Queensland Skilled Migration Report (June 2025): Top Jobs & Visa Trends

Queensland continues to be a top destination for skilled migrants, offering diverse opportunities across its economy. The following analysis is based on the Australian Department of Home Affairs' Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report, current to 30 June 2025. This migration program report provides valuable data for skilled professionals and visa applicants seeking to understand which occupations and industries are driving demand. This information is especially useful when preparing applications for a state nomination, which can be the key to a permanent residency pathway.

The Queensland Government's approach to skilled migration is an important part of the state's economic strategy. The migration program is designed to fill key labour shortages and attract nominated skilled workers who can contribute to local industries. Understanding the specific Migration Queensland requirements is a critical first step for any applicant. In addition, the Queensland skilled migration program has several distinct pathways to explore.

Primary skilled visa applications granted in Queensland for the 2024-25 financial year reached 11,210, representing a 37.3% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the state's ongoing need for skilled professionals across various sectors. This makes the Queensland Government’s nominated migration program a highly competitive one, as demand for nomination often outstrips the number of places available.

Where Are the Jobs? Industries Leading Skilled Visa Grants in Queensland

The skilled visa grants in Queensland are concentrated in several key industries, according to the report:

• Health Care and Social Assistance: With 2,310 grants, this sector saw a 52.1% increase.
• Accommodation and Food Services: 2,030 grants, with a 134.1% increase.
• Manufacturing: 1,330 grants, a 10.9% increase.
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 1,040 grants, a 4.4% increase.
• Construction: 830 grants, up 27.1%.
• Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing: 620 grants, up 27.4%.

It is important to understand that many of these roles require visa applicants to have a positive skills assessment in their chosen nominated occupation.

Top Occupations for Skilled Migrants in Queensland

The top occupations for primary visa grants in Queensland demonstrate strong demand in hospitality, healthcare, and trades.

• Chef (351311): 1,260 grants, a 173.4% increase.
• Resident Medical Officer (253112): 990 grants, up 27.3%.
• Motor Mechanic (General) (321211): 510 grants, a 44.9% increase.
• Cook (351411): 340 grants, up 186.6%.
• Café or Restaurant Manager (141111): 290 grants, up 77.2%.
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care) (254412): 280 grants, up 75.3%.
• Fitter (General) (323211): 260 grants, up 0.8%.
• Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212): 210 grants, up 17.3%.

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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.

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Where Do Queensland's Skilled Migrants Come From?

The data reveals that Queensland attracts skilled migrants from around the globe. The top citizenship countries for primary skilled visa grants in the state are:

• Philippines: 2,090 grants, up 15.5%.
• India: 1,340 grants, with an 89.5% increase.
• United Kingdom: 1,190 grants, up 10.6%.
• China (excl SARS): 560 grants, up 40.0%.
• Brazil: 500 grants, up 150.0%.
• Nepal: 480 grants, up 274.0%.
• Sri Lanka: 460 grants, up 12.3%.
• South Africa: 380 grants, down 13.6%.

Skilled Visa Pathways in Queensland

The Queensland skilled migration programme offers several clear pathways to permanent residency:

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This is a permanent visa subclass for skilled workers who are nominated by the Queensland Government. Applicants must have an eligible skilled occupation, a positive skills assessment, and meet the state nomination points test requirements.

The process is highly competitive, with invitations generally issued to the highest-ranking Expressions of Interest (EOI) based on skills, points score, and employment history. To be considered for a subclass 190 visa, you will generally need to have a higher level of points than for a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 491). This can vary depending on the Queensland skilled occupation lists.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

This five-year provisional visa subclass is designed for skilled workers who are willing to live and work in regional Queensland. It provides a clear pathway to permanent residency after meeting specific regional work and residence requirements. You will generally need to live and work in the region for three years before you can apply for permanent residency.

The Queensland skilled migration program has introduced flexible pathways for visa subclass 491 applicants, including those with work history in regional Queensland or graduates from Queensland institutions. You can even start your own business and apply through the small business owner pathway, which is a great option for those who want to use their own business to qualify for the subclass 491 visa.

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Understanding the Points Test and Skills Assessment

The points test is central to a skilled visa application. Applicants can claim points for factors such as age, English ability, qualifications, work experience, and state nomination points.

A valid positive skills assessment is mandatory for both visa subclass 190 and 491 visas. This proves that an applicant’s qualifications meet Australian standards for their nominated occupation.

The Role of Skilled Employment in Your Application

Skilled employment is often a requirement for state nomination. Applicants may need to demonstrate at least six months of full-time employment in their nominated occupation or a closely related field, supported by evidence from a qualifying employer. This could be full-time employment or a number of hours which is considered full-time employment within your industry. You may be asked to submit additional documents to verify this employment, which can include employment contracts, payslips, or a Statement of Service from your employer.

Specific Documents Required

To be successful in your application, you must provide a range of documents. These include:

• A certified copy of your skills assessment.
• Your English language test results (PTE Academic, IELTS, etc.).
• A copy of your visa grant notice and a copy of your current visa.
• Evidence of paid employment, such as payslips, employment contracts, and tax documents.

If you are relying on a job offer, your employment contract must be robust. It must include your job title, full names of both the employer and the employee, business details, and a clear description of your duties performed. It is also important that the contract specifies your gross and net pay, leave entitlements, and other conditions of your employment. This is particularly important for those in the health care sector with a contracted medical practitioner agreement or those in the education sector with similar employment contracts.

Australian Migration Lawyers can help you ensure that your employment contracts meet all the requirements and provide advice on what other evidence is needed, such as payslips or bank statements, to demonstrate paid employment. We have the relevant tools to help you gather all the information provided and prepare a comprehensive application for your chosen stream.

Expert Guidance for Your Queensland Migration Journey

The Queensland skilled migration program is highly competitive, and eligibility criteria can be complex. Understanding the requirements for your nominated occupation, work experience, and skills assessment is crucial to success. For example, you must meet the following criteria as well as having a skilled occupation on the list and a positive skills assessment.

Still, with strong demand for skilled workers across healthcare, hospitality, ICT, and construction, regional Queensland continues to be an attractive choice for professionals seeking permanent residency in Australia.

For tailored support with your skilled visa application, contact Australian Migration Lawyers. Our team can help you prepare a competitive Expression of Interest, ensure you meet Migration Queensland’s nomination requirements, and guide you through the full visa application process for the best chance of success.