under the Queensland Skilled Migration Program.
If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to contact us to assess your background, ensuring you won’t submit the wrong visa subclass or pathways.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Next, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect. Provide all important information in your EOI, including employment experience.
If you want to be considered for an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination, complete the EOI with ‘Queensland’ as the only state of interest.
3. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)
You can only submit one ROI for the Queensland nomination, and you must provide the following:
- Your EOI number from SkillSelect
- Chosen visa subclass and skilled occupation
- Your other details include passport number, residential and employment postcodes, annual salary estimate (for onshore candidates only), and skilled partner information.
4. Invitation from Queensland Government
Migration Queensland will choose and invite candidates throughout the financial year.
5. Submit State Nomination to Queensland
If you are selected to apply, Migration Queensland will send you an invitation via the email address you provided in your EOI. You will have 14 calendar days to apply for the nomination, submit the relevant documents and form and pay the non-refundable application cost.
6. Submit Visa 491 or Visa 190 Application to ImmiAccount
If you are nominated, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an invitation to apply for Visa 491 or Visa 190 (based on your EOI and nomination). You will have 60 days to submit your visa application.
Why You Should Migrate to Queensland
Queensland, one of Australia’s largest states, offers you so many great things. One of the foremost is lower housing expenses, which can be a lifeline for those who want to own a home. Queensland also provides a high level of life and favourable working circumstances, which include:
- Equal opportunity at the workplace,
- Safe working conditions,
- World’s highest minimum salary (OECD 2019),
- A variety of privileges, including public holidays and paid leave.
These are only a few mentions of the greatness that Queensland is ready to offer. With this much information and options, we understand that choosing and planning the best one is challenging. Rest assured. We are here to provide you with the necessary support to ease your concerns:
We’re here to help you!
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting, with a remarkable 98% success rate, will guide you through the Victoria state nomination program, whether you’re aiming for the 190 Visa or 491 Visa. We are proud to be one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews to see why our clients trust us.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and get in touch with us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/ Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us through email at [email protected] or via phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
