Last time, we have briefly introduced different pathways to PR in Australia. As mentioned, we will be talking more about state-nominated visas and state nomination requirements in each state this time.
State nomination is one of the pathways for visa holders to obtain PR in Australia. Different states have different state nomination requirements. Click here to learn more about state nomination.
To start with, we are going to talk about Queensland State Nomination in this article.
Also read:
2022 – 2023 South Australia State Nomination
2022 – 2023 Western Australia State Nomination
2022 – 2023 ACT State Nomination
2022 – 2023 NT State Nomination
2022 – 2023 Victoria State Nomination
2022 – 2023 Tasmania State Nomination
2022 – 2023 NSW State Nomination
In Queensland, there are 3 main pathways open to Queensland graduates and skilled workers to obtain Queensland State Nomination.
High-performing Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Doctorate or PhD Queensland graduates who are currently onshore in Queensland might be eligible for this pathway.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the following general requirements:
- To apply for a 190 visa, you have a point test result of 80 or higher;
To apply for a 491 visa, you have a point test result of 65 or higher - You are employed by a Queensland employer registered in Australia in their nominated occupation (excludes PhD and Doctorate Graduates)
- You meet the minimum English requirements of Proficient (equivalent to 7 in all components in IELTS)
- You meet the qualification criteria listed below
For Bachelor or Master graduates,
You are eligible to apply for 491 visa and you must:
- be living onshore in regional Queensland
- have completed 100% of the Bachelor’s / Master’s degree at a Queensland-based institution
- have graduated in the last two years
- have a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 (or equivalent) or higher if you hold a bachelor’s degree
- have an occupation on LIN 19/051
- be employed full-time (35 hours per week minimum) in regional Queensland in the nominated or closely related occupation.
Contact AAS now to enrol in an eligible degree.
Master graduates are also eligible for 190 visas if they:
- be living onshore in Queensland
- have completed 100% of Master’s degree (by research or coursework) at a Queensland-based institution
- have graduated in the last two years
- have an eligible Master’s Degree and skills assessment in a STEM field listed below:
- biological sciences
- chemical sciences
- earth sciences
- mathematical sciences
- natural and physical sciences
- other natural and physical sciences
- physics and astronomy
- computer science
- information systems
- information technology
- other information technology
- be employed full-time (35 hours per week minimum) in Queensland in the nominated or closely related STEM occupation (as per the list above).
PhD graduates may apply for either 190 / 491 visa if they:
- live onshore in Queensland
- finished 100% of the PhD or Doctorate at a Queensland-based institution
- have had a decision on thesis or graduated in the last 2 years
- have an occupation on LIN 19/051
- No job required
To be eligible for Queensland nomination, you need to meet the Australian Department of Home Affairs requirements for your chosen visa category.
Check the Home Affairs criteria in the following link:
- Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
Besides, you are also required to meet the Migration Queensland criteria:
- have an occupation on Home Affairs’ relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN 19/051)
- You have at least Proficient English, and Competent English for Trades occupations (an ANZSCO occupation grouping beginning with 3)
- provide evidence of ongoing employment with a Queensland employer that is registered in Queensland for a further 12 months (minimum of 35 hours per week). For a 491 visa, this must be ongoing employment in a regional area
If you are lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a 190 visa, you should:
- have a points-test result of 80 or higher, and 75 or higher for Trades occupations
- provide evidence of full-time post-qualification employment (minimum of 35 hours per week) over the past 6 months in Queensland in your nominated occupation immediately prior to submitting your EOI
- commit to living and working in Queensland for 2 years from visa grant
If you are lodging an EOI for a 491 visa, you should:
- have 65 points or higher in the points-test
- provide evidence that you have been living in regional Queensland and undertaking full-time post-qualification employment (minimum of 35 hours per week) over the past 3 months in your nominated occupation immediately prior to submitting your EOI
- commit to living and working in Queensland for 3 years from visa grant
Same as the pathway above, you are required to fulfil both the Home Affairs criteria and Migration Queensland requirements.
Here are the Migration Queensland criteria for skilled workers living offshore:
- You points-test result of 80 or higher for the 190, and 65 or higher for the 491
- Your occupation is listed on the Offshore Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)
- You have Proficient English or higher
- You have at least 3 years post-study work experience
4. Pathway for small business owners in regional Queensland
For small business owners in Queensland, you could also consider obtaining Queensland state nomination through this pathway.
You should note that invitations for skilled workers will go to the highest points per occupation. Migration Queensland will also consider other specific requirements such as regional location and work experience for particular occupation on the same points.
Not sure which pathway to take or which visa to apply?
Contact us now for a free initial consultation.