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).

• Closely related to your nomination occupation.

• 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)

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.