Interested in migrating to Queensland? Recently, BMSQ, the state government unit responsible for Queensland’s migration program has formally announced the resumption of the Migration Queensland Skilled Program for the 2022 to 2023 program year.
Queensland State nomination is available for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas. The 190 visa is a permanent skilled visa while the subclass 491 visa is a 5-year provisional skilled visa with a pathway to permanent residency. Both visas require nomination from a state or territory of Australia and applicants are asked to commit two years to remaining in the nominating state.
For more information on these Australian skilled visa options, please see the links below:
Why Migrate to Queensland
Queensland is famous for its beautiful weather and offering great career opportunities making it a popular choice for skilled migrants particularly those adverse to the cold. It is an ideal place to work and live, offering:
- equal opportunity in the workplace,
- safe working conditions,
- the world’s highest minimum wage (OECD 2019)
- a range of entitlements – including public holidays and paid leave
- home to Brisbane – Australia’s third largest city
- strong and diverse economy with a GDP larger than the country of Portugal!
- warm weather throughout most of the year
- home to Instagram worthy beaches and famous tourist destinations including the Gold Coast, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, the Sunshine Coast, the Whitsundays and Whitehaven Beach
- a relaxed lifestyle
- friendly locals
Who is eligible for Queensland nomination?
With the opening up of the borders to Australia with the decline in Covid-19 numbers and severity, Queensland has now opened the state nomination program to both onshore and offshore applicants. The Queensland nomination program is broken up into 4 separate categories, these being:
- Graduates of a Queensland university
- Skilled workers already living in Queensland
- Skilled workers living offshore
- Small business owners operating a business in regional Queensland
Nomination for Queensland graduates
Nomination for graduates is a competitive process meaning those with higher points, those living in regional areas and those with years of work experience can expect to be nominated more quickly.
To check your eligible for nomination as a graduate of a Queensland university, please see the table below:
| Requirements for Queensland Graduates | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Graduates applying for subclass 190 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 80 points or higher on the skilled migration points test inclusive of state nomination points | Graduates applying for subclass 491 visa nomination are required to have a minimum of 65 points or higher on the skilled migration points test inclusive of state nomination points | |
| Employment | Graduates must provide evidence of employment with a Queensland employer registered in their occupation or a related occupation* | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| English | Graduates must have Proficient English to meet the English language requirement | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Location | Graduates must be onshore in Queensland at the time of application | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Bachelor Students |
|
| |
| Masters Students |
|
| |
| PhD and Graduate Students |
| Same as for the 190 visa | |
Nomination for Queensland workers
Nomination for people working in Queensland is also available this program year. Applicants need to meet the basic Home Affairs requirements and also meet Queensland requirements which are as follows:
| Requirements for Queensland Workers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Workers must have a point test result of 8o points or higher (trade occupations 75 or higher) | Workers must have a point test result of 65 points or higher | |
| English | Graduates must have Proficient English (see link) to meet the English language requirement or Competent English if working in a trade | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| Queensland work experience | At least 35 hours per week over the last 6 months at a skilled level in the nominated occupation immediately before submitting the EOI | At least 35 hours per week over the last 3 months at a skilled level in the nominated occupation immediately before submitting the EOI | |
| Ongoing employment | Evidence of ongoing employment for an additional 12 months with a Queensland employer | Evidence of ongoing employment for an additional 12 months with a Queensland employer in regional Queensland | |
Nomination for overseas workers
With the Covid-19 crisis now abating, Queensland, like much of Australia, is now opening its doors to offshore applicants to fill extensive labour shortages. Overseas applicants need to meet the basic Home Affairs requirements as well as the Queensland ones outlined below:
| Requirements for Offshore Applicants | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Requirement | 190 visa | 491 visa | |
| Points | Workers must have a point test result of 8o points or higher* | Workers must have a point test result of 65 points or higher | |
| Occupation | Applicants must have an occupation on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List | Same as for the 190 visa | |
| English | Applicants must have Proficient English or higher* | At least 35 hours per week over the last 3 months at a skilled level in the nominated occupation immediately before submitting the EOI | |
| Work experience | Applicants must have at least 3 years post qualification work experience* | Evidence of ongoing employment for an additional 12 months with a Queensland employer in regional Queensland | |
*Unless stated otherwise stated in the Queensland Skilled Occupation List
How do I apply for Queensland Nomination
Step 1. Make sure you meet the English requirements
Step 2. If you haven’t undertaken a skills assessment, get started on it immediately
Step 3. Check that your passport is still valid for at least 6 months
Step 4. Submit an Expression of Interest through SkillSelect to Queensland
Step 5. Wait for an invitation from Queensland to submit your nomination application
Step 6. Apply for and gain Queensland Nomination (Queensland nomination currently costs Au$300+GST)
Step 7. Apply for your subclass 190 or 491 visa within 60 days of the invitation
Not Eligible for Queensland Nomination?
If you are offshore and not eligible for Queensland nomination, you might qualify for another State which has less restrictions in place. Currently Victoria and NSW have also opened their programs with more States and Territories set to open their programs imminently. Contact us for more information.
How we can help
As registered MARA migration agents with a combined experience of over 30 years in the field, we have an abundance of experience helping skilled migrants call Australia home. We can assist you in all parts of your Australian visa journey by providing you with:
- A comprehensive review of your eligibility
- Permanent residency strategy planning
- Preparation and submission of your skills assessment
- Assessment of your eligibility for state nomination
- Preparation of flaw-free EOI and state nomination applications
- Seamless processing of your visa application reducing the stress from the process
- Acting as your liaison to the Department of Home Affairs
- General advice throughout
