Good news for skilled workers looking to move to Queensland – Queensland State Sponsorship is open!
Migration Queensland has officially opened its Skilled Migration Program for the 2025–26 year as of 19 September 2025.
What You Need to Know
Registration of Interest (ROI)
- You must submit a new ROI for the 2025–26 program.
- Only one ROI can be active at a time. If you submit more than one, only the latest will be considered.
- Be sure to save or print your ROI when you submit it—Migration Queensland can’t give you a copy later.
Occupation Lists Updated
- New onshore and offshore occupation lists are now available on the Migration Queensland website.
New & Closed Pathways
- New pathway for workers in Building and Construction (onshore).
- Offshore Energy Workers pathway has been removed.
- The 491 Small Business Owners program is closed from 19 September.
- Businesses started after this date are not eligible.
- Businesses started before may still be invited to apply.
Expression of Interest (EOI)
- You don’t need to create a new EOI every year.
- EOIs up to 715 days old will be accepted.
- You can include other states in your EOI—it doesn’t have to be Queensland-only.
Program Changes
- No ongoing work requirement for onshore applicants.
- Work hours reduced to 20 hours/week.
- Casual work is now accepted.
- Offshore applicants no longer need settlement funds.
How Applicants Are Selected
Migration Queensland considers skills and qualifications, work experience, salary (onshore only), English level, age, partner’s skills and English and where you work (onshore only).
They’ve also updated ROI questions for partners and changed how earnings are calculated.
Frequent Selection Rounds
Migration Queensland plans to run smaller, more frequent selection rounds throughout the year.
In the 2025–26 program year, the QSOL (Offshore) includes 113 unique occupations, spanning a wide range of industries.
🏗️ Construction & Management
This category includes leadership and planning roles in construction and manufacturing. Key occupations:
- Construction Project Manager
- Project Builder
- Engineering Manager
- Manufacturer
- Production Manager (Manufacturing)
🧑🏫 Education
Queensland continues to seek qualified educators across all levels:
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary) Teacher
- Primary, Middle, and Secondary School Teachers
- Special Needs Teachers
- Vocational Education Teachers
🛠️ Engineering
A major focus area, engineering roles span civil, mechanical, electrical, and more:
- Civil Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Mining Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Surveyor
- Draftspersons and Technicians
🏥 Healthcare
Healthcare professionals remain in high demand, especially nurses and allied health workers:
- Registered Nurses (various specialties)
- Midwife
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Medical Imaging Professionals
- Psychologists and Psychiatrists
- Veterinarian
💻 Information Technology
Though smaller in number, IT roles are included:
- ICT Security Specialist
🌿 Science & Environment
Environmental and scientific expertise is also valued:
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Scientist
- Geologist
- Hydrogeologist
🔧 Trades
Queensland is actively seeking skilled tradespeople:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters and Joiners
- Welders and Fitters
- Bricklayers, Tilers, and Roofers
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
📊 Other Roles
Some occupations don’t fit neatly into one category but are still in demand:
- Floor Finisher
- Power Generation Plant Operator
- Psychologists (nec)
Want to understand your visa options? Book a consultation with our experienced Registered Migration Agents today. Australian Visa Consultation – MARA Registered Agent – Visa Go Australia
