Queensland 2025–26 Skilled Migration
Queensland 2025–26 Skilled Migration: How to Register Your Interest (ROI)
Queensland has confirmed you can submit a Registration of Interest from 19 September 2025 while the Australian Government finalises state and territory nomination allocations. The program itself will open once Queensland’s final allocation is set. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide to help you prepare and avoid common mistakes.
Quick snapshot
- ROI open for submission from 19 Sep 2025.
- Program opening pending final allocation.
- Two visa pathways: Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) and Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional).
- Who can register: Skilled workers living in Queensland, building and construction workers, Queensland university graduates, skilled workers offshore, and regional small business owners (who have purchased a business in Queensland before 19th Sep 2025).
Step 1: Check you meet all requirements
You must meet both:
- Department of Home Affairs requirements for either the 190 or 491 visa.
- Migration Queensland (MQ) minimum nomination requirements for your pathway:
- Skilled workers living in Queensland
- Building and construction workers
- Queensland university graduates
- Skilled workers outside Australia
- Small business owners in regional Queensland
Tip: Review MQ’s documentation checklist before you move ahead. If any minimum requirement is not met at the time you submit your ROI, MQ will not nominate you.
Step 2: Lodge or update your EOI in SkillSelect
- Submit a new EOI or update an existing EOI so all details are accurate, including employment and claimed points.
- EOI validity: 2 years from creation. Queensland will consider EOIs up to 715 days old. If your EOI will expire within 14 days, create a new one, then submit a new ROI.
- You do not need to select Queensland as your only state of interest.
- If applying from within Queensland, set Usual Country of Residence to Australia.
Step 3: Submit your ROI for Queensland nomination
Have these ready:
- EOI number
- Visa subclass and skilled occupation
- Passport number
- Residential and employment postcodes (if you live in Queensland)
- Annual salary estimate (if you live in Queensland)
- Partner details where relevant
Rules to remember:
- You can only have one valid ROI at a time. MQ will consider the most recent one.
- You must meet all MQ requirements at ROI submission.
Step 4: Selection stage
MQ selects candidates throughout the financial year based on available places and program priorities. They will not provide feedback on your likelihood of invitation or previous rounds.
Important: Continue to meet all MQ requirements right through to selection and application.
Step 5: Invitation to apply for Queensland nomination
If selected, MQ emails an invitation to the address in your EOI. You will have 14 calendar days to:
- Upload all required documents and application form
- Pay the non-refundable state fee
MQ assesses your application against your EOI and ROI. If you cannot provide what is required within the timeframe, your application will be closed and you will not be invited again in the same program year.
Step 6: Apply to the Australian Government for your visa
If MQ nominates you, the Department of Home Affairs will invite you to apply for your visa. You have 60 days to lodge. If you do not lodge, you will not be invited again in the same program year.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- EOI expiring soon: If it will be older than 715 days or has less than 14 days left, create a new EOI before lodging your ROI.
- Mismatch between EOI and evidence: Claimed points and employment must be consistent with what you upload at nomination stage.
- Wrong residence setting: If you are in Queensland, ensure Usual Country of Residence = Australia.
- Missing ROI fields: Forgetting postcodes or salary estimate for onshore applicants can delay or jeopardise selection.
- Assuming ROI equals nomination: An ROI is an expression of interest only. Nomination is competitive and at MQ discretion.
Who is the Queensland ROI suitable for
- Skilled workers living in Queensland
- Building and construction workers targeted by MQ
- Queensland university graduates meeting MQ criteria
- Skilled workers offshore with eligible occupations
- Regional small business owners who meet MQ’s rules
At Better Life Migration, we combine expertise with a practical, supportive approach. We will:
- Confirm your eligibility and points for 190 or 491.
- Identify the strongest pathway for your profile.
- Clean up your EOI and align it with policy and evidence.
- Build a ROI-ready pack that speaks to MQ’s priorities.
- Manage your state nomination submission and respond to MQ requests.
- Prepare your visa application within the 60-day window after nomination.
You deserve better, and that means expert advice, clear steps, and timely action.
Ready to move
Get in touch with us at www.betterlifemigration.com.au or call +0415419414.
General information only. This is not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent at Better Life Migration.
