Queensland Skilled Migration 2025–26 Program
📌 Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
👩💼 Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859)
📌 Queensland Selection Factors
Queensland looks at different factors when choosing whom to nominate:
Skills and qualifications
Work experience
Salary (onshore only)
English competency
Age
Partner skills (occupation and English)
Location of employment (onshore only)
Note: Queensland does not consider the Home Affairs points test in selection.
🛠️ Streamlining for Onshore Candidates in Building & Construction
Construction and Engineering Managers
Architectural, Building and Surveying Technicians
Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers
Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers
Bricklayers, Carpenters and Joiners
Floor Finishers
Glaziers, Plasterers and Tilers
Plumbers
Electricians
Electronics and Telecommunications Trades Workers
Refer to full Queensland occupation list for more details.
✅ Onshore Skills List
Construction, Engineering and Production Managers
Sales and Marketing Managers
Accommodation and Hospitality Managers
Child Care Centre Managers
Engineering Professionals
Agricultural, Environmental and Forestry Scientists
Urban and Regional Planners
Teachers
Health Professionals
ICT Professionals
Psychologists, Counsellors and Social Workers
Automotive Trades Workers
Painters
Chefs and Cooks
Boat Builders and Repairers
Dental Technicians
Enrolled Nurses
Refer to full Queensland occupation list for more details.
💼 Skilled Workers Living in Queensland
Occupation:
Must be on the Qld onshore occupation list
190: 158 occupations | 491: 201 occupations
Points:
Minimum 65 points on the Home Affairs test
English:
At least competent English
Work Experience:
6 months for 491 | 9 months for 190
Must be post-qualification
In nominated or closely related occupation (same first 3 ANZSCO digits)
At least 20 hours per week
Work Conditions:
Must still be employed at time of ROI, selection, and nomination
Casual work accepted
Multiple eligible jobs can be combined
Work from home accepted (employer must have QLD presence)
🎓 Queensland University Graduates
Occupation:
Must be on the QLD Onshore Skills List
Points:
At least 65 on the Home Affairs point test
English:
At least competent English
Work Experience:
6 months for 491 | 9 months for 190
Post-qualification | At least 20 hours/week | Any Skill Level 1 occupation
Study:
Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD from a QLD university or tertiary institute
100% completed in Queensland
Graduated after 1 July 2021
No priority study areas required
Degree does not have to match nominated occupation
⚡ Changes at a Glance (2025–26)
Pathways:
New onshore pathway for Building and Construction
Offshore Energy Workers removed
Skilled Program Requirements:
Ongoing work requirement removed (onshore)
20-hour work week now accepted
Casual work accepted
Offshore settlement funds no longer required
Occupation Lists:
Revised offshore occupation lists
Onshore list published
EOI:
No need to recreate EOI annually
Can choose more than one state
ROI:
Updated partner questions
New calculation method for annual earnings
Selection Criteria:
Qualification, age, and regional location now considered
Evidence:
New requirements for self-employed applicants
📊 Small Business Owner (SBO) Pathway
Occupation: Must be on the LIN 19/051 list
Points: Minimum 65
English: At least competent English
Business Location:
Must be in regional Queensland (eligible postcodes)
Ownership:
100% ownership (alone or with spouse/partner)
Other Conditions:
Operate for 3 years after getting 491
Work full-time in business
🏗️ Pathway 1 – Business Purchase
After 19 Sept 2025: Not eligible
14 Sept 2024 – 19 Sept 2025:
Settle before 30 Sept 2025
Business must be in eligible postcode
491 ROI deadline: 30 May 2026
ROIs after 18 months of settlement not accepted
Before 14 Sept 2024:
Business can be in any eligible postcode
Settlement before 1 July 2024: ROI by 31 Dec 2025
Other Rules:
Minimum purchase: $100,000
Location must remain the same
At least 6 months operation + 2 full quarterly BAS reports
🚀 Pathway 2 – Business Start-Up
After 19 Sept 2025: Not eligible
1 June 2024 – 19 Sept 2025:
Any eligible postcode
491 ROI deadline: 30 April 2027
Before 1 June 2024:
Any eligible postcode
491 ROI deadline: 30 May 2026
Other Rules:
$200,000 turnover in past 12 months
Must be profitable in past 12 months
Operate for 2 years before ROI (exemptions apply)
🌍 Skilled Workers Outside Australia
Occupation:
Must be on the Queensland Offshore Skills List
Points:
65 or more on Home Affairs' test
English:
At least competent English
Work Experience:
1+ year of skilled employment
Experience must be relevant and in nominated occupation
Must be employed at time of invitation and nomination
Other Notes:
190: 101 occupations | 491: 113 occupations
Settlement funds requirement removed
🌐 Offshore Skills List (2025–26)
Construction and Engineering Managers
Engineering Professionals
Geologists and Hydrologists
Urban and Regional Planners
Teachers
Medical Imaging and Health Therapy Professionals
Registered Nurses
Psychologists
Building and Engineering Technicians
Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers
Bricklayers, Carpenters and Joiners
Floor Finishers
Glaziers, Plasterers and Tilers
Plumbers
Electricians
Electronics and Telecommunications Trades Workers
Refer to full offshore occupation list.
📞 Need Help Navigating Your Options?
At Nationwide Migration & Education, we offer step-by-step support for:
✅ Check your occupation & eligibility
✅ Guide your 491 or 190 visa options
✅ Clear advice on 2025–26 QLD updates
We’ll help you craft a tailored visa strategy that aligns with your goals and maximises your chances of success.
📥 Book a Consultation Today
Whether you’re a skilled worker, recent graduate, or small business owner — we can guide you through the latest 2025–26 criteria for Queensland nomination.
📞 Don’t wait. Book your consultation today and take your first step toward permanent residency in Australia.
❓ Queensland Skilled Migration 2025–26 – FAQ
Q: Who can apply under the Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26?
A: Both onshore and offshore skilled workers can apply. Specific requirements depend on the stream .
Q: What occupations are eligible for Queensland nomination?
A: You must have an occupation listed on either the Onshore Skills List or the Queensland Offshore Skills List. Different lists apply depending on whether you are in Australia or overseas.
Q: Can Queensland university graduates apply even if their degree doesn’t match their occupation?
A: Yes. Graduates can apply with any Skill Level 1 occupation even if it doesn’t match their degree, as long as they meet other criteria (including work experience and English level).
Q: Are offshore applicants still eligible?
A: Yes. Offshore candidates can apply for both the 190 and 491 visa subclasses as long as their occupation is on the Queensland Offshore Skills List and they meet other requirements like points, English, and work experience.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
Visa rules and eligibility criteria are subject to change. This blog is for general guidance only. For personalised advice based on your specific situation, book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent (MARN: 1800859).
