COVID-19 concessions have now been released for prospective Skilled Regional (subclass 887) visa applicants and eligible Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) applicants.
Further information is also available for mandatory quarantine requirements:
Federal government quarantine requirements
Queensland government quarantine requirements and exemptions
Self-quarantine for Persons Arriving in Queensland From Overseas Direction (No. 5)
Border restrictions Direction (No. 13)
Applying for a Queensland Border pass
Queensland Government contact details for further questions
BSMQ State Nomination Program
The BSMQ business and skilled program remains closed.
Please monitor the homepage of the website in the coming weeks for further updates.
Please do not submit an EOI until the BSMQ program is officially opened.
Please do not call or email BSMQ to ask when the program will open –
this will be updated through the website and social media channels (as above).
‘First Date of Entry’ Information
BSMQ has been receiving enquiries regarding ‘the first date of entry’ for state nominated visas granted offshore.
The Department of Home Affairs is aware that visa holders may not be able to travel to Australia by ‘first date of entry’ detailed on the visa grant letter due to COVID-19 restrictions, and has released these notices to allow entry flexibility after this date. Please read here for further information on:
Business Innovation and Investment Program
Skilled Program
Travel Exemption ‘Letter of Support’ Requests
BSMQ is unable to provide a letter of support for a travel exemption request at this time. If you are seeking a travel exemption to travel to Queensland please refer to: COVID-19 and the border – Travel restrictions, and if you meet a listed category or criteria, please submit your request via the Department of Home Affairs online portal.
Important information regarding bridging visa holders subject to a s48 bar
Due to COVID-19 restrictions BSMQ staff are working from home and are unable to take phone calls at this time. For any enquiries please email: migration@qld.gov.au
Further COVID-19 links on Queensland support:
COVID-19 economic relief package
COVID-19 small business support
COVID-19 FAQ’s Work Cover Queensland
Further COVID-19 links on Australian Government information and support:
Important Australian Government information COVID-19
Australian Government economic response to COVID-19
Australian Government education related advice in response to COVID-19
16-09-2020
Eighty-six business migrants have invested $306 million and created 306 jobs in Queensland in the past 4 years, according to data…
07-09-2020
BSMQ has been receiving enquiries regarding ‘the first date of entry’ for state nominated visas granted offshore. The Department of…
01-07-2020
BSMQ has been advised by the Department of Home Affairs (HA) that it will not be in a position to open the…
Air conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic, Belgium
“We felt that we needed a change because life seemed to be passing by so quickly. We also wanted a healthier lifestyle and to be more connected with nature, especially for our kids. Queensland had everything we wanted – beautiful nature, a healthier environment and a lifestyle that suited us as people much better.”
Hospital Pharmacist, Kenya
After working at a Government Hospital in Nairobi and then living in England for 8 years, Beverly has been living in Queensland with her daughter for the last 2 years.
Registered Nurse, Russia
Iuliia arrived in Australia on a student visa and became a registered nurse after graduation. She enjoys her job and lifestyles in Queensland while having a passion for professional dancing.
Optometrist, South Africa
UK-based optometrist Nicolle Beer moved to Noosa, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, after finding love while on a visit home to Johannesburg in 2008. Since then she has had a son and daughter, and become an Australian citizen.
Nutritionist, India
Anerty moved to Queensland on a state nominated regional visa, fell in love with Toowoomba and found her soulmate. She enjoys working in regional Queensland because of the work culture and respect for family life.
Data Scientist, United Kingdom
Darryl first moved to Queensland to do his PhD studies and continued working as a research fellow for a couple of years at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He then decided to permanently migrate to Queensland through a state nominated skilled visa after seeing the opportunities in the start-up space and for further development of his company.
Innovative medical and non-medical technology, Chinese
Mr Li is the Director of TOMI Group and after visiting Queensland, he decided that Brisbane would be an ideal place to set up his Australian subsidiary, TOMI Australia. He also brought his family to settle in Queensland.
Kite surfing, China
Mr Jiahai Jin moved with his family to the Gold Coast, and has pursued his passion for kite surfing by setting up a tourism and training business. He is the only Chinese & English bilingual IKO level 2 instructor in Australia.
Mechanical Engineer, Venezuela
Mr Julio Cegarra Figueroa, a Venezuelan mechanical engineer, was offered a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity to move to the Capricorn Coast, Central Queensland. He brought his entire family across, and are now building a new life together.
Aqauaculture Farmer, Vietnam
Mr Ngoc Bao Ahn Cai and his family moved from Vietnam to Cairns, Queensland. Forging a new career in Aquaculture, his family has flourished in their new home of Queensland.
Food and agribusiness, China
Mr Jinguo Han visited Queensland and was deeply impressed by its beautiful environment, fresh air and great lifestyle. Since he and his family moved, Jinguo established his own agribusiness and his son has married.
Businessman, China
Mr Changchun Ji, Chairman of Fullshare Group, made frequent visits to Australia and came across some tremendous opportunities to invest in Queensland’s tourism industry. He has not looked back since.
Brisbane, a multicultural city built around the Brisbane River. It has a subtropical climate and outdoor lifestyle. The city offers an active urban life, while having many diverse getaways in nearby regions – from coastal escapes to rural retreats. With 12 months of sunshine filled days and clear blue skies, it’s no wonder Brisbane locals say “Beautiful one day, perfect the next.”
The Gold Coast is strategically located on the east coast of Australia, less than an hour’s drive south of Brisbane. In addition to its seaside lifestyle, the city offers a wide variety of recreational activities, including world renowned theme parks.
Located about 100km north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is well-known for its pristine beaches, scenic drives and unspoiled national parks. From the ocean to the hinterland, Sunshine Coast restaurants take advantage of fresh local produce.
Toowoomba, one of Queensland’s largest regional urban centres, is well known as the ‘Garden City.’ South West Queensland is known for fine wines, fresh produce and stunning wildflowers. It is the business and service hub for the entire region.
Showcasing some of nature’s best assets, including the iconic Fraser Island — one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the region is a popular tourist destination. More than 80% of the region’s population lives in the urban centres, which offer diverse lifestyles from rural to seaside living.
Central Queensland offers an enviable tropical climate with access to islands, waterways, national parks, and beaches providing all year round boating and recreational activities. Rockhampton, well-known as the ‘beef capital of the world’, acts as a business gateway for the mining and agricultural industries, while the Gladstone region is a thriving industrial base served by one of Australia’s busiest ports.
This beautiful region is famous for its tropical beaches and world famous island destinations. The urban centres provide numerous dining options — from casual waterside meals to rainforest retreats, hotels and cafes. There are also golf courses, theatres, and entertainment venues offering weekend arts and international and local performances.
Townsville has access to world class education facilities, leading edge healthcare, affordable housing, entertainment, dining precincts and a wide range of outdoor recreation options. The city has a range of government, community and business headquarters for the northern half of the state.
At the heart of Far North Queensland, Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage rainforests. It is a multicultural society, known for its adventure activities, Coral Sea and lush rainforests.
Central West Queensland is known for its wide open skies, breathtaking landscapes and warm, dry climate. The region is serviced by major highways, a long-distance passenger rail service and six airports.
