• Queensland State Nomination – 190 and 491 visa

Subclass 190 & 491

Queensland – Skilled Migration Nomination Requirements (2024-2025)

NOTE: Migration Queensland has opened the 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program


2024-25 State and territory nomination allocations – Queensland(QLD)

The Australian Government has allocated 1,200 skilled visa nomination places to Queensland for the 2024-25 program.

Queensland’s allocation consists of:

QLD Nomination Process

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.


Eligibility criteria – QLD Nomination – 4 pathways

  1. Queensland Graduates
  2. Skilled workers in Queensland
  3. Skilled workers outside Australia
  4. 491 Small business owners (SBO)
1. Queensland Graduates

International graduates who have an eligible qualification from a Queensland university and are currently employed, helping to fill priority skills gaps.

Note: 
International graduates from a Queensland education provider who do not have an eligible qualification must apply under the Skilled Workers in Queensland pathway, if eligible.

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 
  1. Have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a Queensland university
  2. This qualification must be in a priority field
  3. Have completed 100 per cent of this qualification in Queensland
  4. Have graduated after 1 July 2022 
  1. Have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a Queensland university
  2. This qualification must be in a priority field
  3. Have completed 100 per cent of this qualification in Queensland
  4. Have graduated after 1 July 2022 
Occupation  Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051 Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051
English  Have at least proficient English  Have at least proficient English 
Work experience* 
  1. Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 6 months. This work experience must have been:
    • After you obtained your qualification
    • In any Skill Level 1 occupation
    • At least 30 hours per week
  2. Are still employed in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your EOI
  1. Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last 3 months. This work experience must have been:
    • After you obtained your qualification
    • In any Skill Level 1 occupation
    • At least 30 hours per week
  2. Are still employed in a role that meets the above requirements when you submit your EOI
Evidence of ongoing employment  Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI
Commitment to living in Queensland    Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted  Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted

Priority fields of study for Queensland nomination are defined in accordance with the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).  

The broad fields of priority study are Agriculture and Environment, Engineering and Related Technologies, Education, Health, Information Technology and Natural and Physical Sciences. 

You can find the list of narrow fields of study below.

To check if your qualification is in a priority field: 

  1. Go to the CRICOS website and use the ‘Course Search’.
  2. Search for your qualification by entering course information or its CRICOS code. Your qualification will show ‘Course details’ with a ‘Narrow field’ defined.
  3. If the ‘Narrow Field’ of your qualification is included in the list provided, your qualification is eligible for this pathway. 
Broad field Narrow field
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 
2. Skilled workers in Queensland

This pathway is for skilled workers currently employed in Queensland, helping to fill priority skills gaps.

Note: International graduates not eligible under the Queensland Graduates pathway should apply under this pathway, if eligible.

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 Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries.  Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051,  with a focus on helping address verified shortages in Queensland’s growing industries.
English  Have Proficient English or higher Have Proficient English or higher
Work experience* 
  1. Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 6 months. This work experience must have been:
    • After you obtained your qualification
    • Closely related to your nominated occupation
    • At least 30 hours per week
  2. When you submit your EOI for Queensland nomination, you must still be employed in a role that meets the above requirements.
  1. Have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least the last 3 months. This work experience must have been:
    • After you obtained your qualification
    • Closely related to your nominated occupation
    • At least 30 hours per week
  2. When you submit your EOI for Queensland nomination, you must still be employed in a role that meets the above requirements.
Evidence of ongoing employment  Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI. Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI.
Commitment to living in Queensland Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted. Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa 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.

3. Skilled workers outside Australia

This pathway is for Skilled workers outside of Australia who can contribute to Queensland’s strongest skilled workforce needs, including:

  • The transition to net zero and climate change adaptation.
  • The delivery of more hospitals, upgraded schools, more housing and better transport under Queensland’s Big Build.
  • Queensland’s increasing demand for health care.

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 offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List Have an occupation on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List
English Have Proficient English or higher Have Proficient English or higher
Work experience Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered.

You must be in ongoing, full-time employment in your nominated occupation when you are invited.

 Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation.

Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered.

You must be in ongoing, full-time employment in your nominated occupation when you are invited.
Commitment to living in Queensland Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted

Note: Only Skilled Occupations on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List are eligible to apply for Queensland Nomination.

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.


4. 491 – Small business owners(SBO) in regional Queensland

This pathway is for migrants who are currently living in and operating a small business in regional Queensland.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa that has a pathway to permanent residency. It is a five-year visa that allows holders, and their dependants, to live, work and study in regional Australia, and to apply for permanent residency after three years.

The Small Business Owner (SBO) stream has two separate pathways. Applicants need to meet the criteria for either Pathway 1 or Pathway 2:

Pathway 1 – Business purchase

To be eligible for this pathway, you must purchase an existing registered business outside of South East Queensland for a minimum of $100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident. You must operate the business for a minimum of six months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Eligible Postcodes

Businesses purchased after 1 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 1 September 2024, then the full list of 491 regional postcodes is eligible.

Pathway 2 – Start-up business

To be eligible for this pathway, you must have started your own business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of two years. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

Eligible Postcodes

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.

Migration Queensland requires you to meet the following criteria: 
Requirements for Pathway 1 and Pathway 2 applicants:
Occupation   Have an occupation on the Legislative Instrument (LIN19/051). 
Living in regional Queensland  Must provide evidence you are living in regional Queensland in an eligible postcode list (Pathway 1 or Pathway 2). 
Location of business  You must own and operate a business in an eligible postcode (Pathway 1 or Pathway 2) in regional Queensland. 
Operating the business full-time  The applicant must be working for the business full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) for at least six months. 
Ownership interest   Provide evidence you hold 100% ownership of the business. 100% ownership must have been in place since the business was purchased or started. 
Additional requirements for Pathway 1 (Business purchase) 
Time since purchase  Settlement of business purchase must have occurred less than 18 months prior to submitting your EOI*. 
Age of purchased business  The business purchased must have been operating for a minimum of two years in its current location, immediately prior to purchase.  
Price of purchased business  Provide evidence you have purchased a business for a minimum of $100,000. 
Operation of business  Provide evidence you have been operating the business for a minimum of six months after settlement. 
Note: 
The six months of operation does not start until 100% of the business purchase price is settled. 
Australian employee/s  Provide evidence 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 a family member or a subcontractor.  
Additional requirements for Pathway 2 (Start-ups)
Operation of business and turnover  Provide evidence you have been operating a profitable start-up for a minimum of two years, with a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to application.  

  • Important notes for the 491 SBO pathway

    • No share transfer (must have a contract of business sale)
    • No vendor financing
    • Cannot purchase business from a family member or relative
    • Cannot relocate or sell a business without first receiving approval from Migration Queensland (prior to visa grant). Migration Queensland reserves the right to withdraw state nomination from applicants who do not follow this requirement.
    • Cannot purchase a business previously used as part of a visa application for migration purposes (i.e. 491, 188, 888 or 405 visa application).
    • Applicants must operate their business for at least three years in a regional area (may be subject to monitoring) after the grant of the visa.

  • Businesses not accepted

    • 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)
    • Diagou businesses.

  • Franchises

    If you are considering purchasing a franchise business, you must have the approval of the Master Franchise (franchisor) prior to purchasing.

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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