• Queensland State Nomination – 190 and 491 visa

    A piece of public art spelling the word Brisbane in front of that city's central business district in Queensland, Australia

Subclass 190 & 491

Queensland – Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements (2025-2026)

Sep 2025: Migration Queensland will open the 2025-26 State Nominated Migration Program from 19 Sep 2025

Sep 2025: Migration Queensland updated its skills lists for both onshore & offshore applicants.

 
2025-26 State and territory nomination allocations – Queensland(QLD)

Migration Queensland has been provided with a small interim allocation of 250 placesand the remainder of the allocation is expected to be provided by the end of September.

Candidates must submit a new ROI for 2025-26 if they are seeking a Queensland nomination. Candidates can only have one ROI active at a time. If multiple ROIs are submitted only the most recent ROI is considered. Applicants are advised to print or save a copy of the ROI at the time of submission as Migration Queensland cannot provide a copy of the ROI afterwards.

Queensland’s allocation consists of:

Eligibility criteria – QLD Nomination – 5 pathways

Pathway 1 – Skilled workers living in Queensland

Pathway 2 – Skilled workers living outside Australia

Pathway 3 – Building and construction workers (New)

Pathway 4 – Queensland university graduates

Pathway 5 – Small business owners in regional Queensland (subclass 491 only) – will close from 19 September 2025

  • business purchased or started after 19 September 2025 will not be eligible
  • business purchased or started before 19 September 2025 may still be invited to apply

Offshore Energy Workers pathway – Moved

QLD Nomination Process

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Step 1 – Review the Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland requirements

To be eligible for a Queensland nomination, you must meet both the Australian Department of Home Affairs criteria and Migration Queensland criteria for your chosen visa category.

Home Affairs criteria requires you to:
  • have a points-test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points;
  • have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation;
  • be under 45 years of age;
  • meet the minimum English language requirement of competent, unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority; and submit additional documents, if invited to lodge an application for a 190 or 491 visa.

Step 2 – Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect

Next, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect. Provide all relevant information within the EOI, including work experience.  

In the EOI, select ‘Queensland’ as the only state of interest in the EOI, if you wish to be considered for an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination. To be eligible for Queensland’s 2024-25 program, your EOI must be submitted on or after 13 September 2024.


Step 3 – Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) in Queensland Nomination

You can only submit one ROI for Queensland nomination. You will need:

  • your EOI number from SkillSelect
  • to choose your visa subclass and skilled occupation
  • to provide your Passport number, Residential and employment postcodes, Annual salary estimate (onshore only),  and Skilled partner information

Step 4 – Migration Queensland selects and invites candidates

Migration Queensland will select and invite candidates throughout the financial year.


Step 5 – If you are invited to apply for Queensland nomination

The selection process is highly competitive. There is no guarantee of being selected to apply for Queensland nomination.

If you are selected to apply, you will receive an invitation from Migration Queensland via the email address entered in your EOI.

You will have 14 calendar days to:

  • upload the required documents and application form
  • pay the non-refundable application fee.

Migration Queensland will assess your application against the information entered in your EOI and ROI. We may request further information.

Note: If you are unable to provide the relevant information within this time frame, your application will be closed.


Step 6 – Applying to the Australian Government for your skilled visa

If you are nominated, you will receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the visa. You will have 60 days to lodge your visa application.

2025-26 Changes – Skilled Program requirements 

  • ongoing work requirement removed for onshore applicants
  • work hours requirement reduced to 20 hours per week
  • changes to Queensland work experience requirements
  • casual work now accepted
  • settlement funds no longer required for offshore
  • revised ROI questions for partner
  • new method of calculation of annualised earnings – which may be different to annual salary, method is different if self-employed or employed.

Migration Queensland have advised that they will run more frequent small rounds in the 2025-26 program year.

QLD – Occupation Lists 

  • The new occupation lists can be found here.

EOI 

  • no need to create a new Expression of Interest (EOI) every year – EOIs up to 715 days old will be accepted
  • the EOI can include other states as well, not limited to Queensland

Selection factors 

  • skills and Qualifications;
  • Work Experience;
  • Salary (onshore only);
  • English competency;
  • Age;
  • Partner Skills (Occupation and English);
  • Location of employment (onshore only).

