Your Pathway to Queensland: 190 and 491 Visa Streams Explained

Are you looking to migrate to Queensland under the Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)?or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491)?visa? Whether you’re a recent graduate from a Queensland university, a skilled worker already living in the state, or planning to migrate from overseas, this guide will walk you through the key pathways available.

We’ll explore the criteria for three important streams:

• Skilled Workers Living in Queensland
• Graduates of Queensland
• Skilled Workers Outside Australia

Common Requirements Across Streams

Before we get into the specifics, let’s cover a few common eligibility requirements.

1. Points Test:Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 65 points?on the General Skilled Migration points test.
2. Occupation List:Your occupation must appear on either:
3. Proficient English:A high level of English is required across all streams, ensuring you meet the Proficient English standard.

Migration Queensland prioritizes candidates whose occupations address workforce shortages in the following key sectors:

• Energy
• Construction and Infrastructure
• Healthcare and Social Assistance
• Education
• Professional Services
• Agribusiness
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Transport

Some occupations may not be eligible for onshore nomination under subclass 190 this program year. Check Migration Queensland's website for the latest updates.

Skilled Workers Living in Queensland Stream

This stream offers pathways for workers who are already living and working in Queensland.

For the Subclass 190 Visa:

• You must have lived and worked full-time in Queensland for at least 6 months?in a role closely related to your nominated occupation.
• Full-time work is defined as 30 hours per week or more.
• Employment must be ongoing, with proof that it will continue for another 12 months?after submitting your Expression of Interest (EOI).

For the Subclass 491 Visa:

• Applicants must have lived and worked in regional Queensland?for at least 3 months.
• Employment must also be full-time (30+ hours per week), with evidence of continued employment?for a further 6 months.

Graduates of Queensland Stream

This stream is open to recent graduates from a Queensland university?who studied in priority fields. Eligible fields include:

• Agriculture and Environment
• Engineering and Related Technologies
• Education
• Health
• Information Technology
• Natural and Physical Sciences

To qualify, graduates must have:

• Completed 100%?of their qualification in Queensland.
• Graduated after 1 July 2022.

For the Subclass 190 Visa:

• Lived and worked in Queensland for at least 6 months?in a Skill Level 1 occupation, working 30 hours per week or more.
• Employment must be ongoing, with evidence of continuity for 12 months?from the date of EOI submission.

For the Subclass 491 Visa:

• Lived and worked in regional Queensland?for at least 3 months?in a Skill Level 1 occupation.
• Employment must continue for 6 months?after submitting the EOI.

Skilled Workers Living Outside Australia

If you're applying from offshore, your nominated occupation must be on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List.

Other requirements include:

• 5 years of relevant work experience?in your nominated occupation or a closely related field.
• Your EOI must align with the declared occupation, and work experience must be directly relevant.
• You need to be employed full-time in this role at the time you receive an invitation from Migration Queensland.

Priority Pathway for Energy Sector Workers

Queensland is committed to achieving 80% renewable energy by 2035, and skilled workers in the energy sector?may qualify for priority processing.

If you have skills and experience in project management, engineering, trades, or other energy-related fields, you might be eligible for faster processing under this pathway.

Eligibility Criteria for Energy Sector Pathway:

• A positive skills assessment?in a priority occupation related to the energy sector.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience?in your nominated occupation.
• These 3 years of experience count toward the 5-year work experience requirement?for Queensland nomination.

Why Choose Nationwide Migration and Education?

Navigating the migration process can be overwhelming, but that’s where we come in.

At Nationwide Migration and Education, our team of Registered Migration Agents?specializes in Queensland’s state nomination process. Whether you’re a graduate, working offshore, or already living in Queensland, we’ll work with you to ensure your application is handled with the utmost care and precision.

Disclaimer:

The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.

If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances,?please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.