Are you planning to migrate to Queensland and have a lot of questions in your mind? Or are you a migration agent helping someone with the application process? If any of these scenarios apply to you, this document will help you.
You will learn the answers to the most common questions asked about Queensland migration by candidates. So, let’s get started!
FAQs on Queensland nomination for a skilled visa
1. What is state nomination?
In Australia, some skilled visas require you to be nominated by a state or territory government before you can apply for the visa. This process is called state nomination. It helps each state or territory to hire the people with specific skills they need in the market.
But how does it work in Queensland?
In Queensland, the Migration Queensland within Trade and Investment Queensland decides who should be nominated for a skilled visa. They set their own rules for who can be nominated, and you have to meet their requirements and the Australian Government. If you’re nominated, you’ll have a better chance of getting a visa to move to Australia.
2. How many places do states and territories have to nominate people?
Every year, the Australian Government gives each state and territory a certain number of places to nominate people for these visas:
- Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visa and
- Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa.
These numbers are like quotas, and they help states and territories to choose people who have required skills.
For example, in the 2024-2025 financial year, Queensland has:
- 600 places for the subclass 190 visa and
- 600 places for the subclass 491 visa.
Other states and territories have different numbers of places, but they all work together to help Australia get the required skilled workers.
Moreover, starting from the 2025–26 financial year, the Australian Government will change the Migration Program Planning. From now on, the Government will plan for four years instead of planning just one year at a time. This means they can make longer-term decisions about how many people can move to Australia and where they will live.
3. Who determines the quota states and territories receive?
The Australian Government decides nomination allocations for each state and territory. These places determine how many people can be nominated each year. The government sets these quotas to help states and territories to hire the right workers who meet their specific needs.
4. Can I apply for a Queensland nomination while on a student visa?
No, you cannot apply for a Queensland nomination if you’re on a student visa. However, once you’ve finished your course and have a completion letter from your school, you might be eligible.
To apply for the Queensland nomination, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete your course and get a completion letter from your educational institution.
- Ensure you meet all the criteria for your chosen visa. It means you must have a job in an eligible occupation and meet the minimum work experience requirements.
- If you’re already in Australia, you must be working full-time in a job that is on the eligible occupations list.
Furthermore, it’s important to check the specific requirements for your situation and the type of visa you’re interested in.
5. What does Migration Queensland consider to be a closely related occupation?
To be eligible for a Queensland nomination, you must be working in an occupation that is closely related to your skills assessment. Migration Queensland considers a “closely related occupation” to be one that falls under the same ANZSCO Unit Group as your nominated occupation.
It means that the first four digits of the ANZSCO code for both occupations must be the same.
For Example:
If your nominated occupation is civil engineer (233211), closely related occupations would include:
- Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
- Quantity Surveyor (233213)
- Structural Engineer (233214)
- Transport Engineer (233215)
These all share the same first four digits (2332) in their ANZSCO codes.
6. Can a dependent of a student visa holder apply for Queensland nomination?
If you are a dependent of someone holding a student visa, you might be eligible to apply for a Queensland nomination under certain conditions.
For example, if you have the right to work full-time, such as if you are a dependent of a Master’s or PhD student, you can apply for nomination. However, you must meet all the requirements of the nomination pathway you’re applying for.
7. Can I be ‘re-nominated’ by Migration Queensland after I already received a nomination?
No, you cannot be re-nominated in the same program year if you’ve already received a nomination from Migration Queensland. This rule applies even if your EOI contains errors in point calculation. It’s important to double-check your Expression of Interest (EOI) before submitting it.
If you make a mistake or need to correct something, you won’t be able to get a new nomination from Migration Queensland until the next program year. So, it’s important to get everything right the first time.
Still confused about the nomination process? Contact us at The Migration for professional assistance.
