All You Need to Know About Migration Queensland Skilled Program FY2023/24
As of 6 September 2023, Migration Queensland (Migration QLD) will open its FY2023/24 state nomination skilled migration program. Queensland have received a reduced allocation of 1,550 skilled nominations from the Australian government.
Migration QLD will begin its invitation from the end of September 2023, and hold invitation rounds at the end of each month for FY2023/24.
If you wish to lodge an EOI, you must submit a brand new EOI in SkillSelect. Migration QLD will only consider EOIs lodged on or after 5 September 2023.
There are 4 pathways under Migration QLD program FY2023/24:
- Skilled workers offshore
- Skilled worker onshore
- Graduate of a QLD university
- Small Business Owners (SBO) operating in regional QLD
Skilled workers offshore
Migration QLD nominates skilled workers offshore under 2 visas:
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The 2023/24 Migration QLD program publish their occupation list for skilled workers offshore as the Queensland Offshore Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) over here.
In addition to the Department’s visa criteria, the eligibility criteria specific to Migration QLD 2023-24 includes:
Skilled workers living in QLD
Migration QLD nominates skilled workers onshore under 2 visas:
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
The 2023/24 Migration QLD program prefers the Department of Home Affairs’ relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN19/051) for skilled workers onshore.
In addition to the Department’s visa criteria, the eligibility criteria specific to Migration QLD 2023/24 includes:
Migration QLD clarifies that businesses must have an office in Queensland and a virtual office will not be sufficient.
Graduates of a Queensland University
This pathway is for high performing graduates who have graduated from a Queensland university and are currently onshore in QLD.
Migration QLD nominates graduates of a Queensland University under 2 visas:
- Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa
- Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Eligibility criteria common to all graduate pathways:
- Point test of 75 or higher for the 190 visa (including state nomination points)
- Point test of 65 points or higher for the 491 visa (including state nomination points)
- Competent English
- Living in Queensland, with an occupation on LIN19/051 for the 190 visa
- Living in regional Queensland, with an occupation on LIN19/051 for the 491 visa
- Completed 100% of studies in Queensland
- Graduated in the last 2 years
Additional eligibility criteria specific to each graduate pathway:
Eligible Graduates must be employed in an occupation at ANZSCO Skill Level 1. These occupations have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification.
Definition of STEM and Agriculture fields
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and agriculture fields are defined in accordance with the CRICOS. You can check your qualification on the CRICOS website by searching for your course. If your Masters qualification a ‘Narrow Field’ which is included in the list below, it is in a STEM or Agriculture field for the purposes of this nomination pathway.
Small Business Owners (SBO) in regional Queensland
The SBO pathways are for migrants who are currently living and operating a small business in regional QLD. You must have an occupation that is on the Department of Home Affairs’ relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN19/051) 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.
There are 2 separate pathways available:
- SBO Pathway 1 (Purchase of business) – you must purchase an existing registered business for a minimum of AUD100,000 and employ at least one Australian resident. The business must be a pre-existing business which has been purchased and trading for a min of 6 months prior to lodging an EOI
- SBO Pathway 2 (Start-ups) – you must have started a business and have continuously run that business for a minimum of 2 years. The business must be generating a profit and have a turnover of AUD200,000 in the 12 months prior to application
In addition to the Department’s visa criteria, the eligibility criteria specific to Migration QLD 2023/24 includes:
For pathway 1, Migration QLD advises that you must have a contract of business sale (no share transfer) and you cannot purchase the business from a family member or relative. Furthermore, you cannot purchase a business previously owned by a 491 SBO applicant. A home-based or virtual office are also not eligible for the 491 SBO pathway.
Important Information
Definition of Regional QLD
For subclass 491 visa, you must live and work within one of the following postcodes to be eligible:
4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895
The above postcodes are applicable to those who have been nominated and applied for the 491 visa from 5 March 2022.
Caveats for selected occupations
- Accountants (General) – only applicants employed in an accounting firm or a medium/larger sized business will receive an invitation. For this purpose, a medium sized business is characterised as a business that employs 20 people or more; AND must be a CPA, CA or IPA, or are studying towards becoming a CPA, CA or IPA.
- Internal and External Auditors – must have a job as an Auditor (not an Accountant)
- Cooks and Chefs – no takeaway or fast-food businesses
Migration QLD Application Guidelines
- If you are eligible for both the 190 and 491 visas, you should submit a single EOI and choose both visa classes. Multiple EOIs are not allowed; the first one in the queue will be selected, and the rest will be closed.
- If you hold a subclass 491, you won’t be nominated for a subclass 190 or a 489 by Migration QLD.
- If you have more than one skills assessment, you must only submit one EOI for the occupation that best meets your current employment
- Priority is not given to invitations where documents or visas are expiring
- You must ensure that the information on your EOI is correct and accurate. If Migration QLD nominates you and you made a mistake or fail to lodge your visa application by the required lodgement date, Migration QLD will not consider any further application from you until at least 6 months after your last nomination
Remember, Migration Affairs is here to support you. Contact our immigration experts for personalised advice on your circumstances and eligibility.
Your success in this journey is our success.
Changes to the migration program can occur without notice. The above information is not intended to be legal advice and is correct as of the date of writing this article.
Contact Migrations Affairs to speak with our immigration experts for tailored advice on the circumstances and eligibility.
