Skilled Migration to Queensland
Planning a move to Queensland? This guide covers everything you need to assess your eligibility, identify the right nomination stream for your occupation, and submit a Registration of Interest with Migration Queensland.
5 NOMINATION STREAMS
2032 OLYMPIC BOOST
SNMP : OPEN
1,850 SUBCLASS 190 PLACES
750 SUBCLASS 491 PLACES
2032
BRISBANE OLYMPICS
Infrastructure boost
5
NOMINATION STREAMS
Stream 1-5
1,850
PERMANENT (190) PLACES
For 2025-26 allocation
750
PROVISIONAL (491) PLACES
For 2025-26 allocation
TWO VISA SUBCLASSES, FIVE STREAMS
Understanding Queensland Skilled Migration Program
Queensland is one of Australia's fastest-growing states, with a diverse economy spanning mining, agriculture, tourism, construction, and healthcare. To support this growth, the Queensland Government actively recruits skilled workers from within Australia and overseas through its skilled migration program, administered by Migration Queensland (MQ), the official state nominating body and a business unit of Trade and Investment Queensland.
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If you hold a positive skills assessment in an occupation Queensland requires and meet the program's eligibility criteria, Migration Queensland may nominate you for a skilled visa. State nomination adds points to your Home Affairs points test score and can significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation to apply, rather than remaining in the general SkillSelect pool.
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Migration Queensland nominates candidates for two skilled visa subclasses: the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Permanent visa) and the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa). Both subclasses require a minimum score of 65 points on the Home Affairs points test, at least Competent English, and a positive skills assessment, in addition to Queensland's stream-specific requirements outlined below.
Key Point: Queensland nomination does not guarantee a visa grant. Applicants must still satisfy all Department of Home Affairs requirements separately. State nomination represents Queensland's endorsement only; the final visa decision rests with the Department of Home Affairs.
Why Queensland?
Beyond the visa pathway, Queensland offers strong long-term lifestyle and economic advantages. With Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state is undergoing significant infrastructure investment, job creation, and economic growth. From the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland, the state offers a high standard of living, more affordable housing than Sydney or Melbourne, established community networks, and consistent demand for skilled labour across multiple industries.
FIVE STREAMS, TWO SUB-PATHWAYS
The Five Nomination Streams Explained
Queensland operates a stream-based nomination system. Applicants should identify the stream that matches their circumstances and confirm eligibility against the relevant criteria.
​SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON
Stream Comparison at a Glance
A quick reference comparing how each stream differs across the key eligibility criteria.
Small Business Owners (491 only) are not included in the table above due to their distinct business-ownership structure and the current closure to new businesses started after 19 September 2025. See Stream 5 for full details.
​VOCATIONAL & TRADE ROUTES
Trade Courses & VET Pathways Into
Queensland Migration
For many trades, a Certificate III or IV, or a Diploma from a registered training organisation (RTO), combined with a positive skills assessment, can be sufficient to qualify for state nomination. Queensland's building and construction stream is particularly well suited to tradespeople holding vocational qualifications.
Step 1
Obtain a Trade Qualification
A Certificate III or IV in the relevant trade from a registered Australian RTO, or its overseas equivalent​​​
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Step 2
Obtain a Skills Assessment
Apply to the relevant Assessing Authority (for example, TRA for tradespeople or Engineers Australia for engineers)​​
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Step 3
Build a Competitive Points Score
Age, English, experience, and qualifications all contribute. A score well above 65 improves competitiveness
Step 4
Lodge an EOI in SkillSelect
Submit an Expression of Interest via the Home Affairs SkillSelect portal with accurate, well-documented information
Step 5
​Submit an ROI with Migration Queensland
Once the relevant stream's criteria are met, submit a Registration of Interest with Migration Queensland
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Step 6
Receive Nomination and Apply
​If selected and nominated, lodge the visa application with the Australian Department of Home Affairs
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Key Assessing Authorities for Trades
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TRA (Trades Recognition Australia): most trade occupations, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, mechanics, and other construction trades
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Engineers Australia: civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and other engineering occupations
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VETASSESS: a wide range of professional and technical occupations not covered by other authorities
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AIQS: quantity surveyors
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AIRAH: HVAC and refrigeration engineers
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A full list is available at migration.qld.gov.au, Assessing Authorities.
9 STEPS FROM EOI TO VISA
The Application Pathway, Step by Step
An outline of the process from initial eligibility checks through to visa lodgement.
1
Confirm Your Occupation Is on a Queensland Skills List
Check the Queensland Onshore Skills List (if living in Australia) or the Queensland Offshore Skills List (if overseas). The nominated occupation, matched by ANZSCO code, must appear on the relevant list. Confirm which visa subclasses the occupation is eligible for under Queensland nomination.
