Queensland Invitation Round (18 February) Update: Allocation Position & Sector Movement

As of 31 January, Queensland has issued:

• 297 invitations under Subclass 190 (out of 1,850 allocated places)

• 252 invitations under Subclass 491 (out of 750 allocated places)

That is approximately 16% utilisation for 190 and 34% for 491 while Queensland remains the only state showing year-on-year allocation growth across both subclasses. State nomination operates within fixed federal ceilings. When a significant portion of quota remains unused at this stage of the program year, invitation activity typically intensifies to ensure allocation is effectively utilised. Capacity at this level does not sit idle.

Sector positioning

• Information Technology & Engineering: Highly competitive, but allocation depth creates room for movement beyond ultra-high scores, particularly for candidates with onshore employment and strong salary positioning.

• Trades & Construction: Structurally strong. Infrastructure demand, housing supply pressure and regional workforce gaps continue to support sustained nomination activity.

• Healthcare: Consistently prioritised across Australia, including aged care and hospital-based roles. Demand remains policy-driven rather than cyclical.

• Teaching: Workforce shortages continue nationally, making this one of the more strategically stable sectors for nomination pathways.

• Queensland’s current allocation position reflects capacity across both 190 and 491 programs. When allocation and policy direction align, invitation rounds carry more weight.

Recent invited occupations and points reflect the competitiveness across sectors:

Information Technology

• Analyst Programmer: 100+5 points

• Software Engineer: 90+5 points

Engineering

• Mechanical Engineer: 95 points

• General Fitter: 65 points

Healthcare

• Registered Nurse (Aged Care): 80 points

• Registered Nurse (Surgical): 80+5 points

• Audiologist: 75+5 points

Trades & Construction

• Carpenter: 65 points

While IT and Engineering remain high-scoring, trade occupations continue to invite at more moderate thresholds. Healthcare remains consistently active, particularly for candidates with onshore experience and strong English scores.

With significant allocation still available, sector dynamics and ranking movement will continue to shape upcoming rounds. Migration is not driven by headlines; it is driven by numbers, ceilings and labour demand signals. For those reviewing state nomination options, this is a period to assess eligibility, sector alignment and competitive positioning with clarity. Now, with fast-track study options in Gold Coast (categorised as Regional); Brisbane and all other states you can possibly get accredited within 9 months. Learn more about Trade, Teaching, Health sector courses and migration pathway. Book a free phone consultations: https://www.newstedglobal.com/book-consultation To get started, you sms/WhatsApp: +61410478759

If you’re planning your next step in QLD migration, reach out. At Newsted, we have deep understanding of Australia's Education, Migration and demography.

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