2025-26 Queensland Skilled Migration Program

Are you hoping to get a state nomination in Queensland?

Whether you have submitted your ROI (Registration of Interest) or are planning to apply soon, here are some key things you need to know: 

• 2025-26 Queensland Skilled Migration Program Updates

• NEW 2025-26 Queensland Skilled Occupation List

• Program requirements

• Application process

• Expert advice on submitting a strong application

This guide will cover all of these for you.

We understand that visa and migration topics can be complex and confusing. That’s why all of our guides are educational and simple to understand.

And if you ever prefer personalised advice, IDP’s migration agents can provide expert and clear guidance. 

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:

1. Healthcare (95 roles listed)  

2. Construction (46 roles listed)

3. Engineering (40 roles listed)

4. Education (20 roles listed)

View the Queensland onshore skilled occupation list

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.

Below are some of the key updates to the 2025-26 Queensland Skilled Migration Program:

• 2,600 nomination places.

• 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.

Queensland: 2025–26 skilled visa full allocation

Queensland received 2,600 nomination places for the 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program, which is more than double the allocation from last year.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated – Permanent visa) - 1,850 places 

• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional – Provisional visa) - 750 places 

_Source: QLD State Nominated Migration Program

What you should do

If you’re thinking about a skilled migration pathway in Queensland, you should:

1. Check Queensland’s nomination pathways and Skilled Occupation Lists. 

2. Submit your ROI. 

Already submitted an ROI for the 491? 

If you now meet the 190 requirements, you can submit a new ROI for the 190 visa. (Queensland will only look at your most recent ROI during selection rounds.)

If you’re unsure which visa pathway fits you, or want help understanding your eligibility, IDP’s registered migration agents can guide you. 

We’ll help you understand the best pathway that fits your study and work experience, as well as your migration goals. 

We can also guide you on the best steps to improve your chances of state nomination.

Queensland received 2,600 nomination places for the 2025-26 Skilled Migration Program, which is more than double the allocation from last year.

Here are the allocations for Queensland:

_Source: QLD State Nominated Migration Program

What you should do

If you’re thinking about a skilled migration pathway in Queensland, you should:

1. Check Queensland’s nomination pathways and Skilled Occupation Lists. 

2. Submit your ROI. 

Already submitted an ROI for the 491? 

If you now meet the 190 requirements, you can submit a new ROI for the 190 visa. (Queensland will only look at your most recent ROI during selection rounds.)

If you’re unsure which visa pathway fits you, or want help understanding your eligibility, IDP’s registered migration agents can guide you. 

We’ll help you understand the best pathway that fits your study and work experience, as well as your migration goals. 

We can also guide you on the best steps to improve your chances of state nomination.

There are different ways you can apply for Queensland state nomination. Sometimes, these different ways of entry are called “streams.” 

The pathway in which you belong will also determine the specific requirements you’ll have to meet.

Here are the pathways that might be relevant to you as an onshore student in Australia: 

• Skilled workers living in Queensland (onshore) - This pathway is for applicants living and working in Queensland. 

• Queensland University graduates - This pathway is for students who have completed a bachelor's, master’s, or PhD and have relevant work experience in Queensland. 

_Source: QLD Nomination pathways

As mentioned, the specific requirements you’ll have to meet will depend on your pathway.

Important: To be considered for Queensland nomination, you have to meet both:

1. Department of Home Affairs’ requirements for your visa.

2. Queensland’s requirements.

Requirements for Skilled workers living in Queensland (onshore)

To be invited, you must:

• Have a job on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

• Have at least 65 points on the Australian Department of Home Affairs points test.

• Have competent English.

• Have been living and working in:

• Regional Queensland for 6 months (for Subclass 491 applicants).

• Queensland for 9 months (for Subclass 190 applicants)

• Have work experience in a role that is closely related to your nominated occupation.

Your work experience must be:

• After you have completed your qualification

• At least 20 hours per week

Requirements for Queensland university graduates

To be invited, you must:

• Have a job on the Queensland Onshore Skills List.

• Have at least 65 points on the Australian Department of Home Affairs points test.

• Have competent English.

• Have been living and working in:

• Regional Queensland for 6 months (for Subclass 491 applicants)

• Queensland for 9 months (for Subclass 190 applicants)

Study requirements: 

• Have a Bachelor's, Master’s, or PhD from a Queensland university or tertiary institute that meets the Australian Study Requirement.

• Have completed 100% of your qualification in Queensland.

• Have graduated after 1 July 2021. 

• Note: Your degree does not have to be related to your nominated occupation.

Your work experience must be:

• In your nominated occupation or any Skill Level 1 occupation.