Minimum Nomination Requirements for Different Pathways:

Pathway 1 – Skilled workers living in Queensland (2025-26)

To meet minimum Migration Queensland requirements, you must:

Requirement Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Points  Have a points test result of 65 or higher Have a points test result of 65 or higher
Occupation   Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

The Queensland Onshore Skills List outlines which visa subclasses you may be nominated for based on your occupation.

Note that Chefs and Cooks are unable to apply by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.

  Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

The Queensland Onshore Skills List outlines which visa subclasses you may be nominated for based on your occupation.

Note that Chefs and Cooks are unable to apply by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.
English  Have at least Competent English  Have at least Competent English
Work experience*  Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in:

  • Queensland for the past 9 months for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190).

This work experience must be:

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.
 Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland for the past 6 months for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

This work experience must be:

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.
Visa subclass If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489). If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
Commitment to living in Queensland

Commit to continue living and working in:

Queensland until at least 2 years after the date your Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) is granted.

Commit to continue living and working in:

Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the date your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is granted.

Caveats for selected occupations

*To work in some occupations in Queensland you must be registered or licensed by a state government body. Cooks and Chefs cannot qualify by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.

Pathway 2 – Skilled workers living outside Australia (offshore) (2025-26)

Skilled workers currently living outside Australia are referred to as ‘offshore’ candidates.

To meet minimum Migration Queensland requirements, you must:

Requirement Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Points  Have a points test result of 65 or higher  Have a points test result of 65 or higher 
Occupation  Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

The Queensland Offshore Skills List outlines which visa subclasses you may be nominated for based on your occupation. 

Note that information on employment in Queensland for certain occupations, such as licencing and registration requirements, should be checked on this list.

 Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

The Queensland Offshore Skills List outlines which visa subclasses you may be nominated for based on your occupation.

Certain occupations are only eligible for nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Note that information on employment in Queensland for certain occupations, such as licencing and registration requirements, should be checked on this list.
English Have at least Competent English Have at least Competent English
Work experience

Have at least 1 year’s skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Department of Home Affairs will be considered.

You must still be employed in your nominated occupation (or a closely related occupation) at the time you are invited and nominated.

Have at least 1 year’s skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Department of Home Affairs will be considered.

You must still be employed in your nominated occupation (or a closely related occupation) at the time you are invited and nominated.
Commitment to living in Queensland

Commit to living and working in:

  • Queensland until at least 2 years after the date your Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) is granted.

Commit to living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the date your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is granted.

The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan outlines the state’s pathway to clean, reliable and affordable power for generations.

Queensland’s shift towards clean energy is driving new job opportunities and growing our skilled workforce with project managers, engineers, tradespersons, technicians and other occupations in high demand.

The Queensland Government’s Energy Jobs portal showcases some of the many employment opportunities available in the energy industry, as Queensland propels towards 80% renewable energy by 2035.

Skilled workers outside Australia are considered for priority processing if they meet the minimum Migration Queensland requirements outlined above, and:

Requirement Details
Occupation  Have a positive skills assessment for a priority occupation to support the energy sector. 
Work experience  Have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 3 years in the energy sector. 

This experience can be counted towards the standard minimum 5 years’ work experience requirement. 

Note: Only Skilled Occupations on the Queensland Energy Skilled Occupation List are eligible for the Energy Workers priority processing. Migrants with experience in the energy sector that do not have an occupation on the Queensland Energy Skilled Occupation List are encouraged to apply for the Skilled Workers Outside Australia pathway.

Pathway 3 – Building and construction workers (2025-26)

Major infrastructure projects and events, like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, means there are exciting opportunities across Queensland for skilled building and construction workers.

If you are a builder, tradesperson or construction worker, this pathway may help to grow your career in a thriving industry and support Queensland’s high demand for construction skills.

Are you eligible for consideration?

To ensure that skilled migrants with construction skills can work in any area of Queensland, we will seek to nominate all building and construction workers for the subclass 190 visa unless they do not meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements for this visa. In those situations, the subclass 491 visa will be used.

Some occupations on the Building and Construction skills list are on the Home Affairs Regional Occupation List (ROL) and are only eligible for subclass 491 nomination.

