Queensland 190 Visa & 491 Skilled Migration

Queensland continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for skilled migrants in Australia. With a strong economy, growing industries, and a high demand for skilled workers, the state offers excellent opportunities for migrants seeking permanent residency.

The Queensland 190 Visa and 491 Skilled Migration Program are key pathways under the Skilled Visa Australia stream for professionals who want to live, work, and settle in Queensland. Whether you’re already in Australia or applying offshore, these visas provide a well-structured route to permanent residency.

In this blog, we’ll explore the eligibility, skills lists, and benefits of the 190 and 491 visas under Queensland’s 2025–26 migration program.

Overview of the 190 and 491 Visas

Subclass 190- Skilled Nominated Visa

The Subclass 190 Visa is a permanent residency visa. It allows skilled workers nominated by the Queensland Government to live and work anywhere in the state. It offers:

• Direct permanent residency

• Full work and study rights

• Access to Medicare and other benefits

Subclass 49- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

The Subclass 491 Visa is a 5-year provisional visa. It requires migrants to live and work in a regional area of Queensland. After meeting certain residency and income requirements, it leads to permanent residency through the subclass 191 Visa.

This pathway is particularly attractive for applicants who are willing to settle in regional Queensland, where demand for skilled workers is high.

Queensland Skills List 2025–26

Queensland releases an annual Skills List outlining occupations eligible for state nomination. The list differs for onshore and offshore applicants.

Onshore Skills List (examples):

• ICT Professionals, Engineers, Teachers, Health Professionals

• Accommodation & Hospitality Managers

• Child Care Centre Managers

• Chefs, Cooks, Automotive Trades Workers

• Painters, Enrolled Nurses, Boat Builders

Streamlined Building & Construction Occupations:

• Bricklayers, Carpenters, Joiners

• Plumbers, Electricians, Glaziers, Tilers

• Mechanical & Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers

Offshore Skills List (examples):

• Registered Nurses, Psychologists, Teachers

• Construction & Engineering Managers

• Medical Imaging Professionals

• Building & Engineering Technicians

• Plumbers, Electricians

This wide range of occupations makes Queensland a top choice for skilled professionals across multiple industries.

Eligibility Requirements

In order to apply for Queensland state nomination under the 190 or 491 visas, you generally need to:

• Have an eligible occupation on the Queensland Skills List.

• Meet the minimum 65 points in the skilled migration test.

• Demonstrate Competent English or higher.

• Have relevant skills assessment and work experience (requirements vary by occupation and visa subclass).

Onshore applicants may need to show evidence of current employment in Queensland. Offshore applicants, on the other hand, must prove recent work experience in their nominated field.

Benefits of Queensland Skilled Migration

Migrating through the Queensland 190 or 491 visa pathways comes with several advantages. Some of them are:

• Permanent Residency Opportunities: Subclass 190 offers direct PR, while the subclass 491 provides a provisional pathway to PR.

• Strong Job Prospects: Queensland’s booming industries, especially healthcare, education, IT, and construction, have a high demand for skilled professionals.

• Lifestyle Benefits: From vibrant cities like Brisbane to regional hubs offering affordable living, Queensland provides a great work-life balance.

• Multiple Pathways: Both onshore and offshore applicants have opportunities to secure state nomination.

Wrapping Up

The Queensland 190 Visa and 491 Skilled Migration Program provide excellent opportunities for skilled professionals seeking to live and settle in Australia. With a broad skills list, strong job demand, and clear PR pathways, Queensland remains one of the most attractive destinations for migrants. 

Whether you qualify for direct PR through the 190 visa or the provisional 491 pathway, the key is to align your occupation and work experience with Queensland’s state nomination requirements.

Looking to secure your future in Queensland through skilled migration?

Contact Visa Empire. 
At Visa Empire, our trusted visa agents provide expert guidance on the 190 and 491 visas. Recognized as one of the best migration agents in Perth, we specialize in helping skilled professionals understand eligibility, prepare strong applications, and achieve their PR goals.