From the bright lights of the Gold Coast to the technicolour underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland has a slice of paradise for every traveller.
Living in Queensland, similarly offers both urban city living and a relaxed, outgoing lifestyle. Warm, subtropical whether combined with a strong economy, high standard of living, plentiful career opportunities, quality education and vibrant multi-cultural communities, mean that Queensland continues to be an attractive place for migrants to wanting to settle.
Queensland, being the second largest state in the country, maintains a low population density, with the majority residing in coastline cities. The states capital city, Brisbane is one of the fastest growing capital’s in Australia, boasting world-class capabilities that attract both international investment and skilled individuals.
With the recent release of the Queensland State Occupation lists, recent graduates, small business owners or skilled workers either living on or offshore, are able to access a pathway to permanent residency through State nominated skilled visas.
Once onshore, Migration Queensland has exercised flexibility with individuals able to undertake employment with one or more employer, work at two part-time jobs or establish themselves as an owner operator.
Subclass 190
This is a points tested visa for skilled workers wanting to live and work in Queensland permanently. Three streams are available for skilled workers living in Queensland, skilled workers living offshore and graduates of a Queensland university.
Subclass 491
This is a points testing visa for skilled workers leading to permanent residency and requiring workers to be employed and live in regional Queensland. Four streams are available for skilled workers living in Queensland, skilled workers living offshore, graduates of a Queensland university and small business owners in regional Queensland.
To be eligible for the 491 visa, you must live and work in one of the following regional area post codes:
4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895.
It is important to note, that holders of, or those who have applied for a Subclass 491 – Skills Work Regional (Provisional) visa, will not be eligible for the Subclass 190 visa application.
Expressions of interest will be placed in the queue based on the points lodged in the original expression of interest lodged. Those receiving the highest points per their nominated occupation will be best placed to receiving an invitation, however this celing will vary per occupation. Where an occupation is likely to receive a large number of EOIs, factors such as work experience and location may come into consideration.
Below is a summary of Migration Queensland eligibility criteria per stream. You must meet both Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland criteria per your chosen visa category.
Skilled workers living in Queensland (Subclass 190, 491)
Migration Queensland eligibility criteria:
- points-test result of:
- 190 – 80 or above*
- 491 – 65 or above
- an occupation on Home Affairs’ relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN 19/051)
- Proficient English or above*
- Residence and employment:
- 190 – Living and undertaking full-time post-qualification employment (35 hours per week) over the past 6 months in your nominated occupation prior to submitting your EOI
- 491 – Living and undertaking full-time post-qualification employment (35 hours per week) over the past 3 months in your nominated occupation prior to submitting your EOI
- Prove ongoing employment with a registered Queensland employer (491 must prove ongoing employment in a regional area) for the next 12 months
- Commitment to living and working in Queensland
- 190 – 2 years from visa grant
- 491 – 3 years from visa grant
*Trades occupations require 75 or above for the 190 visa and Competent English.
Skilled workers living offshore (Subclass 190, 491)
This is a pathway for high-calibre graduates of a Bachelors, Master’s, PhD or Doctorate, currently living onshore in Queensland.
Migration Queensland eligibility criteria:
- points-test result of:
- 190 – 80 or above for the 190
- 491 – 65 or above
- occupation on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) – Special requirements may apply to specific occupations with respect to work experience, registration and licencing, English language or minimum points requirements.
- Proficient English or above
- 3-years of post-study work experience
Graduates of a Queensland University (Subclass 190, 491)
Migration Queensland eligibility criteria:
- point test result of (inclusive of state nomination):
- 190 – 80 or above
- 491 – 65 points or above
- evidence of employment with a Queensland employer registered in Australia in their nominated occupation (or a closely related occupation) (excluding PhD and Doctorate Graduates)
- Proficient English or above
- Meet additional criteria for qualification level – please see link for further details
Small business owners in regional Queensland (Subclass 491)
This pathway is for migrants who are operating a small business and living in a regional area.
Migration Queensland eligibility criteria:
- Operating a small business and living in a regional area
- occupation on the Legislative Instrument (LIN 19/051) and a positive skills assessment
- on a visa permitting full-time work and operation of the business (minimum of 35 hours per week)
- purchased an existing business (operating for a minimum of 2 years prior to purchase in the specified location) in regional Queensland
- Business Purchase/Turnover:
- Business purchase – a minimum of $100,000; or
- Start up business – operating for a minimum of 2 years with most recent years annual turnover of $200,000
- 100% ownership of the business
- trading in the business for 6 months prior to application (total cost of the business paid in full 6 months prior to commencing trading);
- employ an Australian permanent resident, citizen or eligible New Zealand citizen (either 1 employee working at least 20 hours per week, or 2 employees working at least 10 hours per week)
- demonstrate sufficient funds for settlement
Please note, certain caveats and licensing requirements amongst other special requirements may apply to specific occupations or visa category chose.
