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Update!

23 February 2024

Migration Queensland invites onshore Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) applicants living in regional Queensland, and who meet Queensland skilled nomination criteria to register for consideration of priority processing.  Application will closed on Tuesday 27 February 2024. 

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Applicants must:

  • Provide a decision-ready application (ie. all documents must be ready to upload immediately upon invitation)

  • Currently be living and working in regional Queensland

  • Have ongoing, full-time employment in regional Queensland for a further six months at time of EOI lodgement

  • Meet all other Queensland nomination criteria for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). 

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Applicable regions

You must live and work within one of the following post codes to be eligible for this visa:

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.


5 September 2023

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Under Skilled visas there are 4 visa streams which are currently OPEN. (read below)

  1. Graduates of a Queensland University

  2. Skilled workers living in Queensland

  3. Small business owners operating in Regional Queensland

  4. Skilled workers living offshore

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Do note that you MUST have a positive Skills assessment before you are considered to apply for Skilled Migration.

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What is Skill Assessment?

Your Skills (sometimes including Degree + Work experience) must be accredited by an Australian Skills Assessing body and you must have a positive outcome before applying for Skilled Migration in Australia.​

Following are examples of few of the most popular Skills Assessment bodies in Australia:​

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  • AACA – Architects Accreditation Council of Australia, Inc​

  • AASW – Australian Association of Social Workers​

  • CPA - Chartered Public Accountants​

  • TRA – Trades Recognition Australia​

  • VETASSESS – Vocational Education and Training Assessment Services​

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1. Graduates of a Queensland university​

  • Points: have a points-test result of a 75 or higher for 190, and 65 or higher for 491 

  • English: have Proficient English.

  • Occupation: Have an occupation on the Occupation List 

  • Completed 100% of studies in Queensland

  • Have graduated within the last 2 years

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You must also meet the additional criteria for qualification level detailed below.

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List of STEM and Agriculture Fields

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2. Skilled Workers Living in Queensland​

  1. Points: have a points-test result of 75 or higher for the subclass 190 (except for Trades occupations which require 70 or higher), and 65 or higher for the 491

  2. Occupation List: have an occupation on Home Affairs’ relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN 19/051)

  3. English: Have competent English (minimum IELTS 6/PTE 50 on each band) (except for occupations where a higher level of English is required)

  4. Working:

    • Subclass 190: Working full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) over the past 3 months in your nominated occupation. 

    • Subclass 491: Working full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) in your nominated occupation. 

  5. Ongoing Employment:

    • Subclass 190: Provide evidence of ongoing full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) for a further 12 months.

    • Subclass 491: Provide evidence of ongoing full-time employment in Regional Queensland (minimum 30 hours per week) for a further 6 months.

  6. ​​Commitment to living in Queensland​

    • Subclass 190: Commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 Years from the date of visa grant.

    • Subclass 491: Commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 Years from the date of visa grant.

Caveats for Selected Occupations

  • Accountants (General)

    • Invitation will only given to applicants employed in an accounting firm or a medium or larger-sized business (employs 20 people or more.)

    • must be a CPA, CA or IPA, or are studying towards becoming a CPA, CA or IPA

  • Internal and External Auditors

    • must have a job as an Auditor (not an Accountant).

  • Cooks and Chefs

    • No takeaway or fast-food businesses.

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3. Skilled Workers Living Offshore​

  1. Points: have a points-test result of 75 or higher for subclass 190 (except for Trades occupations which require 70 or higher), and 65 or higher for the 491

  2. Occupation List: have an occupation on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)

  3. English: Have competent English (minimum IELTS 6/PTE 50 on each band) (except for occupations where a higher level of English is required)

  4. Work Experience: Must provide evidence of the required years of post-study work experience as per the QSOL.

  5. ​​Commitment to living in Queensland​

    • Subclass 190: Commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 Years from the date of visa grant.

    • Subclass 491: Commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 Years from the date of visa grant.

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4. Queensland Small Business owner pathway​

Criteria Clarification for 2023–24

  • No vendor financing

  • No share transfer (must have a contract of business sale)

  • Cannot purchase business from family member

  • Cannot relocate or sell a business before receiving approval from MQ

  • Cannot purchase a business previously owned by a 491-SBO applicant

  • Commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as petrol stations), and home-based businesses (including those with virtual offices) will not be considered

  • Applicants must operate their business for at least 3 years in a regional area (and may be subject to monitoring) after the grant of the visa.

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Read more on the eligibility of Queensland Small Business owner pathway:
https://www.racc.net.au/491-small-business-owners-pathway

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