To meet minimum Migration Queensland requirements, you must:

Requirement Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Points  Have a points test result of 65 or higher Have a points test result of 65 or higher
Occupation  Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List. that is indicated as included in the building and construction workforce pathway. Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List. that is indicated as included in the building and construction workforce pathway.
English  Have at least Competent English  Have at least Competent English
Work experience* 

Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in Queensland for the past 3 months.

This work experience must be:

  • After you completed your qualification
  • In an occupation that has the same first 3 digits in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code as your nominated occupation
  • At least 20 hours per week.

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.

Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in Queensland for the past 3 months.

This work experience must be:

  • After you completed your qualification
  • In an occupation that has the same first 3 digits in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) code as your nominated occupation
  • At least 20 hours per week.

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.
Visa subclass To ensure that skilled migrants with construction skills can work in any area of Queensland, we will seek to nominate all building and construction workers for the subclass 190 visa unless they do not meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements for this visa. In those situations, the subclass 491 visa will be used.

Some occupations on the Building and Construction skills list are on the Home Affairs Regional Occupation List (ROL) and are only eligible for subclass 491 nomination.

If you can only achieve 65 points on the Home Affairs points test with subclass 491 nomination we will consider you for subclass 491 nomination.

 To ensure that skilled migrants with construction skills can work in any area of Queensland, we will seek to nominate all building and construction workers for the subclass 190 visa unless they do not meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements for this visa. In those situations, the subclass 491 visa will be used.

Some occupations on the Building and Construction skills list are on the Home Affairs Regional Occupation List (ROL) and are only eligible for subclass 491 nomination.

If you can only achieve 65 points on the Home Affairs points test with subclass 491 nomination we will consider you for subclass 491 nomination.
Commitment to living in Queensland

Commit to continue to living and working in:

  • Queensland until at least 2 years after the date your Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) is granted.

Commit to continue to living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the date your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is granted.

*If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).

Caveats for selected occupations

*To work in some occupations in Queensland you must be registered or licensed by a state government body. Cooks and Chefs cannot qualify by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.

Pathway 4 – Queensland university graduates (2025-26 criteria)

Requirement Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Points  Have a points test result of 65 or higher  Have a points test result of 65 or higher 
Qualification 
  • A Bachelor Degree, Master’s Degree or PhD from a Queensland university or tertiary institute that meets the Australian Study Requirement
  • Completed 100% of this qualification in Queensland
  • Graduated after 1 July 2021.

Your Queensland degree does not have to be related to your nominated occupation.
  • A Bachelor Degree, Master’s Degree or PhD from a Queensland university or tertiary institute that meets the Australian Study Requirement
  • Completed 100% of this qualification in Queensland
  • Graduated after 1 July 2021.

Your Queensland degree does not have to be related to your nominated occupation.
Occupation  Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

The Queensland Onshore Skills List outlines which visa subclasses you may be nominated for based on your occupation.

Note that Chefs and Cooks are unable to apply by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.

  Have an occupation on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

Note that Chefs and Cooks are unable to apply by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.
English  Have at least Competent English Have at least Competent English
Work experience*  Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in:

  • Queensland for the past 9 months for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190).

This work experience must be:

  • After you completed your qualification
  • At least 20 hours per week.

Candidates who meet the Queensland university graduate requirements may be working in any Skill Level 1 occupation.

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.
 Immediately before registering your interest in Queensland nomination, you have been living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland for the past 6 months for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

This work experience must be:

  • After you completed your qualification
  • At least 20 hours per week.

Candidates who meet the Queensland university graduate requirements may be working in any Skill Level 1 occupation.

We also note the following:

  • You must still be in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your ROI, when you are selected for invitation, and when you are nominated
  • Casual work is accepted
  • Multiple eligible jobs can be combined to meet requirements
  • Work from home is allowed, where your employer has a physical presence in Queensland.
Visa subclass Some occupations are only eligible for nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).

 Some occupations are only eligible for nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
Commitment to living in Queensland   

Commit to continue living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the date your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is granted, or;
  • Queensland until at least 2 years after the date your Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) is granted.

Commit to continue living and working in:

  • Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the date your Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is granted, or;
  • Queensland until at least 2 years after the date your Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) is granted.

Before you lodge your Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination, you should:

  • Ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date and accurate, with the correct supporting documents ready.
  • Familiarise yourself with the requirements, such as salary calculations, documentation checklists, and the ROI process.

