Queensland skilled migration 2026–27: registrations open 6 November

Skilled workers planning their next step in Queensland now have a date for their diaries. Registrations of interest for the state’s 2026–27 skilled migration programme will open on 6 November 2026.

Migration Queensland published its updated programme on 30 October, giving prospective applicants time to prepare before registrations begin. The announcement covers updated pathway requirements, occupation lists and supporting documents.

Find the pathway that fits your plans

Queensland’s skilled visa pathways include people already working in the state, workers applying from overseas, construction workers and Queensland university graduates. A separate pathway is available to small business owners in regional Queensland for the subclass 491 visa.

The two visa types serve different plans. The Skilled Nominated visa, subclass 190, is a permanent visa. The Skilled Work Regional visa, subclass 491, is provisional and is for living and working in regional Queensland. Each pathway has its own requirements, alongside those set by the Australian Government.

What to prepare before 6 November

For applicants in Australia, one important preparation step is already clear: lodge the 2025–26 tax return and receive the Australian Taxation Office’s Notice of Assessment before submitting a registration of interest.

The official document checklist also sets out the evidence needed for each pathway. Start with a current passport, evidence of relevant work experience and a valid skills assessment or the professional registration accepted for your occupation. Use the checklist for the documents specific to your circumstances.

Applicants should also bring their federal SkillSelect expression of interest up to date. This is separate from Queensland’s registration of interest. The application guide explains how the two fit together.

A fresh registration for the new programme

Everyone seeking consideration in 2026–27 must submit a new Queensland registration of interest, including people who registered last year but were not nominated. Applicants choose one visa subclass for that registration.

Registration is the first step towards being considered, rather than a visa application or an offer of nomination. If Migration Queensland invites an applicant to apply, there are 14 calendar days to provide the requested documents and pay the application fee. State nomination and the Australian Government’s visa decision are separate stages.

For those getting ready now, the useful next step is to identify the appropriate pathway, gather its evidence and prepare for the registration window on 6 November.

Photo: Queen Street Mall, Brisbane, 4 January 2020. Archive photograph by Chris Olszewski (Kgbo), CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped for display.