Yes — Queensland has six skilled migration pathways open for nomination under subclass 190 and 491 visas. If you’re a skilled worker, graduate, or small business owner, you may qualify to register your interest.
Which Visas Are Available?
| Visa | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | Permanent residence in Queensland |
| Subclass 491 | Provisional visa to live and work in regional QLD |
To be nominated, you must:
Meet Home Affairs visa criteria
Meet Migration Queensland nomination requirements
Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)
Queensland’s 6 Nomination Streams
| Stream | Summary |
|---|---|
| Onshore skilled workers | Live and work in QLD (6 months for 491 / 9 months for 190); occupation on Onshore Occupation List; 65+ points; Competent English; 20+ hrs/week |
| Offshore skilled workers | Living overseas; 1+ year of skilled experience; occupation on Offshore List; 65+ points; Competent English |
| Construction workers | Builders/tradespeople; working in QLD for 3+ months; construction occupation in demand; 65+ points |
| QLD university graduates | Bachelor, Master or PhD from a Queensland university; work 20+ hrs/week in Skill Level 1 occupation; graduated after 1 July 2021 |
| Small business owners (491 only) | Own and operate a business in regional QLD; options for purchased or start-up businesses; must meet turnover, operation time, and employment rules |
| Graduates in construction/priority sectors | Additional consideration for graduates working in key areas (e.g. infrastructure) under QLD needs |
Occupation Lists
Your nominated occupation must appear on the relevant list for your stream.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for 190 if I already applied for 491?
No — applicants for subclass 491 or 489 cannot apply for 190 nomination.
2. Can I work casually or part-time?
Yes, if your combined jobs are 20+ hours/week and in a relevant occupation.
3. What English level is required?
At least Competent English, as defined by Home Affairs.
4. Can I apply for Small Business Owner stream if I just opened a business?
Only if your start-up is operating for 2+ years with annual turnover above $200,000.
Final Thoughts
Queensland offers one of the most diverse state nomination programs in Australia. Whether you’re already in QLD or overseas, this may be your path to PR.
Need help choosing the right stream?
Contact Seven Migration for expert support from ROI to visa grant.
I’ve been living in Queensland for 2 years and I’m self-employed, working remotely for overseas clients as a Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO 133111). I have a positive Vetassess assessment (9.98 years experience, 70 points) and want to lodge an EOI/ROI for the 190 visa.
I’m not sure which pathway I fall under — technically I’m onshore, but my work looks more like the offshore stream. Could I apply as offshore since my work is offshore even though I’m physically onshore? Otherwise, do you know if remote self-employment for overseas clients can count as onshore experience, or would I need 3 months with a QLD employer? Any idea if there are precedents for this situation?
The first step is to book a consultation with one of our Registered Migration Agents. In this session, we’ll review your background and outline a safe and tailored plan for your journey. To better understand your situation a consultation is extremely important.
You can book directly through our website:
https://www.sevenmigration.com.au/service-selector/
(Just make sure to select your time zone so times display correctly!)
Let us know if you have any questions — we’re here to help.