Important Announcement – Migration Queensland
On 2 September 2025, the Australian Government announced the total number of places in the 2025–26 Migration Program, but allocations to states and territories are still being finalised.
Queensland will not officially open the 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program until its final allocation is confirmed. However, you can submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination from 19 September 2025 in preparation.
1. Program Structure & Basics
Queensland offers state nomination under two visa subclasses:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) – permanent visa.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) – 5-year provisional visa requiring 3 years of residence/work in regional Queensland before permanent residency.
Eligibility requirements:
- Meet Department of Home Affairs (DHA) visa criteria.
- Meet Migration Queensland (MQ) nomination criteria.
- Have an eligible occupation on Queensland’s Skilled Occupation List (QSOL).
Application process (high-level):
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to Migration Queensland.
- MQ assesses ROIs and issues invitations in selection rounds.
- If invited, lodge a full nomination application.
2. Key Changes in FY 2025–26
- Updated Onshore and Offshore QSOL lists.
- New Onshore Building & Construction pathway.
- Offshore Energy Workers pathway removed.
- 491 Small Business Owner pathway closes 19 September 2025.
- EOIs up to 715 days old accepted.
- EOI can include multiple states.
- Onshore: 20 hrs/week minimum (casual accepted); ongoing work requirement removed.
- Offshore: Settlement funds no longer required.
- Revised selection factors and ROI partner questions.
- New annualised earnings calculation method.
- MQ will run smaller, frequent invitation rounds.
3. State Nomination, Eligibility & Application
What is State Nomination?
State nomination is Queensland’s endorsement of skilled visa applicants under subclass 190 and 491. It provides:
- Additional points in SkillSelect.
- Priority visa processing by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Access to Queensland’s skilled migration pathways.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
- Meet DHA requirements for your visa (190 or 491).
- Have an eligible occupation on the QSOL.
- Meet MQ’s pathway requirements (onshore, offshore, graduate, or SBO).
- Satisfy work experience and minimum work hours.
- Demonstrate English proficiency.
- Be ranked strongly on selection factors (skills, work, salary, English, age, partner, location).
Application Process
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect.
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to MQ.
- MQ conducts selection rounds.
- If invited, submit a full nomination application with documents + fee.
- If approved, MQ nominates you, and you then apply for your visa with DHA.
Registration of Interest (ROI)
- Required each program year.
- Only one ROI can be active at a time (the latest is considered).
- ROI requires: personal details, ANZSCO occupation, work details, annualised earnings, and partner details.
- Applicants must save or print their ROI confirmation — MQ cannot reissue it.
4. Skilled Visa Options
Migration Queensland nominates for two visas:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) – permanent residency in Queensland.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional) – provisional visa requiring residence and work in regional Queensland.
Learn more via DHA website for Subclass 190 and 491.
5. Nomination Pathways & Key Requirements
Each visa subclass has multiple pathways.
5.1 Skilled Workers Living in Queensland
- Must live and work in QLD in a nominated occupation.
- Minimum 9 months work (190) or 6 months work (491).
- At least 20 hours/week (casual accepted).
- Must have a valid skills assessment & meet English requirements.
👉 Full details
5.2 Skilled Workers Living Offshore
- Occupation must be on the Offshore QSOL.
- No settlement funds required.
- Must demonstrate skilled work experience and English competency.
👉 Full details
5.3 Building & Construction Workers (Onshore)
- New pathway introduced 2025–26.
- Occupations include: Construction Project Manager, Surveyor, Civil Engineer, Carpenter, Plumber, Electrician, etc.
- Must have 3 months work experience in QLD.
- At least 20 hours/week.
👉 Full details
5.4 Queensland University Graduates
- Completed a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD at a QLD university after 1 July 2021.
- 100% of the study must be in Queensland.
- Must live and work in QLD in an eligible occupation.
- For 190: 9 months’ work in QLD; for 491: 6 months’ work in regional QLD.
