Queensland Opens State Nomination Program for Skilled Migrants FY 2024-2025
Queensland has officially launched its State Nomination Migration Program for the financial year 2024-2025, aimed at addressing critical skill shortages across the state. This program offers both onshore and offshore skilled workers a chance to obtain permanent or provisional residency in Australia through the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) and Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). The program is designed to attract talented individuals to fill the state’s priority skill gaps, particularly in sectors experiencing rapid growth, such as healthcare, construction, and engineering.
This year’s program has opened new opportunities for skilled professionals already working in Queensland, international graduates, and small business owners in regional areas. The state’s focus on long-term economic growth and filling essential positions makes it an attractive destination for migrants with sought-after skills. The pathways for these visas provide a clear route to both temporary and permanent residency to those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Key Visa Categories
The Queensland State Nomination Program offers two primary visa categories:
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa): This is a permanent visa that allows skilled workers to live and work in Queensland indefinitely. Applicants must meet a points-based test and nominate an occupation from the eligible skills list. Onshore applicants must have an occupation listed on the Department of Home Affairs’ eligible skills list, while offshore applicants are required to nominate an occupation from Queensland’s Skilled Occupations List. Once nominated, applicants can apply for permanent residency, giving them the ability to enjoy long-term stability in Australia.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa): This is a provisional visa that enables skilled workers to work and live in designated regional areas of Queensland. After 3 years, this visa offers a pathway to permanent residency. Applicants must also meet the points-based test and nominate an occupation from the relevant skills list. This category is particularly beneficial for those interested in working in regional areas, helping to alleviate skills shortages outside of the major metropolitan areas like Brisbane.
Eligibility Streams
Queensland’s nomination program includes several streams to accommodate different types of applicants:
- Skilled Workers: Both onshore and offshore applicants can apply under this stream. Onshore applicants must be currently employed in Queensland and meet specific eligibility criteria, while offshore applicants must have experience in an occupation listed in the Queensland Skilled Occupation List. The state prioritises occupations that are critical to economic growth and essential services, such as engineering, IT, and healthcare.
- Queensland Graduates: International graduates from Queensland schools are highly encouraged to apply under this stream. Graduates must meet specific criteria, including holding a degree from a recognized Queensland institution and demonstrating a commitment to living and working in the state. This pathway is also designed to retain talent within the state so they can contribute to the local economy.
- Small Business Owners: The 491 visa also offers a pathway for small business owners in regional Queensland. This stream aims at migrants who are currently operating a business and living in regional Queensland. To qualify, business owners must either purchase an existing business or establish a new one, meeting specific criteria around investment and employment of local residents. This stream encourages entrepreneurial migrants to invest in Queensland’s regional areas, helping to boost economic development and job creation in those regions.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Both visa categories offer clear pathways to permanent residency in Australia. For the subclass 190, skilled workers can apply for permanent residency immediately after receiving state nomination. For the subclass 491, holders of this provisional visa can apply for the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence – Skilled Regional Visa) after living and working in regional Queensland for at least three years, provided they meet the income and residency requirements.
This pathway provides long-term stability for skilled workers and business owners, offering them and their dependents the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of permanent residency, including access to healthcare and education.
Application Process
To apply for Queensland nomination, candidates must follow these steps:
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Applicants must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs’ SkillSelect system. This is a critical step, as the information provided in the EOI will be used to assess eligibility for state nomination.
- Registration of Interest (ROI): Once the EOI is submitted, applicants must also register their interest for Queensland nomination through Migration Queensland. This process allows the state to evaluate whether the applicant’s skills and experience align with the current needs of the labour market.
- State Invitation: Migration Queensland periodically selects candidates to apply for state nomination. Applicants will receive an invitation to lodge their application, and they must submit all required documentation, including evidence of employment, skills assessment, and other criteria.
- Final Application: Applicants must finalise their application by uploading the necessary documents and pay the non-refundable application fee after receiving the invitation. Once approved, the applicant will receive state nomination, allowing them to lodge their visa application with the Department of Home Affairs.
Competitive Selection Process
Due to high demand, the process for Queensland nomination is competitive. Migration Queensland assesses candidates based on several factors, including their skills, work experience, and ability to meet the state’s labour needs. Factors such as salary, total skilled employment experience, English proficiency, and partner skills can enhance an applicant’s chances of being selected. Candidates should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and provide thorough documentation to improve their chances of receiving an invitation.
Queensland’s 2024-2025 State Nomination Program offers significant opportunities for skilled workers, international graduates, and business owners looking to establish themselves in Australia. With a focus on addressing critical skill shortages and boosting regional economies, this program is an excellent pathway for migrants to achieve long-term residency and contribute to the state’s development. Skilled professionals and entrepreneurs who meet the criteria are encouraged to explore this opportunity to secure their future in Queensland.
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