• After you have completed your qualification.

• At least 20 hours per week.Additional notes for both pathways

Below are some additional requirements for both skilled workers and university graduates. 

• You must still be in an eligible role when you submit your ROI, are selected, and nominated.

• Casual work counts.

• Multiple jobs can be combined to meet requirements.

• Work from home experience is allowed if your employer lives in Queensland.

• If you already have, or have applied for, a Subclass 491 or 489 visa, you cannot apply for the Subclass 190 visa.

• Check the Queensland Onshore Skills List to see which visa subclasses your occupation is eligible for. Some occupations are only eligible for Subclass 491.

_Sources: Queensland University graduates_, Skilled workers living in Queensland (onshore)

New onshore pathway for construction workers

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

Casual work is now accepted

Queensland now accepts casual employment as valid work experience, provided 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.

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.

Check your eligibility

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, and 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.

Now you can boost your EOI points with expert guidance

Our migration experts can review your profile and guide you on the steps to maximise your points and strengthen your chances for Queensland nomination.

Get expert help

What these new requirements mean 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.

For the 2025-26 Queensland State Nominated Migration Program, the minimum English requirement is Competent English.

You can prove that you have Competent English by meeting the following IELTS scores.

On 7 August 2025, the Department of Home Affairs changed the minimum English scores required for  Australian visas. Depending on the test you’re taking, the scores you’ll need may have changed.

The required IELTS scores remain the same.

Know more about the 2025-26 English requirements for Australian visas.

Need to take an English test?

IELTS is trusted by 12,500+ organisations, and we have the widest range of FREE preparation materials to help you succeed.

Know why more people succeed with IELTS

1. Check your eligibility – Make sure you meet both the Australian Department of Home Affairs visa requirements (subclass 190 or 491) and Migration Queensland’s nomination requirements, depending on your pathway—like skilled worker, construction worker, or Queensland graduate.

2. Submit or update your EOI in SkillSelect – Keep all your details, work experience, and points up to date. Your EOI is valid for up to two years, and you don’t need to select Queensland as your only state.

3. Submit your ROI for Queensland nomination – You need to submit a new Registration of Interest (ROI) each year.  

4. Selection by Migration Queensland – Candidates are chosen throughout the year. Being eligible or submitting correctly doesn’t guarantee a nomination, as places are limited.

5. Invitation to apply – If selected, you’ll get an email and 14 days to upload documents and pay the fee. Complete applications are required to proceed.

6. Apply for your skilled visa – After receiving a Queensland nomination, you’ll get an invitation from the Australian Department of Home Affairs to lodge your visa application within 60 days.

Get expert guidance on the requirements you need to meet and how to showcase your study, work experience, and skills.

Make your application as strong as possible and tailored to your migration goals.

Read more visa success stories

Queensland Onshore Skilled Occupation List

Here is the Onshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List

If your occupation is not on this list, you are not eligible, and you cannot submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination.

• 2025-26 South Australia Skilled Migration Program

• 2025-26 Western Australia Skilled Migration Program

• 2025–26 NSW Skilled Migration Program

• 2025–26 Victoria Skilled Migration Program

• 2025–26 ACT Skilled Migration Program

• 2025-26 Tasmania Skilled Migration Program

• 2025-26 NT Skilled Migration Program

• 2025-26 Queensland Skilled Migration Program

What jobs are in demand in Queensland?

Queensland prioritises occupations that support key industries like healthcare, construction, engineering, education, ICT, and trades. Demand can change, so always check the latest Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists before applying.

What should you do before you register your interest for Queensland skilled visas?

Before you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), make sure your Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect system is up to date and accurate. You should also have documents ready to support everything you have claimed, such as employment, English, and skills assessment results.

What does Migration Queensland consider to be a closely related occupation?

Migration Queensland considers an occupation closely related if it sits in the same ANZSCO Minor Group (same 3-digit code) as your nominated occupation at the time of invitation.

For example, these engineering roles are considered closely related because they fall under the same minor group:

• Chemical Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Electrical Engineer

• Electronics Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Petroleum Engineer

• Biomedical Engineer

To be eligible for nomination, your nominated occupation must be on the Queensland skills list.

If you are working in a related role that is not listed, you can still be assessed under your nominated occupation if it is on the list.

Can I submit multiple EOIs for Queensland Skilled Migration?

Yes, you can have more than one EOI in SkillSelect. However, when you submit your ROI, you must choose one EOI that best matches your current job and circumstances.

Is Queensland State Nomination open?

Yes. The Queensland State Nominated Migration Program for 2025–26 is open and is accepting Registrations of Interest for Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491). There are 2,600 places available this program year.