Queensland Skilled Migration Program 2025-26: 190/491 State Nomination Guide
If you are a skilled worker and planning to move to Australia, then the Queensland Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 could be your pathway to permanent residency. With the help of this program, you can get the opportunity to live and work in the most vibrant state, Queensland. The state, which is known as the “Sunshine State.”
So, if you want to know about the whole application process of this program, then this blog will definitely prove helpful for you. Keep reading it to find out all details.
Step 1: Read the Requirements
First and most important thing that you should consider is meeting the visa requirements of both the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, a candidate can register only through two visa subclasses of General Skilled Migration:
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
In these two visa subclasses, there are five pathways of entry or streams:
- Skilled workers living in Queensland
- Skilled workers living outside Australia
- Building and construction workers
- Queensland University graduates
- Small business owners in regional Queensland (subclass 491 only)
Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest on Skill Select
- You need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Australian Department of Home Affairs Skill Select platform. If you already have an EOI, then make sure that it is updated with accurate information, especially your work experience.
- Also, ensure that the points you claim are correct and meet the points requirement (usually 65 points) for your visa application.
- You do not need to submit a new EOI each year, because it is valid for up to 2 years. But, if your EOI is close to expiring (less than two weeks), then it will not be considered for nomination. In that case, you’ll need to create a new EOI.
- You no longer need to choose ‘Queensland’ as your only state of interest in your EOI. However, if you’re applying from within Queensland, make sure to list Australia as your “Usual Country of Residence.”
Step 3: Submit Your Registration of Interest for State Nomination in Queensland
After submitting your EOI, the next step is to submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) to apply for Queensland nomination. This is a very important part because Queensland only considers applicants who have submitted a valid ROI.
The ROI submission for the 2025-26 program has already started from 19th September 2025. (Make sure that you submit 1 ROI because if you have submitted multiple, then the government will only consider the latest one.)
The details below are needed to submit your ROI:
- EOI Number from SkillSelect
- Selected Visa Subclass and Skilled Occupation
- Additional Details:
- Passport number
- Residential and employment postcodes (if you already live in Queensland)
- Annual salary estimates (only if you are already living in Queensland)
- Partner information (if applicable)
Step 4: Migration Queensland Selects Candidates for Nomination
- Once you submit your ROI, your application will be included in the list of all other applicants.
- The selection process happens based on the available places in each occupation. So, it is not necessary to get guaranteed approval after submitting the ROI. You must continue to meet all requirements.
Step 5: Migration Queensland Invites Candidates to Apply for Queensland Nomination
- If your selection happens, then you’ll receive an invitation via email from Migration Queensland.
- After that, you will have 14 days to upload the required documents, application form, and pay the non-refundable application fee.
- Once you submit all the documents, the department will verify them with your EOI & ROI. If Migration Queensland requires more information for assessment, then they will ask you to provide extra documentation.
- If you do not provide them within the given timeframe, then your application will be closed, and you cannot apply again during the same program year.
Step 6: Applying to the Australian Government for Your Skilled Visa
- If you are nominated by Migration Queensland, you will receive an invitation from the Australian Department of Home Affairs to apply for your visa.
- You will have 60 days to submit your visa application, and if you do not apply within the 60 days, you won’t be invited to apply again in the same program year.
Final Thought
The Queensland Skilled Migration Program 2025-26 provides an excellent opportunity to live and work in one of Australia’s most stunning and prosperous states. To apply successfully, you only have to follow all the steps correctly, collect the necessary documents, and make sure you fulfil all eligibility requirements.
If you need professional guidance throughout the application process, Growmore Immigration is here to help! Our expert team can provide you with personalised support and ensure a smooth migration journey to Queensland. So, contact us now at +61 434202021 or info@growmore.one.