Queensland Skilled Occupation List 2026
(QSOL) — Updated Guide

Queensland Skilled Migration 2025–2026 — Major Expansion

Queensland is the fastest-growing state nomination program in Australia for 2025–26. The Queensland Government has significantly expanded its State Nominated Migration Program, more than doubling the total places compared to the previous year. This makes the Queensland skilled occupation list 2026 one of the most important documents for any skilled migrant targeting Australia PR.

This expansion is driven by Queensland's $89 billion "Big Build" infrastructure pipeline, the state's ambitious Energy and Jobs Plan for renewable transition, and preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games — all of which are creating unprecedented demand for skilled workers across construction, engineering, healthcare, and technology.

What Is the Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL)?

The Queensland Skilled Occupation List — also called the Queensland occupation list, Queensland state occupation list, or simply QSOL — is the official list of occupations that Migration Queensland is currently willing to consider when nominating skilled migrants for state nomination.

If your occupation appears on the QSOL, it signals that Queensland has identified an ongoing or emerging need for that particular skill within the state. However, being on the list does not mean your invitation is automatic, nor does it guarantee that your occupation will remain on the list indefinitely. Queensland reviews its occupation list periodically based on actual workforce shortages and program capacity.

QSOL vs Federal Occupation Lists — The Key Difference

These two lists serve completely different purposes and are frequently confused by applicants:

• Federal occupation lists (managed by the Department of Home Affairs) determine which national visa subclasses you are eligible to apply for.
• The QSOL (managed by Migration Queensland) determines whether Queensland is currently prepared to nominate you for those visas based on the state's own workforce needs.

The federal government sets the national migration rules. Queensland decides who it wants to support within those rules. Queensland also maintains two separate lists — one for onshore applicants (already living in Australia) and one for offshore applicants (living overseas). The list provided in this article covers the offshore QSOL for skilled workers living outside Australia.

Queensland Visa Pathways — Subclass 190 & Subclass 491

Migration Queensland nominates skilled migrants under two federal visa categories. Each has distinct requirements and offers different benefits.

Queensland's Five Nomination Pathways 2025–2026

Queensland stands out among Australian states for offering multiple distinct nomination pathways, each targeting a different applicant profile. Understanding which pathway applies to your situation is critical before submitting your Registration of Interest (ROI).

Key Changes to Queensland Migration for 2025–2026

Queensland has introduced several applicant-friendly updates for the 2025–26 program year that significantly affect eligibility and competitiveness:

Casual Employment Now Counts

One of the most welcome changes is that Queensland now accepts casual employment as valid work experience, provided you are working at least 20 hours per week in your nominated occupation. This is especially beneficial for international students and recent graduates working in their field through casual or part-time contracts — a reality that the previous policy failed to accommodate properly.

Work From Home Accepted

Queensland now accepts work-from-home arrangements as valid work experience, as long as your employer maintains a physical office in Queensland. For Subclass 491 applicants, the employer's physical office must be located in a designated regional area of Queensland.

EOI Validity Extended to 715 Days

You no longer need to submit a new EOI every year. Queensland now accepts EOIs that are up to 715 days old (almost two full years). However, you must still submit a fresh Registration of Interest (ROI) for each new program year, even if your existing EOI remains valid.

More than Double the Nomination Places

Queensland's total nomination allocation has jumped from approximately 1,200 places in 2024–25 to 2,600 places in 2025–26 — an increase of over 116%. This is the single biggest change and creates significantly better odds for qualified applicants across all five nomination pathways.

Priority Industry Sectors — Queensland 2025–2026

Migration Queensland focuses its nomination efforts on occupations that address verified workforce shortages in the state's growing industries. Applicants in the following high-demand sectors consistently receive priority consideration in invitation rounds:

Eligibility Requirements for Queensland State Nomination

To qualify for Queensland state nomination, you must satisfy both the federal Department of Home Affairs requirements and Queensland's own nomination criteria. Here is what you need:

Federal Requirements (All Applicants)

• Valid EOI in SkillSelect: Submit and maintain an active Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs SkillSelect portal with Queensland as your preferred state.
• Occupation on the QSOL: Your nominated occupation must appear on the relevant Queensland Skilled Occupation List (onshore or offshore, depending on your residency).
• Valid Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment from the appropriate Australian assessing authority for your ANZSCO occupation code.
• Minimum 65 Points: Score at least 65 points on the Department of Home Affairs points test including state nomination bonus points.
• English Proficiency: At least Competent English (IELTS 6 in each band). Teachers in Queensland schools require higher English — academic IELTS with 7 for reading/writing and 8 for speaking/listening unless qualified in Australia, NZ, UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland.
• Age: Under 45 years of age at the time of nomination.