👉 Full details
⚠ Note: Students currently enrolled are not eligible. Only graduates who meet work requirements can apply. Dependents of student visa holders may apply if they hold full work rights.
5.5 Small Business Owners in Regional Queensland (491 only)
- Pathway closes from 19 September 2025.
- Only businesses purchased or started before this date may still be considered.
- Must own and operate a business in regional QLD.
- Must employ at least 1 Australian citizen/PR.
👉 Full details
6. Occupation Lists
7. Selection Factors
Ranking is based on:
- Skills & qualifications
- Work experience
- Salary (onshore only)
- English competency
- Age
- Partner skills (occupation + English)
- Location of employment (onshore only)
8. ROI Process
- Submit EOI in SkillSelect.
- Submit ROI in MQ portal:
- Personal, visa, ANZSCO details.
- Work experience, hours, postcodes.
- Annualised earnings (with evidence).
- Partner details (skills, English).
- Confirm declaration & submit.
⚠ Tip: Save or print ROI confirmation — MQ cannot reissue it.
9. Calculating ROI Annualised Earnings
Employees
- Based on ATO Income Statement.
- Formula: (Gross earnings ÷ number of days) × 365.
Self-Employed
- Based on Profit & Loss Statement (signed by the accountant).
- Formula: (Gross profit ÷ number of days) × 365.
10. Documents & Application Tips
- Submit complete, valid documents — incomplete = refusal.
- Evidence required for each employer.
- Ensure documents are current.
- Applications are processed in order of receipt.
11. Useful Resources
12. How A2MS Can Help
The program is highly competitive. At A2MS, we help you:
- Confirm eligibility across pathways.
- Correctly calculate ROI earnings.
- Prepare error-free applications.
- Strategically maximise ranking.
- Support from EOI → ROI → nomination.
Contact A2MS today for tailored advice and support.
13. Frequently Asked Questions (Official MQ FAQs)
Q: Do I need to submit a new ROI if I already lodged one last year?
A: Yes. New ROI required each year.
Q: Can I submit more than one ROI?
A: No. Only one active ROI; most recent counts.
Q: Do I need a new EOI for 2025–26?
A: No. EOIs up to 715 days old are accepted. Update if circumstances change.
Q: Must I list Queensland as my “State of Interest”?
A: No. You can include multiple states in your EOI.
Q: What does “closely related occupation” mean?
A: Your current occupation must be in the same ANZSCO Minor Group (3-digit code) as your nominated occupation.
Q: Do offshore applicants need settlement funds?
A: No. From 2025–26, settlement funds are not required.
Q: Can dependents of student visa holders apply?
A: Yes, if they have full work rights and meet all criteria.
Q: What is “Usual Country of Residence” in EOI?
A: If in QLD, select Australia. Offshore = your current country. Living outside QLD but in Australia ≠ offshore applicant.
Q: Does the date I updated my EOI/ROI matter?
A: No. Selection is based on ranking factors, not submission date.
Q: What are the ranking factors?
A: Skills, qualifications, work experience, salary (onshore), English, age, partner skills, employment location.
Q: Is casual work accepted?
A: Yes, if it meets 20 hrs/week minimum.
Q: Does labour hire work count?
A: Yes, if the labour hire company is licensed in Queensland.
Q: How long is processing after invitation?
A: Typically 2–4 weeks if application is complete and fee paid.
Q: Do I need certified documents?
A: No. Certified copies are not required.
Q: Can I get a refund if unsuccessful?
A: No. Fees are non-refundable.
Q: What happens if I don’t pay the fee?
A: Application is closed after 14 days.
Q: Can I apply for both 190 and 491?
A: No. You must choose one subclass in your ROI.
Q: Does my study need to relate to my occupation (Graduate Pathway)?
A: No. Field of study does not need to match nominated occupation.
Q: Can I work from home for an employer outside QLD?
A: No. Employer must have a physical presence in Queensland.
Q: Why was someone with higher points invited before me?
A: Invitations consider multiple ranking factors, not just points.
