Queensland’s state nomination program offers pathways to permanent residency through the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). For the 2024-25 financial year, Queensland has received an allocation of 1,200 nominations, evenly split between both visa subclasses^9. As of February 2025, 368 invitations have been issued for SC 190 and 332 for SC 491^9.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Queensland nomination, applicants must satisfy both the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements and Queensland-specific criteria^1.
Department of Home Affairs Basic Requirements
- Score at least 65 points on the points test (including state nomination points)^4
- Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation^4
- Be under 45 years of age^4
- Meet minimum English language requirements (Competent English or higher)^1
Queensland-Specific Requirements
The requirements vary depending on your pathway:
For Skilled Workers Living in Queensland (190 visa):
- Have a points test result of 65 or higher^1
- Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN 19/051)^1
- Demonstrate ongoing employment in Queensland^1
- Commit to living and working in Queensland for two years from visa grant^8
For Skilled Workers Living in Queensland (491 visa):
- Similar requirements to the 190 visa, but with commitment to living and working in regional Queensland^1
For Offshore Applicants:
- Higher points requirements (75+ for 190 visa, except for Trades occupations which require 70+)^3
- 65+ points for 491 visa^3
- Must be employed in nominated occupation when invited^3
Nomination Pathways
Queensland offers four main nomination pathways^4:
- Queensland Graduates – For those who completed their studies at Queensland institutions
- Skilled Workers in Queensland – For those currently working in the state
- Skilled Workers Outside Australia – For offshore applicants
- 491 Small Business Owners (SBO) – A specialized pathway
Graduate Pathways
Special pathways exist for:
- PhD or Doctorate Graduates (190 and 491)
- Masters Graduates in STEM or Agriculture fields (190 and 491)
- Masters Graduates in other fields
- Bachelor Graduates (190 and 491)^3
Application Process
The application process follows these steps:
- Review eligibility requirements from both Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland^4
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) on SkillSelect, selecting Queensland as your preferred state^4
- Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) for Queensland nomination, providing your EOI number, visa subclass, occupation, and other personal details^4
- Wait for selection and invitation from Migration Queensland^4
For the 2024-25 program, your EOI must be submitted on or after September 13, 2024^4.
Selection Factors
Queensland uses a holistic approach to select candidates, considering:
- Salary (higher salaries are favored)^7
- Work experience (more extensive experience is preferred)^7
- English language ability^1
- Partner skills^1
- Priority sectors and occupations^6
The state is particularly focused on energy workers and aims for the best labor outcomes rather than simply selecting the highest-pointed candidates^6.
Recent Invitation Activity
Recent data shows that Queensland has issued invitations to candidates with various point scores:
- For 190 visas: points ranging from 65 to 95
- For 491 visas: points ranging from 65 to 105^5
Processing times vary, but full approvals typically take between 12 to 23 days after pre-invitation^5.
Important Considerations
- Casual employment is not accepted for meeting Queensland work experience requirements^1
- Some occupations have specific caveats (e.g., Cooks and Chefs cannot qualify by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses)^1
- Registration or licensing is required for certain occupations^1
- EOIs must meet all Queensland requirements at the time of submission^1
With limited nomination places available and a competitive selection process, applicants should ensure they present the strongest possible profile and consider all available pathways to maximize their chances of receiving a Queensland state nomination.
