Migration Queensland has launched the State Nominated Migration Program for the 2024-25 financial year, offering international graduates from Queensland universities a pathway to secure state nomination. If you’re an international graduate currently employed in Queensland and working in a priority skill area, this could be your opportunity to obtain permanent residency.
Who is this pathway for?
This pathway is designed specifically for international graduates who hold an eligible qualification from a Queensland university and are filling priority skill gaps in key industries. Graduates without an eligible qualification may still be considered under the Skilled Workers in Queensland pathway if they meet the criteria.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for Queensland nomination, candidates must meet the requirements of both the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland. Below are the key criteria:
- Points Test: A minimum of 65 points on the points test is required for both the Skilled Nominated (Permanent) visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491).
- Qualification: Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a Queensland university in a priority field. The qualification must have been completed entirely in Queensland, and graduation must have occurred after 1 July 2022.
- Occupation: Your nominated occupation must appear on the Department of Home Affairs’ list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN 19/051).
- Work Experience:
- Subclass 190: Applicants must have been living and working in Queensland for at least six months in any Skill Level 1 occupation, working at least 30 hours per week.
- Subclass 491: Applicants must have been living and working in regional Queensland for at least three months, also in any Skill Level 1 occupation, and for a minimum of 30 hours per week.
- Ongoing Employment:
- Subclass 190: Proof of ongoing employment for at least 12 months from the time of EOI submission is required.
- Subclass 491: Proof of ongoing employment for at least six months is required.
- Commitment to Queensland:
- Subclass 190: You must commit to living and working in Queensland for at least two years after your visa is granted.
- Subclass 491: You must commit to living and working in regional Queensland for at least three years after your visa is granted.
Priority Fields of Study
To qualify for this pathway, your degree must be in one of the following priority fields, as defined by the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS):
- Agriculture and Environment: Agriculture, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Fisheries, etc.
- Engineering and Related Technologies: Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Maritime Engineering, among others.
- Education: Teacher Education.
- Health: Medical Studies, Nursing, Radiography.
- Information Technology: Computer Science, Information Systems.
- Natural and Physical Sciences: Biological, Chemical, Earth Sciences, Physics, and Astronomy.
Selection and Invitation Process
Due to high demand, selection for Queensland nomination is competitive. Migration Queensland periodically invites candidates based on their Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and Registration of Interest (ROI). Factors such as salary, work experience, English proficiency, and partner skills influence the selection process.
If you’re eligible and want to be considered under the Queensland Graduate pathway, be sure to indicate this when completing your ROI form.
Before You Apply
Before submitting your EOI or ROI, carefully review Migration Queensland’s Frequently Asked Questions, check your annual salary calculation, and ensure all necessary documentation is complete to avoid delays or invalidation of your application.
For further details and assistance with the application process, contact Professional Visa and Education Services at (02) 9279 0473 or book an appointment at provisa.setmore.com.