FAQs on Submission of EOI on SkillSelect
1. Can I submit multiple EOIs?
It is better to submit only one EOI for the occupation that is most relevant to your current job if you have more than one skills assessment. It will help you focus on the area where you have the most experience and skills.
In the Registration of Interest (ROI) form, you can only choose one EOI and one visa subclass. This means you need to decide which occupation and visa are the best fit for you and stick with that choice.
2. Do I need to select Queensland as my ‘State of Interest’ in my SkillSelect EOI?
Yes, you must select Queensland as your only state of interest in your Expression of Interest (EOI) if you want to be considered for a Queensland nomination.
This is an important step because, by doing so, you tell the authorities that you are specifically interested in living and working in Queensland. If you don’t select Queensland, you won’t be eligible for their nomination process.
3. Can I update my EOI if my circumstances have changed?
Yes, you can update your EOI if your situation changes. It’s important to keep your EOI current so it reflects your latest information. For example, if you’ve changed jobs, home address, or scored new results from an English language test, you should update your EOI immediately.
4. What is my usual country of residence on my EOI?
To fulfil your EOI, you must be accurate about where you usually live. Here’s how to decide:
- If you’re currently living and working in Queensland, you should list Australia as your usual country of residence.
- If you’re working outside of Australia, you should list the country where you are currently living as your usual country of residence.
5. Does the date I last updated my EOI affect my chances of being invited to apply for a Queensland nomination?
No, the date you last updated your EOI doesn’t matter. What’s important is that you submitted your EOI after the Queensland programme opened. Here are some important points to remember:
- Don’t submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) until you meet all the requirements for Queensland.
- If you submit it too early and then meet the requirements later, it won’t be considered.
- Make sure to submit your EOI after the Queensland program starts. This ensures that your application is considered during the active period.
- Migration Queensland will look at all valid applications (ROIs and EOIs) to decide who to nominate when the program is open.
- This means that as long as your application is complete and correct, you have a chance of being selected.
6. I submitted an EOI for Queensland last year but was not invited. Will you consider my EOI this program year?
No, if you submitted an EOI for Queensland last year but weren’t invited, it won’t be considered this year. You need to submit a new EOI when the current Queensland program is open, which starts on September 13, 2024. This ensures that your application reflects the latest requirements and your current situation.
For professional advice and assistance regarding successful EOI submission, contact our experts at The Migration.
FAQs on Regional Queensland
1. What areas are defined as regional Queensland for state nomination?
Regional Queensland is defined by a list of postcodes set by the Australian Government. These postcodes help determine which areas are considered regional for visa purposes.
491 visa holders and their dependents must live, work, or study in one of these eligible postcodes for at least three years to qualify for permanent residency.
2. What are the eligible regional areas for Queensland nomination?
If you’re applying for a Queensland nomination under certain visa pathways, like the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you need to live and work in a designated regional area. These areas are defined by specific postcodes.
To be eligible, you must live and work in areas with the following postcodes:
4019 to 4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076 to 4078, 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4183 to 4184, 4207 to 4275, 4280 to 4287, 4300 to 4301, 4303 to 4498, 4500 to 4512, 4514 to 4519, 4521, 4550 to 4575, 4580 to 4895.
These postcodes cover various regional parts of Queensland and exclude major cities like Brisbane.
FAQs on ROI Submission for Queensland Nomination
1. What happens if my situation changes after I submit my ROI?
If your situation changes after you submit your ROI, you can update your information by submitting a new ROI form. For example, if you get a new job, your salary changes, or you move to a different location, you should submit a new ROI with the updated details.
Here are some important points to remember:
- Migration Queensland will only use your most recent ROI for selection. You don’t need to notify them about the new submission.
- Make sure your EOI on SkillSelect is always up to date. Migration Queensland uses the latest EOI information during selection rounds.
- You don’t need to inform Migration Queensland that you’ve submitted a new ROI.
2. Can I apply for Queensland nomination for both the subclass 190 and 491 visas?
If you’ve already been nominated for, applied for, or hold a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491), you cannot be nominated for the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) by Migration Queensland.