These steps can be time-consuming and confusing. Even a small mistake may lead to refusal of your ROI or state nomination. To give your application the best chance of success, we will:

  • Conduct an upfront eligibility assessment to ensure you meet the visa requirements and avoid situations where you receive an ROI invitation but are later unable to lodge a valid visa application. (ROI and visa application are assessed by different authorities.)
  • Lodge, Review and update your EOI to ensure it aligns perfectly with your supporting documents.
  • Provide you with a tailored document checklist and verify each item to avoid omissions.
  • Pre-assess your eligibility and ROI submission to maximise your chances of receiving an invitation.

Book a Consultation with Migration Agent

If you are considering applying for Queensland state nomination, now is the right time to act!
Contact us today to book a consultation. We will:

  • Assess whether you meet the EOI, ROI and Visa Application requirements.
  • Plan your strategy and timing for submission.
  • Once engaged, fully prepare, lodge, and monitor your ROI & Visa on your behalf.

Let us guide you every step of the way—minimising risk and maximising your chances of success!

Pathway 5 – Small business owners in regional Queensland (subclass 491 only) (2025-26)

Migration Queensland has closed the small business owner’s pathway for Queensland nomination to new businesses from 19 September 2025 . This means that if you have purchased or started a business after 19 September 2025, you will not be invited to apply for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

If you have already purchased or started an eligible business before 19 September 2025, you may still be invited to apply for Queensland nomination in 2025-26. Please see the details below.

Pathway 1 – Business purchase

Business purchase date is the date the contract of sale was signed.

Businesses purchased after 19 September 2025 

If your business was purchased after 19 September 2025, you will not be eligible to apply for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Businesses purchased between 14 September 2024 and 19 September 2025

Business settlement must have occurred before 30 September 2025, including payment of the full business purchase price.

Both you and your business must be located in the September 2024 list of eligible postcodes:

4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895

Your 491 SBO Registration of Interest (ROI) must be submitted before 30 May 2026 to be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway. Only submit your ROI once you have met all the program requirements.

ROIs submitted more than 18 months after the date of settlement will not be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Businesses purchased before 14 September 2024

Your business may be located in any subclass 491 eligible Queensland regional postcode.

Businesses settled before 1 July 2024 have until 31 December 2025 to submit your 491 SBO Registration of Interest (ROI). ROIs submitted after 31 December 2025 will not be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Businesses settled after 1 July 2024 have 18 months from the date of settlement to submit your 491 SBO Registration of Interest (ROI). ROIs submitted more than 18 months after the date of settlement will not be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Pathway 2 – Start-up business

Business start date is the date the SBO business was first registered.

Businesses started after 19 September 2025

If your business was started after 19 September 2025, you will not be eligible to apply for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Businesses started between 1 June 2024 and 19 September 2025 

Your business may be located in any subclass 491 eligible Queensland regional postcode.

You must submit your 491 SBO Registration of Interest (ROI) before 30 April 2027. If you started your business between 1 May 2025 and 19 September 2025, and cannot meet the requirement to operate your business for at least two years before submitting your ROI (by 30 April 2027), you will be given an exemption for the 2 years of operation requirement. You will still be required to be generating a profit and have a minimum turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months prior to submitting your ROI.

ROIs submitted after 30 April 2027 will not be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

Businesses started before 1 June 2024 

Your business may be located in any subclass 491 eligible Queensland regional postcode.

You must submit your 491 SBO Registration of Interest before 30 May 2026 to be eligible for nomination before 30 June 2026.

ROIs submitted after 30 May 2026 will not be eligible for Queensland nomination under this pathway.

If you are a migrant currently living in and operating a small business in regional Queensland, that you either purchased or started before 19 September 2025, this pathway may provide you an option for Queensland nomination.

The 491 Small Business Owner (491 SBO) stream has two different pathways. You need to meet the criteria for either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2.

Pathway 1 – Business purchase

To be eligible for Pathway 1, you must purchase an existing registered business outside of South East Queensland for a minimum of $100,000 and employ at least 1 Australian resident.

Only submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) once you meet all program requirements.

Pathway 2 – Start-up business

To be eligible for Pathway 2, you must have started your own business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of 2 years.

Only submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) once your business is generating a profit and has a turnover of at least $200,000 in the twelve months prior to submitting.

As part of your visa conditions, you and your dependants must live, work and study in a regional area.

