Migration Queensland is currently accepting Expressions of Interest from onshore applicants in Queensland only.
The Australian government has allocated Queensland a total quota of 2,250 places for 2021-22:
- 1,000 places for the Skilled Nominated Subclass 190 visa
- 1,250 places for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa
Furthermore, for the Skilled Migration Program, Queensland will only accept “decision-ready” applications. If an application is not complete or contains out-of-date documents, these applications will not be considered.
Queensland Migration Program updates
The Queensland State Nomination program opens and closes periodically due to nomination allocations (quotas) being met. Find out whether nominations are currently open for your visa subclass.
Speak to No Borders Law Group to explore alternative migration options.
Queensland’s Skilled Migration Visas
Queensland’s skilled visa nomination allows applicants who are already living and working in Queensland to remain in the state and help drive its economic growth. The state also provides visa nominations to highly skilled professionals, who are currently employed and living in Queensland for the following skilled visas:
- Subclass 190 visa – a permanent state nominated visa.
- Subclass 491 visa – a 5-year provisional state nominated visa with a pathway to permanent residency.
Both visa types are points-based. As a part of the application process, candidates need to meet both the Home Affairs criteria and Migration Queensland criteria for their chosen visa, submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with SkillSelect and lodge a visa application once they receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
Queensland’s Business Visas
The Business Migration Program is currently open.
The program will remain open until the quota has been filled.
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) visa is a state-nominated five-year provisional visa and a pathway to the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888).
Please see below for Queensland eligibility criteria on each subclass 188 visa streams:
- 188 – Business Innovation
- 188 – Investor
- 188 – Significant Investor
- 188 – Entrepreneur – not yet open, criteria to be advised in coming months.
Queensland’s 491 – Small Business Owners pathway
The 491 – Small Business Owners pathway is currently open.
Changes from 1 April 2021 for Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Your purchased pre-existing business must:
- have been in operation for 2 years, instead of 1 year, and
- have had a minimum purchase price of $100,000, rather than total investment in the business.
Commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as petrol stations), and home-based businesses (such as courier and cleaning businesses) will not be considered.
Businesses purchased before 1 April 2021 are not subject to these requirements. However, you must have a valid contract for the business before this date, ie the business must have settled.
New criteria for Queensland’s Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Those that have started a business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of 2 years can now apply for the 491-SBO visa stream. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the 12 months prior to application.
Need help with getting Australian Visas?
NO BORDERS LAW GROUP: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION LAWYERS
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +61 (07) 3876 4000
Consultation: https://www.noborders-group.com/form/free-consultation
We will help you by exploring visa options and securing applications. We will assess the eligibility of the application for a partner visa, and provide you with detailed advice on your chances of success. If you would like to discuss your visa options and evaluate the pathway to permanent residency, please make an enquiry or book a consultation to get expert advice with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Migration Agents/Lawyers on 07 3876 4000 or email: [email protected].