This rule also applies to the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489).
You can only select one visa subclass on your ROI, which must match the one you chose on your EOI. However, you can include both visa subclasses (190 and 491) on your EOI. So, you can be considered for either option, but you’ll only receive one invitation based on the criteria and availability.
3. Can I apply for Queensland nomination under the Queensland Graduates pathway before I finish my studies?
No, you cannot apply for a Queensland nomination under the Queensland Graduates pathway until you’ve completed all your studies. You also need to meet the required work experience criteria before submitting your EOI.
If you’ve finished your course but haven’t officially graduated, you might still be eligible to apply. You can get a letter of completion from your university to prove you’ve finished your studies. This letter can help you meet the requirements for applying.
4. Can I apply for Skilled Worker Outside Australia nomination if my occupation is not on the Queensland SOL?
No, you can only apply for the Skilled Worker Outside Australia pathway if your occupation is listed on the Queensland skilled occupation list. If your job isn’t on this list, you won’t be eligible for this pathway.
Similarly, if you’re interested in the Energy Workers priority processing, your occupation must be on the Queensland Energy Skilled Occupation List. Only candidates with occupations on this specific list can apply for this priority processing.
5. Can I save a copy of my ROI?
Yes, you can save a copy of your Registration of Interest (ROI) for your records. After submitting your ROI, you’ll have the option to save your responses. To do this, click the “Save my response” button and log into your Microsoft account.
Your saved ROI will be stored in the “Filled Forms” section. You can’t update your answers from the saved form. If you need to make changes, you’ll have to submit a new ROI. This ensures that any updates are reflected in your latest submission.
6. What are the priority fields of study for the Queensland Graduates pathway?
Here is a table that summarizes the priority fields of study for the Queensland Graduates pathway:
Broad Field | Narrow Field |
Agriculture and Environment | Agriculture, Horticulture and Viticulture, Forestry Studies, Fisheries, Environmental Studies, Other agriculture, environmental and related studies |
Engineering and Related Technologies | Aerospace Engineering and Technology, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Technology, Engineering and related technologies, Geomatics Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology, Maritime Engineering and Technology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and Technology, Process and Resources Engineering, Other engineering and related technologies |
Education | Education, Teacher Education |
Health | Health, Medical Studies, Nursing, Radiography |
Information Technology | Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Technology, Other information technology |
Natural and Physical Sciences | Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Mathematical Sciences, Natural and Physical Sciences, Other Natural and Physical Sciences, Physics and Astronomy |
7. Does your minimum work experience need to be related to your study or nominated occupation?
The answer depends on the pathway you’re applying under:
For Queensland Graduates Pathway:
- Your work experience doesn’t need to be directly related to your study. However, it must be in a Skill Level 1 occupation.
- For your EOI on SkillSelect, you should only include work experience related to your nominated occupation.
For Skilled Workers in Queensland Pathway:
- Your work experience must be closely related to your nominated occupation.
- This means it should be within the same ANZSCO Unit Group as your nominated occupation.
For Skilled Workers Outside Australia Pathway:
- Your work experience must be closely related to your nominated occupation. It must be within the same ANZSCO Unit Group.
It is important to understand these requirements to ensure your application meets the necessary criteria for each pathway.
8. Does my employer need to have a presence in Queensland?
Yes, your employer must have a physical presence in Queensland for certain pathways. This means they need to have an actual office in the state.
A virtual office is not acceptable. This requirement applies to candidates under the Queensland Graduates and Skilled Workers in Queensland pathways.
It ensures that your employer is actively operating within Queensland, which is important for these nomination pathways.
9. Can you apply for the 491 visa if you work from home in regional Queensland for a Brisbane-based company?
To be eligible for a Queensland nomination for the 491 visa, you need to work in a regional area. You might not be eligible to work from home in regional Queensland for a Brisbane-based company unless your employer provides a strong justification.
