2025-26 Queensland Skilled Migration New Program Requirements
Some of Queensland’s 2025–26 migration program requirements just changed. See how you can turn these updates into a real PR pathway.
2025–26 Queensland Skilled Migration: Key Updates
There are some exciting changes to the 2025–26 Queensland Skilled Migration Program!
If you’re an international student, recent graduate, or skilled worker, many of these updates can make it easier for you to meet nomination requirements.
Here is a summary:
Revised onshore and offshore occupation lists.
New onshore pathway for construction workers.
Casual work is now accepted.
Work hours requirement is reduced to 20 per week.
Remote work is now allowed.
Queensland will consider EOIs that are up to 715 days old.
Below, we'll discuss more about these updates and how they can help you get nominated for a skilled visa.
New Queensland Skilled Occupation List 2025-2026
The first thing you’ll have to check if you want to migrate to Queensland under a skilled visa is the state’s onshore and offshore Skilled Occupation Lists.
If you already live in Australia, check the Onshore Occupation List.
If you’re overseas, check the Offshore Occupation List.
In 2025, Queensland released a new onshore skilled occupation list.
Some of the in-demand industries include:
Healthcare
Construction
Engineering
Education
View the full 2025-2026 Queensland onshore skilled occupation list here.
Not sure if your course or job is on the Queensland SOL?
Our migration agents can help you check your eligibility and plan the best visa pathway for your career goals.
New onshore pathway for construction workers
Working in trades?
You’re in luck. Queensland will be prioritising you!
The state opened a new and exclusive pathway for onshore construction workers.
The demand for these jobs is strong because Queensland is planning major infrastructure projects, like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
If you’re already living and working in Queensland as a builder, tradesperson, or site manager, your chances for nomination may be stronger this time.
The state will nominate all building and construction workers for the subclass 190 visa. But if they do not meet the DHA requirements for the subclass 190 visa, they will be nominated for subclass 491 instead.
View trades and construction courses you can study
Already studying, or just finished a trades course?
Ask our IDP migration experts about the best study-to-PR pathway for you, or how you can qualify for Queensland’s construction pathway.
Casual work is now accepted
Here’s why this is a big win for international students and workers
Queensland now accepts casual employment as a valid work experience, as long as you’re working at least 20 hours per week in your nominated occupation.
This is one of the most student-friendly changes Queensland has introduced in recent years.
Why?
Because it finally reflects the reality of the Australian job market, especially for international students, recent graduates, and temporary visa holders who often start their careers through casual roles before landing stable, ongoing work.
Who benefits the most?
International students and recent graduates who pick up casual shifts in their field while studying or completing post-study work.
Workers in industries built on casual labour, such as hospitality, retail management, health support, trades, and construction.
Why this update matters
With this update, you can reach eligibility sooner. Instead of waiting until you land a part-time or full-time job, your casual shifts (as long as they hit 20 hours/week) now move you toward nomination.
Now you can turn your casual shifts into a clear PR strategy
Many international students aren’t sure if their job and working hours actually meet Queensland’s migration requirements.
If you want to be confident that your experience is counted correctly, our registered migration agents can help.
We can assess your work history, check your eligibility, and guide you on the strongest study-to-PR pathway.
Work hours requirement reduced to 20 per week
The updated Queensland program now puts a big focus on your recent onshore work experience. Here’s what you need for each visa:
Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): At least 9 months of work in your nominated occupation in Queensland, at 20+ hours per week.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): At least 6 months of work, also 20+ hours per week.
This shows Queensland that you’re already part of the local workforce and can contribute to the state long-term.
Remote work is now allowed
Queensland will now accept work-from-home arrangements as long as your employer has a physical office in Queensland.
If you’re applying for the 491 visa, your employer must have a physical office in a designated regional area of Queensland.
EOI rules are now simpler
You no longer need to submit a new EOI every year.
If you already have an active EOI in SkillSelect, you can keep using it.
Queensland will consider EOIs that are up to 715 days old. That’s almost two full years of validity.
But here’s the important part: you must still submit a new ROI every program year, even if your EOI is still valid. Queensland will only consider your most recent ROI when selecting candidates.
A few rules to keep in mind:
EOIs that expire in less than two weeks won’t be considered.
If you’re applying from within Queensland, set your “Usual Country of Residence” to Australia.
Need help lodging your EOI?
We have an in-depth guide on the dos and don’ts when submitting an Expression of Interest.
Now you can boost your EOI points with expert guidance
Submitting an EOI might seem straightforward, but there are often ways to claim extra points for your study, English ability, or work experience that you might not know about.
Our migration experts can review your profile and guide you on the steps to maximise your points and strengthen your chances for Queensland nomination.
What this means for you
You can now use casual work shifts in your nominated occupation to meet Queensland’s work experience requirements.
Reduced work hours (20 per week) mean part-time roles now count toward your visa eligibility.
Remote work is accepted if your employer has a Queensland office, giving more flexibility while you study or work.
Your EOI stays valid for up to 715 days, so you have more time to prepare a strong application.
Plan a study-to-PR pathway that fits Queensland’s skilled migration requirements
If you’re studying in Australia or just finishing your course, you might be wondering how your study and work experience can actually help you get closer to permanent residency in Queensland.
Our IDP migration experts can help you map your current study and work experience to Queensland’s in-demand occupations.
We can guide you on submitting a strong ROI and EOI, identify opportunities to maximise your points, and suggest pathways that match your career goals.
This way, each step you take, from study to work, moves you closer to your PR milestone.