Migration Queensland has announced that the Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025–26 will officially open for Registration of Interest (ROI) today, 19 September 2025.
Migration Queensland confirmed that a small interim allocation of 250 places has been provided, with the remainder of the program’s allocation expected later this month.
Applicants should be aware that:
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A new ROI must be submitted for 2025–26 if seeking Queensland nomination.
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Only one ROI can be active at a time—if multiple are submitted, only the most recent will be considered.
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Applicants should print or save a copy of their ROI at the time of submission, as Migration Queensland cannot provide copies afterwards.
Key Program Changes for 2025–26
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Occupation lists: Revised onshore and offshore lists are now available.
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EOI: No need to submit a new EOI each year—EOIs up to 715 days old will be accepted, and they can include other states.
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Pathways:
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New onshore pathway for Building and Construction workforce
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Offshore Energy Workers pathway removed
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Subclass 491 Small Business Owners program closes from 19 September (only businesses purchased or started before this date remain eligible)
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Skilled program requirements:
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Onshore work requirement removed
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Minimum work hours reduced to 20 per week
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Casual work now accepted
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Settlement funds no longer required for offshore applicants
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Selection factors: Skills, qualifications, work experience, salary (onshore only), English competency, age, partner skills, and location of employment (onshore only).
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ROI: Revised partner-related questions and a new calculation method for annualised earnings.
Migration Queensland has also advised that more frequent, smaller selection rounds will be run during the 2025–26 program year.
Follow AVIE for more updates.