2
Get Your Skills
Assessed
Apply to the relevant Assessing Authority for the nominated occupation. A positive skills assessment is required by the Department of Home Affairs before an EOI can be lodged.
This process can take several months, so it is advisable to begin early.
3
Prove Your
English
At minimum, Competent English is required (IELTS 6.0 in each band, or the equivalent in PTE, TOEFL, OET, or Cambridge).
Higher English scores attract additional points, and investing in language preparation can often improve overall competitiveness.
Calculate Your
Points Score
Use the Home Affairs points calculator to estimate the total score. A minimum of 65 points is required, although a higher score improves competitiveness. Queensland state nomination adds 5 points for subclass 190 or 15 points for subclass 491, which should be factored in when deciding which visa to target.
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5
Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect
Submit an EOI through the Home Affairs SkillSelect portal.
Ensure all information is accurate and fully documented. Including a partner's skills and English test results can add meaningful points to the overall score.
6
Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) with Migration Queensland
Once the eligibility criteria for the chosen stream are met, submit an ROI via the Migration Queensland online form.
All details should be verified and accurate from the outset, as they will need to be confirmed if an invitation is received.
Wait for an Invitation
Migration Queensland selects candidates from its ROI pool based on occupational need, work experience, salary, age, English proficiency, and location. Nomination places are limited and demand remains strong, so no guaranteed timeline can be provided.
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Apply for Queensland Nomination
If selected, applicants will be invited to formally apply for Queensland nomination and provide supporting documentation through the Migration Queensland online portal.
9
Lodge the Visa Application with Home Affairs
Once nominated, applicants will receive a nomination certificate and can lodge their subclass 190 or 491 visa application with the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The Department of Home Affairs makes the final decision on the visa.
SELF-ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Quick Eligibility Checker
Review these baseline requirements before proceeding with a formal application.
Disclaimer:
This article is an informational guide based on publicly available information from migration.qld.gov.au as at June 2026. Migration law and program criteria change regularly, and this content does not constitute legal or migration advice. A MARA-registered migration agent or legal professional should always be consulted before making any application decisions.
Frequently Asked Question
How is Migration Queensland different from the Department of Home Affairs?
Migration Queensland is the Queensland Government's state nominating body. It determines who receives a Queensland nomination, which represents the state's official endorsement of a visa candidacy. The Department of Home Affairs is the federal body responsible for granting or refusing the visa itself. Both stages are required: a Queensland nomination first, followed by Home Affairs approval.
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Is a job offer required to apply for Queensland nomination?
No. For most streams, a job offer is not required, although holding one can strengthen an application and may be favourable during candidate selection. For the offshore stream, applicants must remain employed in their nominated occupation at the time of invitation and nomination.​
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How long does the process take?
There is no fixed timeline. The duration depends on demand for the nominated occupation, the number of nomination places remaining in the program year, and the completeness of the application documentation. After nomination, Home Affairs processing times for subclass 190 and 491 visas vary; current estimates are published on the Home Affairs website.​
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Does the nominated occupation have to match the applicant's qualification?
The nominated occupation must match the skills assessment. However, for the Queensland University Graduates stream specifically, the Queensland degree does not need to be in the same field as the nominated occupation. A valid skills assessment in the nominated occupation is sufficient.​
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What is "regional Queensland" for the 491 visa?
IRegional Queensland refers to designated regional postcodes as defined by the Australian Government. Most of Queensland outside the Brisbane CBD and some inner-city areas qualifies. The full list of 491-eligible Queensland postcodes is available on the Migration Queensland and Home Affairs websites.
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Can a visa holder move interstate after the visa is granted?
Visa holders are expected to live and work in Queensland (or regional Queensland for subclass 491) for the duration of the commitment period stated in their nomination. Relocating interstate or leaving the workforce may affect visa conditions. Registered migration agent advice should be sought before making any major changes.​
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What happens after a subclass 491 visa expires?
After holding the subclass 491 visa for the required period and satisfying all visa conditions, holders may become eligible for the Skilled Regional (Permanent) visa (subclass 191), which provides a pathway to permanent residence. ATO notices of assessment for 3 income years out of 5 are required, along with evidence of compliance with all regional conditions. Current criteria should be confirmed on the Home Affairs website.
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Do tradespeople with vocational qualifications qualify?
Yes. A university degree is not required for most skilled visa streams. Tradespeople holding a Certificate III or IV (or the overseas equivalent), a positive TRA skills assessment, and a competitive points score may qualify. The Building and Construction stream is specifically designed to fast-track construction trades toward permanent residence.
STAY AHEAD OF THE 2026-27 OPENING
Queensland's program moves fast once it reopens. Be first to know when the next intake launches.
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