Skilled visas

Program update

Migration Queensland has opened the 2024-25 State Nominated Migration Program. For more information, please see here.

Queensland is looking for skilled migrants to fill a range of critical skill shortages

Queensland is a popular choice for skilled migrants.

With its year-round beautiful weather and a modern, vibrant economy, you don’t need to choose between a good life and a great career in Queensland.

Our State offers a high standard of living and good working conditions, including:

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

State nominated skilled visa options

You must obtain a nomination from the Queensland Government, if you wish to migrate to Queensland on certain skilled visas.

Queensland state migration is managed by Trade and Investment Queensland’s business unit Migration Queensland. State nominated visas allow you to live and work permanently in Queensland.

Queensland nominates prospective skilled migrants for the following two skilled visas

The Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This is a points-tested visa, providing permanent residence for skilled workers who want to live and work in Queensland permanently.

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). This is a five-year, points-tested visa that leads to permanent residency after living and working in regional Queensland for at least three years. Subclass 491 visa holders are eligible for Medicare.

Queensland offers different nomination pathways. Refer to the eligibility requirements for each pathway:

Skilled workers living in Queensland Queensland Graduates

Small business owners pathway Skilled workers outside Australia

Notes:

If you have applied for, or are a current holder of, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) you are not eligible for nomination for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190). This restriction also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
If you were granted a 491 or 489 visa from 5 March 2022, the following regional postcodes apply to you: LIN 22/022
If you were granted a 491 or 489 visa before 5 March 2022, different regional postcodes apply to you: LIN 20/292

Eligible occupations

If you are a skilled migrant already living and working in Queensland, you can be considered for state nomination across a range of priority occupation groups with verified shortages.

If you are a skilled worker living outside of Australia, you can apply if your occupation is listed on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List. These occupations support Queensland’s highest priority skills needs.

Migration Queensland reviews and updates eligible occupations to reflect labour market needs.

Please note, certain occupations have licensing requirements to work in Queensland.