Queensland nomination for the 190 and 491 visas

As checked on 9 November 2026, Migration Queensland says:

• its State Nominated Migration Program for 2026–27 has been published, with updated requirements;
• registrations of interest opened on 6 November 2026;
• onshore applicants must have lodged their 2025–26 tax return and received their ATO Notice of Assessment before submitting an ROI;
• because the program is highly competitive, an ROI does not guarantee an invitation.

We could not confirm: Queensland's 2026–27 place numbers.

Migration Queensland lists these skilled pathways:

Each pathway has its own criteria, and Queensland publishes a Skilled Occupation List and a documentation checklist.

• skilled workers living outside Australia (offshore);
• skilled workers living in Queensland (onshore);
• building and construction workers in Queensland (onshore);
• Queensland university graduates (onshore);
• small business owners in regional Queensland (onshore, 491 only). Read our small business owners 491 guide.

The 190 lets you live and work in Queensland as a permanent resident. The 491 lets you live and work in regional Queensland. Both need a SkillSelect EOI, at least 65 points, age under 45 when invited, competent English, a suitable skills assessment and an eligible occupation.

1. Choose the Queensland pathway that matches your situation, and check the current criteria and occupation list.
2. If you are onshore, make sure your 2025–26 tax return is lodged and you have your ATO Notice of Assessment.
3. Lodge your EOI in SkillSelect. See our EOI guide.
4. Submit your ROI to Migration Queensland.
5. If invited, apply for nomination, then lodge your visa.

Queensland may suit people already living and working in Queensland, construction workers, Queensland graduates, small business owners in regional Queensland, and offshore applicants whose occupations are on Queensland's list.

• Skills assessment: make sure it is for the occupation you will nominate and is still valid on the day you are invited.
• English test: make sure your result is current and meets the level you are claiming points for.
• Points: every points claim in your EOI must be backed by documents. Claims you cannot prove can lead to refusal.
• Evidence for Queensland: collect proof of where you live and work, such as a lease, payslips and an employment contract, if Queensland asks for it.
• Visa expiry: know when your current visa ends, so you can plan a bridging visa or another option if the nomination takes longer than expected.

• Relying on one state only, when another state or visa may suit you better.
• Lodging an EOI that does not match your documents, such as different dates of employment.
• Missing the deadline to apply after an invitation. A state invitation and a Home Affairs invitation each have their own time limit.
• Assuming a registration or EOI keeps you lawful in Australia. It does not. Only a valid visa or bridging visa does.