Queensland’s Skilled Migration Program is opening soon, giving eligible skilled workers another opportunity to pursue permanent or provisional skilled migration to Australia.
Registrations of Interest (ROIs) open on 6 November 2026. However, applicants should be aware of the eligibility requirements and documentation they need to prepare before submitting an ROI. The program is competitive, and submitting an ROI does not guarantee an invitation to apply for state nomination.
If you are considering applying, here is what you need to know about Queensland’s skilled migration pathways, work experience requirements and supporting documents.
When do Queensland’s skilled migration ROIs open?
Queensland’s Skilled Migration Program opens for Registrations of Interest on 6 November 2026.
Applicants should review the relevant Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) and confirm which migration pathway they may be eligible for before submitting an ROI.
There are separate occupation lists for onshore and offshore applicants:
Onshore: Queensland Onshore Skilled Occupation List
Offshore: Queensland Offshore Skilled Occupation List
It is important to check the correct list for your circumstances, as eligibility and occupation requirements may differ depending on whether you are currently in Australia or applying from overseas.
What visas can you apply for through Queensland state nomination?
Queensland offers state nomination for two skilled migration visa subclasses:
- Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent visa that allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in Australia.
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): A provisional visa for skilled workers who intend to live and work in regional Queensland.
The pathway available to you will depend on your occupation, employment circumstances, qualifications and other eligibility requirements.
What are Queensland’s skilled migration pathways for 2026–27?
Queensland’s skilled migration program includes several pathways for skilled workers and graduates, with eligibility depending on your individual circumstances.
1. Offshore skilled workers
This pathway is for eligible skilled workers currently living outside Australia who want to obtain Queensland state nomination.
Applicants must meet the relevant occupation and work experience requirements and provide evidence to support their claims.
2. Queensland onshore skilled workers
This pathway is for skilled workers already living and working in Queensland.
Applicants will need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant employment, occupation and other eligibility requirements.
3. Building and construction workers in Queensland
Queensland has a dedicated pathway for eligible workers employed in the building and construction industry.
Applicants must meet the relevant occupation requirements and demonstrate at least three continuous months of qualifying work experience.
4. Queensland university graduates
This pathway is for eligible international graduates who have completed their studies at a Queensland university.
Applicants should review the specific eligibility requirements to determine whether their qualifications and circumstances meet the criteria.
5. Small business owners in regional Queensland
This pathway is for eligible small business owners operating in regional Queensland.
This pathway is available for the subclass 491 visa only.
What documents do you need for a Queensland skilled migration ROI?
Preparing your supporting documents ahead of time can help you respond within the required timeframe if you receive an invitation.
Applicants should be ready to provide documents that demonstrate their identity, qualifications, skills assessment, employment history and eligibility for their chosen pathway.
Depending on your circumstances, these may include:
- Passport
- VEVO statement, where applicable
- Relevant skills assessment
- Employment history and work experience evidence
- Documents specific to your chosen migration pathway
- 2025–26 Notice of Assessment from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), for onshore applicants
Additional documents may be required depending on whether you are employed, self-employed, applying from overseas or pursuing a specific Queensland pathway.
What additional documents do onshore applicants need?
Onshore applicants should be prepared to provide evidence of their Queensland residence and employment.
This may include:
- Evidence of your residential address in Queensland
- Current employment contract
- Recent payslips
- Statement of Service from your employer
- 2025–26 tax return and ATO Notice of Assessment
Self-employed applicants may need to provide additional evidence, such as:
- ABN Lookup details
- Client or business reference letters
- Tax invoices
- Bank statements
What documents do offshore applicants need?
Offshore applicants should prepare evidence of their employment and work experience.
Depending on their circumstances, this may include employer reference letters, statements of service or a statutory declaration supported by relevant evidence.
Make sure your documents clearly demonstrate your employment history and that you meet the work experience requirements for your chosen pathway.
Do onshore applicants need their 2025–26 tax return before submitting an ROI?
Yes. Onshore applicants must have lodged their 2025–26 tax return and received their ATO Notice of Assessment (NOA) before submitting their Registration of Interest.
This is an important requirement to prepare for ahead of the program opening.
If you are planning to submit an ROI as an onshore applicant, make sure your tax return has been lodged and your Notice of Assessment is available before you proceed.
How much work experience do you need for Queensland state nomination?
Work experience requirements vary depending on the visa subclass and the pathway you are applying through.
The 2026–27 requirements include:
| Migration pathway | Work experience requirement |
|---|---|
| Subclass 190 | 9 of the last 12 months |
| Subclass 491 | 6 of the last 9 months |
| Building and construction pathway | 3 continuous months |
| Offshore skilled workers | 1 year within the last 3 years |
Applicants should check the requirements that apply to their specific occupation and pathway before submitting an ROI.
It is also important to have supporting employment evidence ready, as you may need to provide documentation to demonstrate that you meet the relevant work experience criteria.
What happens if you receive an invitation from Queensland?
Receiving an invitation means you have been selected to proceed to the next stage of the state nomination process.
However, you will need to provide evidence to support the information and claims included in your ROI.
If invited, applicants have 14 calendar days to submit their supporting documentation.
This is a relatively short timeframe, so it is worth preparing your documents before submitting your ROI rather than waiting until an invitation arrives.
Queensland’s program is competitive, and submitting an ROI does not guarantee an invitation. Applicants should ensure that the information they provide is accurate and that they can substantiate their claims.
Frequently asked questions about Queensland’s Skilled Migration Program 2026–27
When does Queensland’s Skilled Migration Program open?
Registrations of Interest open on 6 November 2026.
Does submitting an ROI guarantee an invitation?
No. The program is competitive, and submitting a Registration of Interest does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation to apply for state nomination.
Can I apply for Queensland state nomination from overseas?
Yes. The program includes an offshore skilled worker pathway for eligible applicants living outside Australia.
Can I apply for both the subclass 190 and subclass 491 visas?
Queensland offers nomination pathways for both visa subclasses. Your eligibility will depend on your occupation and circumstances, as well as the requirements of the relevant pathway.
Do I need my ATO Notice of Assessment before submitting an ROI?
Onshore applicants must have lodged their 2025–26 tax return and received their ATO Notice of Assessment before submitting an ROI.
How long do I have to provide documents after receiving an invitation?
Applicants have 14 calendar days to provide the supporting evidence requested after receiving an invitation.
Need help understanding Queensland’s skilled migration options?
Queensland’s Skilled Migration Program offers several pathways, but meeting the requirements involves more than simply having an occupation listed.
Your eligibility will depend on your qualifications, employment history, skills assessment and individual circumstances. Preparing the right documents and understanding the relevant pathway before submitting an ROI can help you avoid unnecessary delays.
If you are considering Queensland state nomination and would like help understanding your options, the team at Australian Visa and Immigration Experts (AVIE) can help you assess your circumstances and understand the next steps.
Get in touch with AVIE to discuss your migration options.
