Visa Options to Migrate to Queensland

Pacific Labour Mobility Programs

Pacific Labour Scheme

• The Pacific Labour Scheme is for residents of specified Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste to work in low and semi-skilled positions across all sectors of rural and regional Australia for up to three years.
• The Pacific Labour Scheme is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
• Applicants must be endorsed by DFAT to participate in the Program and be invited by an Australian employer endorsed by DFAT.
• Employers must also apply to the Department of Home Affairs to become a Temporary Activities Sponsor.

Seasonal Worker Scheme 

• The Seasonal Worker Program is for specified Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste to send seasonal workers to work in unskilled or low-skilled positions within the industries of horticulture and agriculture nationally and accommodation in selected areas for up to nine months a year.
• The Seasonal Worker Program is led by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment.
• Employers must apply for approval from the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to be an ‘Approved Employer’ and enter into a Deed of Agreement with the Department.
• Employers must also apply to the Department of Home Affairs to become a Temporary Activities Sponsor.

Australian Agriculture Worker visa

• On 23 August 2021, the Government announced the Australian Agriculture Worker visa to address workforce shortages in the agriculture sector.
• This visa is being designed for primary industry sectors including:
• Horticulture
• meat processing
• dairy
• wool
• grains
• fisheries (including aquaculture)
• forestry

For more information about the Agriculture Visa, please click here.

Skilled Migration to Queensland

If you have skills and qualification in an occupation that is in relevant list, you might as well think about obtaining an Australian visa through Skilled Migration pathway.

Benefits of seeking Queensland nomination

• With State Nomination you are not tied to a single employer.
• Queensland employers are required to offer:

+ the same work rights and conditions as an Australian citizen.

+ safe working environment.

+ entitlements including public holidays and annual leave

To learn more about different types of Skilled Migration visa in Queensland, please refer to our article below

• Queensland 190 Visa
• Queensland 491 visa
• 491 Visa– Queensland Small Business Owners Pathway

Global Talent Visa

Australia’s Global Talent programs aim to bring highly talented individuals who will create opportunities by bringing in their cutting-edge skills to contribute to Australia’s economy by driving innovation and supporting the creation of local jobs.

Key features

• Streamlined and fast-tracked visa pathway
• Permanent Residency (PR) for applicant and family to live and work anywhere in Australia
• No formal employer sponsorship obligations
• No State or Territory planning level restrictions
• No age limit to apply (55s and over need to demonstrate a higher level of prominence)

For more information about Global Talent visa, please refer to our below articles:

• Global Talent Independent program (GTI)
• What is the “internationally recognised achievement” in the Global Talent Visa?
• Australian Computer Society Nominates for Global Talent Visa
• Engineers Australia Nominates for Global Talent Visa
• Global Talent visa invitation numbers by nationality
• Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
• Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES)
• Fast Track PR- Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce
• Global Talent visa statistics per qualification and target sector
• Top Occupations for the Global Talent visa

Queensland Business Nomination Program

• The program offers you an opportunity to join our community and contribute to Queensland’s economic growth and industry development.
• You must seek State/Territory Nomination if you intend to apply for Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188).
• Four visa streams:
  • Business Innovation
  • Investor
  • Significant Investor
  • Entrepreneur

Below is the requirements of the two most popular business visas in Queensland:

Visa 188A – Business Innovation Stream

• A$1.25 Million in total assets ready to be transferred to Queensland comprising:
• Minimum business investment of $400,000 in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions, or
• Minimum business investment of $300,000 in regional Queensland.
• Property Development business will not be accepted.
• Export businesses must develop international markets for Queensland products.
• General importing businesses will not be accepted (unless value adding).
• Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland.

Visa 188B – Investor Stream

• Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$3 million ready to be transferred to Queensland, Australia (including A$2.5 million for Complying Investment and A$500,000 for Settlement in Queensland).
• Must invest according to the Complying Investment Framework

• 20% in Venture Capital & Growth Private Equity funds (VCPE) that invest in start-ups and small private companies.
• 30% in approved managed funds that must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.
• 50% in balancing investments of managed funds.

After holding this provisional visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the permanent residency (subclass 888 visa). The 188 – Investor stream cannot be extended.

Fore more information about Business Visa in Queensland, please click here