Queensland State Nomination — 190 & 491

Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) operates Queensland's nomination program for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491. BSMQ runs several streams including Working in Queensland, Offshore (when open), Small Business Owner, and Master's Graduate.

MARN 1576536

WIDEN does not issue Queensland nominations. BSMQ does, on its own published criteria. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed (s 15). WIDEN's role is the migration pathway — visa subclass, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and integration with the broader visa application.

BSMQ streams

Working in Queensland — for applicants currently employed in QLD in their nominated (or closely related) occupation, often with a minimum duration of recent QLD employment.
Offshore (when open) — limited stream for offshore applicants in priority occupations.
Small Business Owner — for applicants who own and operate a registered Queensland business meeting BSMQ's criteria.
Master's Graduate — for graduates of certain Queensland Master's qualifications.

Stream openings, occupation lists, and criteria change. Verify current published streams directly with BSMQ before lodging.

Typical criteria framework

EOI lodged in SkillSelect, ticking Queensland as nominating state
Positive skills assessment in a BSMQ-nominated occupation
Demonstrated current connection to Queensland (employment, business ownership, or qualifying study) for most streams
Minimum points appropriate to your stream and occupation
English at the level required by the visa subclass
Commitment to settle in Queensland (regional QLD for 491 streams)

Frequently asked questions

Who runs Queensland's state nomination?

Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) is the QLD Government body that operates Queensland's skilled and business migration nomination program. BSMQ publishes the current streams, eligible occupations, and criteria on its official website.

What streams does BSMQ operate?

BSMQ has historically operated streams including: Working in Queensland (applicants already employed in QLD in their nominated occupation), Offshore stream (when open and limited to specific occupations or pathways), Small Business Owner stream (for current QLD business owners), and Master's Graduate stream (for graduates of certain Queensland Master's qualifications). Stream openings and criteria change — verify with BSMQ before lodging.

Do I need to be working in Queensland?

Most BSMQ streams favour or require current employment in Queensland in your nominated occupation, often with a minimum duration. Offshore streams (when open) waive the QLD-residence requirement but typically apply tighter occupation lists and higher competition. Stream-specific requirements are published by BSMQ.

What's the Small Business Owner stream?

This stream is for applicants who own and operate a registered Queensland business meeting BSMQ's criteria (business activity, ownership share, financial performance, employees, etc.). It's an alternative to the standard Working in Queensland stream for self-employed applicants. Specific eligibility thresholds are published by BSMQ.

What does QLD nomination cost?

BSMQ charges a nomination fee published on its website (subject to change). The Department of Home Affairs visa application charge is separate and materially higher. Verify current fees with BSMQ before applying.

Is QLD nomination competitive?

Yes. BSMQ ranks invitations against its current criteria and typically prioritises applicants with strong points, current QLD employment in a priority occupation, and clear commitment to settle in Queensland. Cut-offs change with each invitation round. Confirming you meet the current threshold before lodging an EOI is sensible.

Discuss your QLD pathway

Discuss QLD nomination with WIDEN

Fields marked * are required. WIDEN does not issue state nominations — Queensland's skilled migration program does. WIDEN's role is migration advice: confirming your visa pathway, points strategy, EOI lodgement, and how a QLD nomination fits the picture.

Full name *

Email *

Phone (with country code)

Country of citizenship

Your nominated occupation

Target visa subclass

Current situation

Your situation / question

I consent to WIDEN — Migration Experts storing my information to respond to this enquiry. I understand that submission of this form does not create a client-agent relationship, that state nomination is decided independently by Queensland, and that no outcome can be guaranteed. Privacy Policy. *

General information only. Queensland's skilled migration program — including occupation lists, points cut-offs, fees, criteria, and processing times — changes regularly. Verify current rules directly at migration.qld.gov.au before relying on this page.

This page does not constitute migration advice (s 23, Migration Agents Code of Conduct 2022). WIDEN does not issue state nominations — Queensland does, on its own published criteria, and outcomes cannot be guaranteed by any registered migration agent (s 15). Migration advice is provided by Keshab Chapagain (MARN 1576536) only after a paid initial consultation under section 43 of the Code, with a written service agreement issued before further work commences (section 42). The OMARA Consumer Guide is provided to all clients before the consultation begins. PI insurance held under the Migration Agents Regulations 1998. Complaints via our Complaints Policy or directly to OMARA.