Queensland is a top spot for skilled migrants, offering fantastic opportunities across its growing economy. We've reviewed the Australian Department of Home Affairs' Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report (current to 30 June 2025) to bring you the key highlights.
This data is essential for anyone applying for a skilled visa. It shows which jobs and industries are in demand and helps you prepare a strong application for state nomination—a key step on the path to permanent residency.
The Queensland Government's skilled migration program is designed to fill local job shortages. In the 2024-25 financial year, Queensland granted 11,210 primary skilled visa applications, a 37.3% increase from the year before. This shows a strong need for skilled professionals, but it also means the program is very competitive.
What Are the Skilled Visa Pathways in Queensland?
The Queensland skilled program offers a few clear pathways. The two main visas are:
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
This is a permanent visa for skilled professionals nominated by the Queensland Government. To be considered, you must:
- Have an occupation on the eligible skilled list.
- Have a positive skills assessment.
- Meet the points test requirements.
This process is very competitive. Invitations are usually sent to applicants with the highest-ranking Expressions of Interest (EOI). Generally, you may need a higher points score for a 190 visa compared to the 491.
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
This is a 5-year provisional visa for skilled people who are willing to live and work in regional Queensland. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency. You'll generally need to live and work in a regional area for three years before you can apply for the permanent (subclass 191) visa.
Queensland offers flexible options for the 491 visa, including pathways for:
- Applicants already working in regional Queensland.
- Graduates from Queensland universities.
Unsure which pathway (190 or 491) is right for you? Our registered migration agents can help clarify your options. Chat with us today.
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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Agents for a consultation.
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What Are the Key Requirements?
Getting a skilled visa nomination involves a few key steps.
The Points Test & Skills Assessment
The points test is a core part of your application. You get points for factors like your age, English language ability, qualifications, and work experience. Getting a state nomination for a 190 or 491 visa also adds significant points to your total.
A positive skills assessment is an official review by an approved body that confirms your qualifications and skills meet the Australian standard for your nominated occupation.
Skilled Employment
Often, you'll need to show a history of skilled employment. This might mean demonstrating at least six months of full-time work in your nominated job (or a closely related one). You'll need to provide evidence from a qualifying employer to prove this. This can be full-time work or the number of hours your industry considers to be full-time.
Tip: You'll need to provide strong evidence of your paid employment. Start gathering documents like employment contracts, payslips, and tax records early so you're ready to apply.
What Documents Will You Need?
To submit a strong application, you'll need to provide a range of documents. These typically include:
- Your certified skills assessment letter.
- Your English language test results (e.g., PTE Academic or IELTS).
- A copy of your current visa and grant notice (if you're in Australia).
- Evidence of your paid employment, like contracts, payslips, and tax documents.
If you have a job offer, your employment contract must be detailed. It should include your job title, your name and the employer's name, business details, and a clear list of your duties. It also needs to specify your pay, leave, and other work conditions. This is very important for all jobs, especially for roles like contracted medical practitioners or teachers.
Feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork? The team at Australian Migration Agents can help you gather and check your documents for a decision-ready application.
Where Are the Jobs? QLD's Top Industries
The June 2025 report shows that skilled visa grants were highest in these key industries:
- Health Care and Social Assistance: 2,310 grants (a 52.1% increase)
- Accommodation and Food Services: 2,030 grants (a 134.1% increase)
- Manufacturing: 1,330 grants (a 10.9% increase)
- Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 1,040 grants (a 4.4% increase)
- Construction: 830 grants (a 27.1% increase)
- Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: 620 grants (a 27.4% increase)
QLD's Top In-Demand Occupations
The data also shows the specific jobs that received the most primary visa grants. This list highlights strong demand in hospitality, healthcare, and trades.
- Chef (351311): 1,260 grants (a 173.4% increase)
- Resident Medical Officer (253112): 990 grants (a 27.3% increase)
- Motor Mechanic (General) (321211): 510 grants (a 44.9% increase)
- Cook (351411): 340 grants (a 186.6% increase)
- Café or Restaurant Manager (141111): 290 grants (a 77.2% increase)
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412): 280 grants (a 75.3% increase)
- Fitter (General) (323211): 260 grants (a 0.8% increase)
- Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212): 210 grants (a 17.3% increase)
Tip: The huge increases for Chefs, Cooks, and Café/Restaurant Managers show an massive demand in Queensland's hospitality industry. The high numbers for medical officers and nurses also confirm the critical need in healthcare.
Where Do QLD's Skilled Migrants Come From?
Queensland attracts talent from all over the world. The top citizenship countries for primary skilled visa grants were:
- Philippines: 2,090 grants (up 15.5%)
- India: 1,340 grants (up 89.5%)
- United Kingdom: 1,190 grants (up 10.6%)
- China (excl SARS): 560 grants (up 40.0%)
- Brazil: 500 grants (up 150.0%)
- Nepal: 480 grants (up 274.0%)
- Sri Lanka: 460 grants (up 12.3%)
- South Africa: 380 grants (down -13.6%)
Get Friendly Help for Your QLD Migration Journey
The Queensland skilled migration program is competitive, and the rules can be complex. Understanding all the requirements for your specific occupation, work history, and skills assessment is the key to a successful application.
With such strong demand in healthcare, hospitality, tech, and construction, Queensland is an attractive choice.
For friendly support with your skilled visa application, contact Australian Migration Agents. Our team can help you prepare a competitive Expression of Interest, check that you meet Migration Queensland's nomination requirements, and guide you through the full visa application process for the best possible outcome.
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