Queensland-Specific Requirements (Onshore Applicants)

• Subclass 190: At least 9 months of skilled work in your nominated occupation in Queensland at 20 or more hours per week.
• Subclass 491: At least 6 months of skilled work in your nominated occupation in regional Queensland at 20 or more hours per week.
• Employer Location: Your employer must have a physical office in Queensland (or regional Queensland for 491). Work from home is accepted if this condition is met.
• Registration and Licensing: For regulated occupations (healthcare, engineering, electrical trades, surveying, architecture, education), you must meet all Queensland state-level registration and licensing requirements.

Queensland-Specific Requirements (Offshore Applicants — Pathway 4)

• Your occupation must appear on the Queensland Offshore Skilled Occupation List (QSOL).
• Post-qualification work experience in the nominated or closely related occupation is typically required.
• You must meet all Subclass 190 or 491 federal visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Selection is subject to Queensland's offshore allocation limits and current occupation demand.

How to Apply for Queensland State Nomination — Step by Step

1. 1

   Check Your Occupation on the QSOL

   Confirm your ANZSCO occupation code appears on the current Queensland Skilled Occupation List for your relevant stream (onshore or offshore) at the official Department of Home Affairs website or the Migration Queensland portal. Verify which visa subclasses (190, 491, or both) your occupation is eligible for.

2. 2

   Complete Your Skills Assessment

   Get a positive skills assessment from the relevant Australian assessing authority for your occupation (e.g., Engineers Australia, ACS, ANMAC, AITSL). This step typically takes 2–6 months. Do not delay — this is the mandatory foundation of your application.

3. 3

   English Language Test

   Complete a recognised English test — IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET. Check whether your occupation has enhanced English requirements (such as teaching in Queensland schools). Use our AU Points Calculator to see how your English score affects your overall points and competitiveness.

4. 4

   Submit EOI via SkillSelect

   Log in to your ImmiAccount and submit your Expression of Interest through SkillSelect. Select Queensland as your preferred state. Your EOI can be up to 715 days old and still be considered — but keep all information accurate and up to date.

5. 5

   Submit Registration of Interest (ROI) to Migration Queensland

   Submit a Registration of Interest through the official Migration Queensland portal. This is a separate step from your federal EOI. You must submit a fresh ROI for each new program year. Migration Queensland will assess your ROI against current occupation demand and your overall profile strength.

6. 6

   Receive Queensland Nomination Invitation

   If Migration Queensland selects your ROI, you will receive a nomination invitation. Respond within the specified timeframe — typically within a few days. Have all documentation prepared in advance including employment contracts, pay slips, skills assessment, English test results, and identity documents.

7. 7

   Lodge Visa Application with the Department of Home Affairs

   After receiving your Queensland nomination, your SkillSelect EOI will be updated and you will receive a federal Invitation to Apply. Lodge your complete visa application through ImmiAccount with all required documents — police clearances, medical examination results, and full employment history evidence.

Queensland Skilled Occupation List (QSOL) 2026 — Offshore Applicants — Full Official List

Frequently Asked Questions — Queensland QSOL 2025–2026

Queensland State Nomination for Pakistani Applicants

Queensland is one of the most recommended Australian states for Pakistani skilled professionals in 2025–26. With the largest increase in nomination places of any state, a diversified economy, strong demand in key sectors where Pakistani professionals excel, and the excitement of Brisbane 2032 driving long-term growth — Queensland offers a compelling and realistic pathway to Australia PR.

Top Queensland QSOL Occupations for Pakistani Professionals

• Engineering: Civil, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, Environmental, and Biomedical Engineers — all on the QSOL for both 190 and 491, with strong demand driven by Brisbane 2032 infrastructure and Queensland's energy transition.
• Healthcare: All Registered Nurse specialisations, Midwives, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Audiologists, Speech Pathologists, and Psychologists — consistently the highest-demand occupation group in Queensland.
• Construction Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Welders, Bricklayers — the Building and Construction Workforce Pathway (Pathway 3) offers the fastest route to nomination with only 3 months of work experience required.
• ICT & Cybersecurity: ICT Security Specialist (ANZSCO 262112) is specifically listed on the QSOL, reflecting Queensland's growing digital economy and cybersecurity sector demand.
• Energy & Resources: Petroleum Engineers, Mining Engineers, Power Generation Plant Operators — strong demand from Queensland's energy sector and LNG export industry.
• Education: Special Education Teachers, Teachers for Hearing and Sight Impaired — eligible for both 190 and 491. Primary and Secondary School Teachers are eligible for 491 only under the offshore QSOL.

Brisbane 2032 — A Unique Opportunity for Pakistani Tradespeople

The 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games represent one of the most significant infrastructure investment opportunities in Australian history. Queensland is urgently recruiting skilled construction workers, engineers, and tradespeople to deliver venues, transportation networks, and supporting infrastructure. For Pakistani electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and structural engineers, this creates a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure Queensland state nomination and a clear path to permanent residency.