Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 Practical Tips to Lift Your Chances

skylarkmigrationma
Oct 20
4 min read

Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 opens for Registrations of Interest on 19 September 2025. If you want a Queensland nomination, this is your window. Here is a clear breakdown of Queensland Skilled Migration 2025, what changed, and what to do now.

Smiling man and woman in office setting. Text: New Guide: Queensland Skilled Migration 2025. Practical Tips to Lift Your Chances. — New Guide Published: Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 – Effective Tips to Boost Your Success Chances.

Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 at a glance

ROI opens on 19 September 2025
Only your latest ROI counts
EOIs up to 715 days old are accepted
Updated onshore and offshore occupation lists apply
Building and Construction pathway available for eligible onshore workers
Small Business Owners 491 remains only for businesses started or purchased before 19 September 2025
Casual work can count if it meets minimum hours and is closely related to your occupation
Onshore applicants must follow the annualised earnings method and provide evidence

What changed in Queensland Skilled Migration 2025

One ROI at a time Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 accepts only one active Registration of Interest. If you submit multiple ROIs, only the most recent is valid.

EOI settings that help You can rely on an EOI that is up to 715 days old. You do not need a Queensland-only EOI. Keep it current and make sure it is not within 15 days of expiry when Queensland checks it.

Updated occupation lists Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 requires your occupation to be on the current onshore or offshore list. If it is not listed, do not submit a Queensland ROI this year.

Pathways adjusted The Building and Construction workforce pathway is available for eligible onshore applicants. The Small Business Owners 491 pathway remains open only for businesses started or purchased before 19 September 2025, with strict timing rules.

Work rules with more flexibility For Queensland Skilled Migration 2025, casual employment can count. You can combine multiple eligible jobs. Work from home can be accepted if your employer has a physical presence in Queensland. Minimum is 20 hours per week and the work must be closely related to your ANZSCO.

Earnings evidence that can make or break it Onshore applicants in Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 must calculate annualised earnings using Migration Queensland’s method and provide ATO Income Statements that cover at least 28 days. If you cannot upload the Income Statement when you submit your ROI, it will be refused. Self employed applicants generally need a profit and loss signed by a registered accountant.

Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 pathways

Skilled workers living in Queensland For applicants onshore in Queensland, with an eligible occupation and the right evidence of recent, related work.

Skilled workers living offshore For applicants overseas. Check the offshore list and experience requirements.

Building and Construction workforce pathway For trades and construction roles where Queensland has strong demand.

Small Business Owners 491 in regional Queensland Only for businesses started or purchased before 19 September 2025 and meeting the specific date and evidence rules.

Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 SBO date rules you must get right

If you purchased a business between 14 September 2024 and 19 September 2025, settlement must be before 30 September 2025 and the ROI must be lodged before 30 May 2026
If you started a business between 1 June 2024 and 19 September 2025, you must lodge the ROI before 30 April 2027
New purchases or start ups after 19 September 2025 are not eligible under the SBO pathway

Regional settings for Queensland Skilled Migration 2025

Subclass 491 requires you to live and work in eligible Queensland regional postcodes. Migration Queensland publishes the postcode list. Check your address before you plan anything else.

What to do now for Queensland Skilled Migration 2025

Confirm your ANZSCO on the Queensland onshore or offshore occupation list
Refresh your EOI so it is accurate and not within 15 days of expiry
Prepare evidence that is commonly checked
- Valid skills assessment
- English test results if required
- ATO Income Statements that cover at least 28 days and are issued within one month of ROI submission, or an accountant signed profit and loss if self employed
- Payslips and a Statement of Service for onshore work
Submit your ROI from 19 September 2025 and save it immediately
If using the SBO pathway, confirm your purchase or start date and the correct deadline that applies to you

Common refusal triggers in Queensland Skilled Migration 2025

No ATO Income Statement uploaded with the ROI
EOI expiring within 15 days
Occupation not on the 2025 to 2026 Queensland list
SBO dates outside the allowed windows
Work evidence not closely related to your nominated occupation

Quick FAQs on Queensland Skilled Migration 2025

Do I need a new ROI for Queensland Skilled Migration 2025 if I submitted last year Yes. You must submit a new ROI for the 2025 to 2026 program year.

Can my EOI list other states Yes. Your EOI does not need to be Queensland only.

Does casual work count Yes, if it is closely related to your occupation and totals at least 20 hours per week.

Are settlement funds required Migration Queensland does not require a minimum funds amount for nomination. Use their planning guidance for budgeting.

Can I combine multiple jobs and include work from home Yes, multiple eligible jobs can be combined and work from home can be considered if the employer has a physical presence in Queensland.