If you already hold a 491 visa, ensure you comply with the conditions set by the Department of Home Affairs. It includes living and working in a regional area for at least three years to be eligible for permanent residency.
It’s important to verify that your work arrangement meets the eligibility criteria for the 491 visa and complies with the visa conditions.
10. Can you claim a Skilled Partner on your ROI if they have competent English but no positive skills assessment?
No, to claim a skilled partner on your ROI, your partner must meet two conditions:
- They need to have a positive skills assessment.
- They must also have at least competent English.
If your partner doesn’t have a positive skills assessment, even if they have competent English, you must answer “no” to the skilled partner question on your ROI.
11. Can I submit multiple ROIs because I have two passports or two skills assessments?
No, you can only have one ROI at a time. It doesn’t matter whether you have multiple passports or skills assessments. You need to choose which EOI and visa subclass you want to be considered for.
- If you do submit multiple ROIs, only the most recent one will be considered.
- Providing false or misleading information, even by mistake, can result in your ROI or application being rejected.
- It’s important to ensure that your ROI is accurate and reflects your current situation to avoid any issues.
12. How do I calculate my annual salary?
To apply for the Queensland Graduate or Skilled Worker in Queensland pathways, your annual salary is an important factor. Here’s how to calculate it accurately:
What to Include while calculating my annual salary?
- Wages: Your regular pay before income tax deductions, excluding superannuation.
- Leave Entitlements: Include earnings from recreation leave and sick leave.
- Penalties: Add any extra pay for working weekends, public holidays, or outside regular hours.
What to exclude while calculating my annual salary?
- Superannuation contributions: Do not include mandatory employer superannuation contributions.
- Casual work: Exclude earnings from casual jobs not used to meet work experience requirements.
- Allowances and bonuses: Do not include meal allowances, travel allowances, uniform allowances, car allowances, sign-on bonuses, or performance bonuses.
Here’s a table to help you calculate your annual salary based on your pay slip frequency:
Pay slip frequency | Time period covered | Calculation method |
Weekly | Last two weeks | Multiply total earnings by 26 |
Fortnightly | Last four weeks | Multiply total earnings by 13 |
Monthly | Last two months | Multiply total earnings by 6 |
If you’re invited to apply for Queensland nomination, you’ll need to provide the two most recent pay slips used for your salary calculation. These pay slips should determine your annual salary when submitting your ROI.
13. Can I work from home?
No, you cannot work from home all the time. You need to work at your employer’s office. If you’re applying for a subclass 491 visa, your employer must have an office in a designated regional area. However, you can occasionally work from home.
14. What is Migration Queensland’s processing time for nominations after I have been invited to apply?
If you’ve been invited to apply for a Queensland state nomination, Migration Queensland usually takes about four weeks to process your application. This time frame starts once they receive your application and the application fee.
However, Migration Queensland does not provide updates on where your application is in the process or when it will be completed. You will need to wait for their assessment and approval, which will determine if you can proceed with your visa application.
If your application is successful, you will then have 60 days to apply for your visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
If you’re applying for something that requires a fee, like a program or service, it’s important to make the payment on time. If you don’t pay the application fee within the given timeframe (in this case, 14 days), your application will be closed. This means you won’t be considered for the program during that year.
However, if you encounter a payment error during application submission, follow these steps:
- Click the “Back” button and re-enter your payment details.
- Ensure you have enough money in your account.
- Sometimes, banks mention transactions as suspicious. You might need to contact them to resolve this.
- If you’re still having trouble, reach out to the organization through their contact form for assistance.
Remember, it’s important to address any payment issues quickly to avoid missing deadlines.
Are you still confused about how to migrate to Queensland?
Schedule an online appointment with our experts at The Migration for personalized assistance. We’ll help you at every step of the process and ensure to submit a flawless and decision-ready application.
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I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.