Skilled migration for Brisbane professionals
Skilled Migration Visas for Brisbane: Subclass 189, 190 and 491 Pathways
Navigating the migration process can feel overwhelming, but with MigrationBuro, you are never alone.
Skilled migration to Brisbane sits at the intersection of a federal points system and Queensland's state nomination program — and navigating both requires understanding how each works, and which gives you the best outcome. The subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) is a federal visa requiring no state sponsorship but very competitive invitation rounds. The subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires Queensland state nomination and is currently one of the more active pathways for Brisbane applicants. The 491 (Skilled Work Regional) offers a regional alternative with lower points requirements. MigrationBuro has advised Brisbane applicants on skilled migration pathways since 2007. Call 1300 VISA OZ for a consultation.
WHY BRISBANE APPLICANTS CHOOSE MIGRATIONBURO
Brisbane's skilled migration applicants face a competitive points environment. Queensland's state nomination program is targeted — it prioritises occupations that the state economy needs, not those with the highest global supply of candidates. The 2032 Olympics preparation has shifted Queensland's priority occupations toward construction, engineering, and infrastructure roles in recent years, but these priorities change. An agent who follows the Queensland nomination program closely is more useful than one who gives advice based on last year's invitation rounds.
Andy Heathcote (MARN 0850840) has worked in Australian immigration since 2007. He monitors Queensland's nomination program, the invitation rounds, and the occupation lists. Every skilled migration assessment is genuinely individual — based on the applicant's points score, occupation, and state nomination prospects, not a generic pathway recommendation. Zoom consultations are available Monday to Friday.
HOW SKILLED MIGRATION WORKS FOR BRISBANE APPLICANTS
Step 1
Points Assessment
Points assessment. We calculate your points score across age, English language, qualifications, Australian and overseas work experience, partner skills, and any bonus points available. We identify where additional points are achievable — a higher English test score, a skills assessment in a related occupation, or registration with a professional body.
Step 2
Skills Assessment
Skills assessment. A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority is required for most occupations before an Expression of Interest can be submitted. We advise on which authority assesses your occupation and what they require.
Step 3
Expression Of Interest In Skillselect
Expression of Interest in SkillSelect. Your EOI is submitted through SkillSelect. We advise on whether to express interest in state nomination (190 or 491) or the federal 189, and in which states your occupation has the best nomination prospects.
Step 4
Invitation And Application
Invitation and application. When an invitation is issued, the visa application must be lodged within 60 days. We prepare and manage the application.
Speak to a Migration agent
Call 1300 VISA OZ (1300 8472 69) to discuss employer sponsorship for your Brisbane business. Available Monday to Friday. Zoom consultations take 45-60 minutes and give you a clear answer on what is achievable.
Prefer to start in writing? Email info@migrationburo.com.au with the role title, the occupation, and the candidate's nationality and qualifications.
"Andy explained the Queensland nomination program in plain terms. We applied for 190 and received an invitation." — Theo K., Brisbane inner north
"The points assessment identified two ways we could improve our score. That made the difference." — Riya M., South Brisbane
"Honest advice about the invitation round competitiveness. We went in with realistic expectations." — Sarel D., Fortitude Valley
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
(Subclass 482)
Custom migration pathways for businesses facing ongoing skills shortages, including DAMA’s, industry-specific Labour agreements and Company Specific Labour Agreements.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186)
Secure permanent residency for skilled international employees, strengthening your workforce with long-term expertise.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494)
This visa provides a way for skilled workers in specific occupations, who are nominated by their employer in regional Australia, to live and work in Australia for 5 years. This visa contains two ‘streams’ with varying conditions and eligibility requirements. Click below to learn more, and contact us for professional advice and assistance.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
The Subclass 400 visa allows individuals with highly specialised skills to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia..
Your Australian Visa application
Some frequently asked questions
Answers to some questions we often hear from people in your situation.
What is the difference between a 189 and a 190 visa for Brisbane applicants?
The 189 (Skilled Independent) requires no state sponsorship — it is a federal pathway requiring a competitive points score and an invitation from the Department. The 190 (Skilled Nominated) requires Queensland state nomination, which adds 5 points to your score. Queensland issues invitations in rounds based on its priority occupation list and the nomination pool. For most applicants, the 190 is more achievable than the 189 because the state nomination points boost improves competitiveness.
How many points do I need for a skilled migration visa to Brisbane?
The minimum to submit an Expression of Interest is 65 points. However, the cut-off score for an invitation in competitive occupation categories in Queensland has historically been much higher — often 85 or 90+ for the 189. The 190 state nomination pathway is generally more accessible. We calculate your current score and tell you honestly whether you are in invitation range for the 189, 190, or 491.
What occupations does Queensland prioritise for state nomination?
Queensland’s state nomination priority list changes each program year. Engineering, construction, healthcare, and certain trade occupations have been consistently prioritised. Some ICT occupations have also been nominated. The list is published on the Queensland Government’s migration website. We monitor this closely and advise on whether your occupation is currently being nominated and at what score.
Do I need to live in Brisbane after getting a 190 visa?
A 190 visa requires the recipient to live and work in the nominating state for two years after grant. For Queensland 190 holders, this means living in Queensland. Brisbane as a city within Queensland satisfies this requirement. There are no specific penalties for brief interstate travel for work purposes, but the intent to settle in Queensland must be genuine.
What is the 491 regional visa and is it relevant for Brisbane applicants?
The 491 (Skilled Work Regional) is a temporary visa pathway requiring state nomination or sponsorship by an eligible relative in a regional area. Brisbane is not a regional area for 491 purposes. However, if you are willing to live in a regional area of Queensland — such as Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast hinterland, or FNQ — the 491 offers a lower points threshold than the 190 and a pathway to permanent residence via the 191 visa. We advise on whether a regional pathway is worth considering for your situation.
Migration experience you can trust
MigrationBuro are your trusted migration agents in Brisbane. Founded and led by Andrew Heathcote, we specialise in Australian immigration services. With over 18 years of experience, Andrew is a registered migration agent (MARN) and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia, ensuring expert guidance through every step of the immigration process.
