From Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ)

Queensland is looking for skilled migrants in occupations that have been identified as being in shortage in Queensland. Queensland is a popular choice for skilled migrants, with its year-round beautiful weather and great career opportunities. It is an ideal place to work and live, offering a high standard of living and good working conditions, including:

• Equal opportunity in the workplace
• Safe working conditions
• The world’s highest minimum wage (OECD 2013)
• Entitlements including public holidays and leave.

If you wish to migrate and work in Queensland, you must first obtain a visa. State nominated visas allow you to live and work in Queensland and fall into two categories:

• Provisional visas which are a pathway to permanent residency
• Permanent residency which allows migrants to live and work in Queensland permanently.

State migration is managed by the Queensland Government’s  Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) unit. BSMQ nominates skilled migrants for the following visas:

Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190)

This is a point-tested visa for skilled workers and postgraduate alumni who wish to live and work in Queensland permanently. The Queensland postgraduate degree stream offers streamlined conditions for Masters and PhD graduates from a Queensland-based university.

Applicable Regions

All of Queensland. Included Greater Brisbane area and the Gold Coast.

Skilled Nominated (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)

This is a 4-year point-tested visa which leads to permanent residency and requires nominated skilled workers to be employed and live in regional Queensland.

Applicable Regions

Excludes Greater Brisbane Area and the Gold Coast. Includes the following postcodes: 4124 to 4125, 4133, 4211, 4270 to 4262, 4275, 4280, 4285, 4287, 4307 to 4499, 4515, 4517 to 4519, 4522 to 4899.

To find other visa options that suit your circumstances, please use the Department of Immigration and Border Protection’s (DIBP) Visa Finder.

Offshore or Interstate University Graduates 

PhD graduates who have completed a doctorate from an Australian or international education institution, in a specialised field relating to their nominated occupation, can have their work experience requirements waived.

Eligible Occupations

To apply for a skilled visa, you must have an occupation which is listed on one of the Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists (QSOLs). QSOLs are reviewed regularly and updated to reflect current labour market conditions. Please note:

• Certain occupations have specific specialisations or licensing requirements are needed in order to work in Queensland.
• Certain occupations have limited places and when filled, further applications for state nomination will not be accepted.

To check if your occupation is in demand in Queensland, view the relevant occupation list below.

Important Information for all Applicants

Skilled Occupation Lists