QLD State Nomination Now Open! 2025-26 Occupation Lists and Pathways Released
On 19 September 2025, Queensland officially opened applications for its State Nomination Program. For the new program year, QLD has not only updated both the onshore and offshore occupation lists, but also clarified the requirements and assessment criteria for each pathway. For applicants aiming to secure permanent residency (PR) through state nomination, this is a key policy milestone.
Source: Internet
Updated Occupation Lists
According to the latest official release, the occupation lists for 2025-26 are as follows:
- Onshore applicants: Subclass 190 includes 158 occupations; Subclass 491 includes 201 occupations; with an additional 46 occupations under the Construction Priority Pathway.
- Offshore applicants: Subclass 190 includes 101 occupations; Subclass 491 includes 113 occupations.
These cover a wide range of fields including healthcare, education, engineering, IT, and construction trades. The updates are especially favourable for onshore graduates and those in construction-related professions.
Five Application Pathways Now Open
QLD has confirmed five pathways for this program year:
- Onshore Workers Pathway
- Construction Priority Pathway
- Onshore Graduate Pathway
- Offshore Workers Pathway
- 491 Small Business Owner (SBO) Pathway
The first four pathways all require applicants to lodge an EOI with at least 65 points, and to meet the Department of Home Affairs’ English language requirements (generally IELTS 6 in each band or equivalent). Notably, under the Construction Priority Pathway, applicants can apply for a Subclass 190 after just 3 months of work in Queensland—creating a fast-track route for those in the building and construction sector.
Six Key Invitation Factors
When allocating invitations, QLD will focus on six factors:
- Skills and qualifications
- Relevant work experience and salary level
- Employment stability and employability
- Location of employment (applies to onshore applicants only)
- Age of applicant
- Skills and English level of partner
For onshore applicants, the employment location will be specifically assessed, while this does not apply to offshore applicants.
Key Points for Onshore and Offshore Applicants
Onshore construction industry applicants can apply for a 190 visa with just 3 months of work experience—an excellent PR opportunity. For other professions, typically 6 to 9 months of work experience will be required. Onshore graduates have a broader choice of occupations, making this pathway highly attractive for recent students. Offshore applicants must ensure their occupation is listed on the offshore occupation list and have at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
The 491 Small Business Owner pathway is now closed to new businesses established after 19 September 2025, but applicants who purchased or established qualifying businesses before that date may still be eligible.
Action Plan: Seize the Current opportunity
With QLD state nomination pathways now fully open, this is a valuable opportunity for those with backgrounds in healthcare, education, engineering, construction, and IT. Eligible applicants are advised to plan early, prepare complete documentation, and lodge their ROI without delay to avoid missing out on invitations. For those considering the 491 regional or SBO pathway, early preparation is essential to safeguard eligibility as policy settings evolve.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]), or book a consultation. We are committed to providing transparent and professional migration services to help you secure your visa and achieve your goal of moving to Australia.
