As we step into the new financial year, it’s essential to stay updated with the latest changes in visa nomination criteria. Today, as your trusted migration lawyers at Migration Guru, Australia’s leading Migration Law Firm, we are here to break down the criteria for Queensland’s visa subclasses 190 and 491 for the year 2023-2024.
Nomination Streams:
Migration Queensland offers four nomination streams:
- Skilled Workers Living in Queensland
- Graduates of Queensland University
- Skilled Workers Living Offshore
- Small Business Owners Operating in Queensland
In this article, we will delve into the first three streams, reserving a separate blog post for the Small Business Owner stream.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for a Queensland nomination, you must satisfy both the Australian Department of Home Affairs and Migration Queensland criteria for your chosen visa category.
The Home Affairs criteria include:
– A points-test result of 65 or higher, including state nomination points.
– A positive skills assessment in your nominated occupation.
– Age below 45 years.
– Meeting the minimum English language requirement of Competent, unless your assessing authority demands a higher level.
Now, let’s explore the specifics of each nomination stream.
Skilled Workers Living in Queensland (Subclass 190 and 491):
For 190 Nominations
– Points test result of 75 or higher (70 or higher for Trades occupations).
– Occupation listed on the Home Affairs relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN19/051).
– Competent English or higher.
– Evidence of living in Queensland and full-time post-qualification employment (minimum 30 hours per week) in your nominated or closely related occupation for three months before EOI lodgement.
– Ongoing full-time employment for twelve months at the time of EOI lodgement in your nominated occupation.
– Commitment to living and working in Queensland for two years from the visa grant date.
For 491 Nominations:
– Points test result of 65 or higher.
– Occupation on Home Affairs relevant list of eligible skilled occupations (LIN19/051).
– Competent English or higher.
– Evidence of living and working in Regional Queensland with full-time post-qualification employment (minimum 30 hours per week) in your nominated or closely related occupation at EOI lodgement.
– Ongoing full-time employment in Regional Queensland for a further six months at the time of EOI lodgement.
– Commitment to living and working in regional Queensland for three years from the visa grant date.
Caveats for Selected Occupations in Skilled Workers Living in Queensland:
– Accountants (General): Invitation for those employed in an accounting firm or a medium/larger-sized business, defined as having 20 or more employees. Must be a CPA, CA, or IPA or in the process of becoming one.
– Internal and External Auditors: Must work as an Auditor, not an Accountant.
– Cooks and Chefs: No takeaway or fast-food businesses qualify.
Graduates of Queensland University
Common eligibility criteria for all graduate pathways:
– Points test result of 75 or higher for the 190 visa pathway (65 or higher for 491).
– Competent English.
– Living in Queensland with an occupation on LIN19/051 for the 190 visa pathway.
– Living in regional Queensland with an occupation on LIN19/051 for the 491 visa pathway.
– Completion of 100% of studies in Queensland.
– Graduation within the last two years.
Additional eligibility criteria specific to each graduate pathway
– Ph.D. or Doctorate Graduates (190 and 491): No job or job offer required; a positive thesis decision is essential.
– Masters Graduates in STEM or Agriculture fields (190 and 491): Full-time employment in nominated occupation is required.
– Masters Graduates not in STEM or Agriculture fields (190 and 491): Need GPA 6.0 or above for 190, GPA 5.0 or above for 491, and full-time employment in nominated occupation.
– Bachelor Graduates (190 and 491): GPA 6.0 or above for 190, GPA 5.0 or above for 491, and full-time employment in nominated occupation.
Caveats for Selected Occupations in Graduates of Queensland University
– Accountants (General): Invitation only for those employed in an accounting firm or a medium/larger-sized business.
– Internal and External Auditors: Must work as an Auditor, not an Accountant.
– Cooks and Chefs: No takeaway or fast-food businesses qualify.
Skilled Workers Living Offshore (Subclass 190 and 491)
For offshore applicants, the criteria include:
– Points test result of 75 or higher for subclass 190 (70 or higher for Trades occupations) and 65 or higher for subclass 491.
– Occupation on the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) for your chosen pathway.
– Competent English or higher.
– Evidence of the required years of post-study work experience as per the QSOL.
– Employment in your nominated occupation when invited.
– Commitment to living and working in Queensland for two years from the date of arrival for subclass 190 and three years for subclass 491.
If you’re considering applying for a nomination with Migration Queensland this financial year, we strongly recommend seeking professional assistance. Our team at Migration Guru is here to help. If you have any questions or need guidance on your visa options, please book a consultation with us. Your dreams of Australian migration are within reach, and we’re here to make them a reality. Stay tuned for more updates and information from Migration Guru, your migration law experts. Readers are encouraged to follow us on Facebook for all the updates.