Pathway 1 – Business purchase

Businesses purchased after 14 September 2024 (date of contract) must be located in one of the following eligible postcodes:

4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895.

If you signed your contract of business purchase before 14 September 2024, then the full list of 491 regional postcodes is eligible:

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.

Pathway 2 – Start-up business

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.

To be eligible for Queensland nomination, you will need to meet the requirements of both the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).

Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements

    • have a points test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points
    • have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation
    • be under 45 years of age
    • have at least Competent English.

Requirements for Pathway 1 and Pathway 2:

Requirement Eligibility
Occupation   Have an occupation on the Legislative Instrument 19/051 (LIN19/051). 
Living in regional Queensland  Have evidence that you are living in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode.
Location of business  Own and operate your business in an eligible postcode in regional Queensland.
Ownership interest   Have evidence you own 100% of the business. 100% ownership is required since the business was purchased or started. 
Additional requirements for Pathway 1 – Business purchase  
Requirement Eligibility
Time since purchase  Settlement of business purchase must have occurred less than 18 months before submitting your 491 SBO Registration of Interest.

Businesses settled before 1 July 2024 have until 31 December 2025 to submit your 491 SBO Registration of Interest.
Age and location of purchased business The business must have been operating for a minimum of 2 years in its current location, immediately before purchase, and continue to operate in the same location.
Price of purchased business  Have evidence you purchased your business for a minimum of $100,000.
Operation of business  Have evidence you have been operating the business for a minimum of 6 months after settlement. The 6 months of operation does not start until 100% of the business purchase price is settled.

You are required to submit 2 quarterly Business Activity Statements (BAS), where you have owned and operated the business for the entire period of the BAS.
Australian employee/s  Have evidence of employing at least 1 Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week, or 2 Australian residents working 10 hours each per week. Employees cannot be a family member or a subcontractor.

An Australian resident for the purposes of the 491 SBO stream is an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia on a Special Category visa (subclass 444).
Additional requirements for Pathway 2 – Start up business
Requirement Eligibility
Operation of business and turnover  Have evidence of operating a profitable start-up for a minimum of 2 years, with a turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months prior to submitting your 491 SBO Registration of Interest.
  • Your business must be purchased by a contract of sale. Share transfers do not meet the requirements.
  • No vendor financing.
  • Your business cannot be purchased from a family member or relative.
  • You cannot purchase a business previously used as part of a visa application for migration purposes (i.e. 491, 188, 888 or 405 visa application).
  • Your business cannot be relocated or sold without first receiving approval from Migration Queensland (prior to visa grant). Migration Queensland reserves the right to withdraw your state nomination if you do not follow this requirement.
  • You must continue to operate your business until at least three years after the date you are granted your 491 visa. We may monitor your business operation to ensure this condition is met.
  • If you are considering purchasing a franchise business, you must have the approval of the Master Franchise (franchisor) prior to purchasing.

Before you lodge your Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination, you should:

  • Ensure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect is up to date and accurate, with the correct supporting documents ready.
  • Familiarise yourself with the requirements, such as salary calculations, documentation checklists, and the ROI process.
  • Multiple businesses operating under the one ABN with combined financials/BAS. These businesses do not meet the requirements for this pathway.
  • Passive investments (i.e. Management rights).
  • Home-based businesses (including those with virtual offices).
  • Commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as petrol stations).
  • Daigou businesses.

Correctly applying for nomination does not guarantee you will receive a Queensland nomination or be granted an Australian visa. Nomination is granted at the discretion of the State of Queensland.

The final decision and timeframe on granting a visa is made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Queensland takes no responsibility in the event your visa application is not approved by Home Affairs.

To be eligible for the subclass 191 visa applicants must:

  • Provide notices of assessment issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for three income years out of five years of your eligible visa.
  • Have complied with the conditions of the regional provisional visa, including that the holder and any dependants must live, work and study in a designated regional area of Australia.

It is the duty of the visa holder to understand the criteria they need to meet on a subclass 491 to be eligible to apply for the subclass 191.

Migration Queensland takes no responsibility if an applicant does not meet subclass 191 visa requirements.

Related:

Other States and territory nomination requirements:

Each state and territory has its own list of occupations, requirements and processes you must follow. Select a state below to see it’s state nomination requirements for 190 and 491 visa:

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