Migration Queensland Program will begin inviting selected applicants from the end of September 2023 and hold invitation rounds at the end of each month for the remainder of the financial year 2023-24. The number of applicants invited each month will be capped to ensure an even and consistent rate of invitation throughout the program year. Due to this competitive process, ensure that you explore alternative migration options.

If you meet all eligibility criteria and wish to lodge an Expression of interest (EOI), you must submit a brand new EOI in Skill Select. Migration Queensland will only consider EOI's lodged on or after 6 September 2023 - updated EOI's will not be considered.

There are four streams available:

• Skilled workers onshore
• Skilled workers offshore
• Graduates of a Queensland university
• 491 Small Business Owners (SBO) pathway

Skilled workers living in Queensland

The Skilled Workers Onshore Stream is open to all occupations on the Department of Home Affairs list. For skilled workers onshore, Queensland is looking for at least 75 points for 190 visa and 65 points for 491 visa. The applicants must be working in Queensland to apply. There are a range of conditions to consider, for example, businesses must have an office in Queensland; a virtual office will not be accepted.

General Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Workers Onshore:

• Have a points-test result of 65 or higher, inclusive of state nomination points;
• Have a positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation;
• Be under 45 years of age;
• Meet the minimum English language requirement of Competent, unless a higher level is required by your assessing authority. 

You can find all the details here: https://www.migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas/skilled-workers-living-in-queensland

Skilled workers living offshore

For skilled workers offshore, Queensland is looking for at least 75 points for 190 visa and 65 points for 491 visa. The Queensland Skilled Occupation List for offshore applicants has 236 occupations on it. There are experience requirements, which is by occupation, three to five years.

You can find all the details here: https://www.migration.qld.gov.au/occupation-lists

Graduates of a Queensland University

This pathway is for high-performing graduates who have graduated from a Queensland university and are currently onshore in Queensland. The applicant must have a hundred percent of the study course completed in Queensland. There are requirements depending on the course you completed which can include a grade point average and employment.

You can find all the details here: https://www.migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas/graduates-of-a-queensland-university

491 Small Business Owners (SBO) pathway

This pathway is for migrants who are currently living and operating a small business in regional Queensland. You must have an occupation that is on the Home Affairs Legislative Instrument LIN 19/051 and have a positive skills assessment in an occupation on this instrument. You must also have full-time work rights and not currently be studying.

You can find all the details here: https://www.migration.qld.gov.au/visa-options/skilled-visas/small-business-owners-operating-in-regional-queensland

Queensland will give invitations to those with EOI in the Department of Home Affairs system. You can put in the EOI and wait. There is no guarantee they will give the invitation. Having options for multiple states and visas may increase your chances.

Read more about Skilled State Nomination for the 2023-24 period for 190 and 491 visas at: https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/state-nomination-visas-190-and-491-are-reduced-by-around-70.html

Sources:

https://www.migration.qld.gov.au/news/important-announcement-migration-queensland-program-opening-for-2023-24

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels?fbclid=IwAR0yKGvYqtJrAPKMoYngxdZoGG1mQre2rFawfz2XAWYSvuXnKgfDpZxG9TU

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

If you need help with this visa, Work Visa Lawyers can assist you.

Work Visa Lawyers is highly experienced in all parts of an employer-sponsored visa application process. We can assist with all aspects of the application and will provide an eligibility assessment before advising you to proceed with a visa application.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your potential application(s).

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

You can book an appointment online or call us at (+61) 8 8351 9956.