The Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 is now open for Registration of Interest (ROI). A limited interim allocation of 250 places is available, with the remainder expected by the end of September.
The Queensland Skilled Migration Program for 2025-26 is now accepting new Registrations of Interest (ROI). Candidates seeking Queensland nomination must submit a new ROI, and only one ROI can be active at a time. If multiple ROIs are submitted, only the most recent will be considered; any earlier ROIs will be disregarded. It is advised to print or save a copy of the ROI at submission, as Migration Queensland cannot provide duplicates or copies later.
Key Updates:
Revised Occupation Lists Now Available
- Updated occupation lists have been published for both onshore and offshore candidates.
- These lists can be accessed through the official Migration Queensland website.
Important Changes to Nomination Pathways
- A fresh onshore pathway has been introduced targeting professionals in the building and construction sector.
- The Offshore Energy Workers pathway has been discontinued.
- The Subclass 491 Small Business Owners pathway officially closed on 19 September 2025.
- Only businesses established before this date remain eligible for nomination invitations.
- Businesses purchased or started after 19 September 2025 are ineligible.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission Guidelines
- There is no requirement to submit a new EOI annually.
- EOIs that are up to 715 days old will continue to be accepted.
- Applicants may include multiple states in their EOI, not solely Queensland.
Adjustments to Program Eligibility Criteria
- The previous ongoing work obligation for onshore nominees has been removed.
- The minimum required work hours have been reduced to 20 hours per week.
- Casual employment is now accepted as valid work experience for Queensland nomination.
- Offshore applicants are no longer required to demonstrate settlement funds.
Selection Considerations for Nomination
- Candidate evaluation will include:
- Skills and qualifications
- Relevant work experience
- Salary details (onshore applicants)
- English proficiency
- Age
- Partner’s skills and English language ability
- Employment location (onshore only)
- Updated ROI questions to seek partner information.
- A new method for calculating annualised earnings has been introduced, which may differ from annual salary, and varies for self-employed or employed applicants.
Invitation Rounds and Ongoing Updates
- Migration Queensland will move to smaller, more frequent invitation rounds during the 2025–26 program.
Click here – Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists
