4 Migration Pathways are Now Open in Queensland!
Queensland’s Skilled Visa Requirements Update
Proposed EOI point system changes
Work and Holiday Visa Ballot for India, China, and Vietnam
Queensland’s skilled migration program has reopened, offering exciting opportunities for skilled migrants looking to work and settle in the state. Alongside this, Australia’s points-test system, which plays a critical role in determining eligibility for skilled migration, is set to undergo significant changes aimed at addressing employment success and skill shortages. Additionally, a new Work and Holiday visa ballot has been announced for citizens of China, India, and Vietnam, opening pathways for younger individuals to experience Australia while meeting certain visa criteria.
Queensland’s Skilled Visa Requirements Update
Queensland has officially opened its doors to skilled migrants. Here are the updated requirements for Queensland’s 4 nomination pathways:
For Skilled Workers in Queensland
| Requirement | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) Visa SC 190 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa SC 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test result of 65 or higher | Have a points test result of 65 or higher |
| Occupation | Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051, with a focus on helping address verified shortages, in Queensland's growing industries | Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051, with a focus on helping address verified shortages, in Queensland's growing industries |
| English | Have Proficient English or higher | Have Proficient English or higher |
| Work experience | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 6 months. This work experience must have been: After you obtained your qualification, Closely related to your nominated occupation, At least 30 hours per week | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 3 months. This work experience must have been: After you obtained your qualification, Closely related to your nominated occupation, At least 30 hours per week |
| Evidence of ongoing employment | Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI. | Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI. |
| Commitment to living in Queensland | Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted. | Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted. |
Take note: To work in some occupations in Queensland you must be registered or licensed by a state government body. Cooks and Chefs cannot qualify by working in takeaway or fast-food businesses.
For Queensland Graduates
Who is this pathway for?
International graduates who have an eligible qualification from a Queensland university and are currently employed help fill priority skills gaps.
| Requirement | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa SC 190 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa SC 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test result of 65 or higher | Have a points test result of 65 or higher |
| Qualification | Have a bachelor's degree or higher qualification from a Queensland university; This qualification must be in a priority field; Have completed 100 per cent of this qualification in Queensland; Have graduated after 1 July 2022 | Have a bachelor's degree or higher qualification from a Queensland university; This qualification must be in a priority field; Have completed 100 per cent of this qualification in Queensland; Have graduated after 1 July 2022 |
| Occupation | Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051 | Have an occupation on Home Affairs list of eligible skilled occupations LIN 19/051 |
| English | Have at least proficient English | Have at least proficient English |
| Work experience | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 6 months. This work experience must have been: After you obtained your qualification; In any Skill Level 1 occupation; At least 30 hours per week | Have been living and working in Queensland for at least the last 3 months. This work experience must have been: After you obtained your qualification; In any Skill Level 1 occupation; At least 30 hours per week |
| Evidence of ongoing employment | Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 12 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI | Have evidence that your employment is ongoing for a further 6 months. This is counted from when you submit your EOI |
| Commitment to living in Queensland | Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted | Must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted |
For small business owners in regional Queensland
Pathway 1- Business purchase
To be eligible for this pathway, you must purchase an existing registered business outside of South East Queensland for a minimum of $100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident. You must operate the business for a minimum of six months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
Pathway 2- Start-up business
To be eligible for this pathway, you must have started your own business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of two years. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of $200,000 in the twelve months prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).
For Skilled Workers Outside Australia
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for a Queensland nomination, you must meet both the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements and Migration Queensland requirements for your chosen visa category.
| Requirement | Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa SC 190 | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa SC 491 |
|---|---|---|
| Points | Have a points test result of 65 or higher | Have a points test result of 65 or higher |
| Occupation | Have an occupation on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List | Have an occupation on the offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List |
| English | Have Proficient English or higher | Have Proficient English or higher |
| Work experience | Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered. You must be in ongoing, full-time employment in your nominated occupation when you are invited. | Have at least 5 years skilled employment experience in your nominated occupation or a closely related occupation. Only work experience declared as related to your nominated occupation on your EOI will be considered. You must be in ongoing, full-time employment in your nominated occupation when you are invited. |
| Commitment to living in Queensland | Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from date your visa is granted | Must commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 years from date your visa is granted |
Priority processing for Energy Workers
Have a positive skills assessment for a priority occupation to support the energy sector.
Have been working in your nominated occupation, or a closely related occupation, for at least 3 years in the energy sector.
This experience can be counted towards the standard minimum 5 years' work experience requirement.
Proposed EOI point system changes
The Australian government is planning to overhaul the points-based system used to assess skilled migrants, reflecting a shift in priorities and addressing the changing needs of the Australian job market. The revised points-test system will focus more heavily on factors that enhance an applicant's likelihood of securing skilled employment in Australia.
One key aspect of the revamp is a strong emphasis on employment success. Migrants with qualities that indicate a higher potential for job market integration, such as relevant work experience and qualifications in high-demand sectors, will be prioritized.
Work and Holiday Visa Ballot
The cost to participate in this ballot is $25, which must be paid during the registration process. Failing to do so will result in the participant being disqualified. Applicants must register online, likely through ImmiAccount, and meet several key eligibility criteria, including:
Holding a valid passport from China, India, or Vietnam.
Being aged between 18 and 30 at the time of registration.
Registering within a specified open registration period.
Participants will be randomly selected by a computer system, and those chosen will be notified via email. This ballot system is designed to ensure fairness and to provide a streamlined, transparent process for individuals from these countries to work and travel in Australia.
If you are having a hard time planning your pathway to Australia, the best thing to do is ask for assistance from certified migration experts. At Think Visa, we specialize in processing visas in these complex situations. By ensuring that all the essential documents, our team of skilled migration consultants can help you get through the process. Start your migration process with people you could trust.
