Queensland University Graduates Pathway 190 491 Guide

If you finished a degree at a Queensland university and are now working in Brisbane, you may have wondered whether there is a clear route from study to permanent residence. Migration Queensland runs a specific Queensland university graduates pathway for the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491). Registrations of Interest open on 6 November 2026, so now is the time to check the rules. This guide explains the Queensland graduate PR pathway in plain language, using Migration Queensland's own criteria.

Who the Queensland University Graduates Pathway Is For

Migration Queensland describes this pathway as one that can lead to nomination for the subclass 190 or the subclass 491. It is aimed at people who studied in Queensland and have since worked in Queensland. The Department of Home Affairs describes the 190 as a visa that "lets nominated skilled workers live and work in Australia as permanent residents", and the 491 as a temporary visa "for skilled workers who want to live and work in regional Australia".

Many people reach this point on a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which the Department describes as a visa that allows international students to live, study and work after finishing their studies. Nomination is a separate step with its own tests, and Migration Queensland states that "meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply for nomination".

Sources: Migration Queensland, Queensland university graduates; Home Affairs, subclass 190; Home Affairs, subclass 491; Home Affairs, subclass 485

The Study Test for Queensland Graduate State Nomination

The first test is about your qualification. Migration Queensland requires that you hold "a Bachelor's Degree, Master's Degree or PhD from a Queensland university or Queensland tertiary institution", and that the qualification meets the Australian Study Requirement. Two further conditions apply:

• You must have "completed 100% of this qualification in Queensland".

• You must have "graduated after 1 July 2022".

There is some welcome flexibility here. Migration Queensland states that your degree "does not have to be related to your nominated occupation". That means a graduate whose degree and current job differ may still meet the study test. Please note the page speaks of a Queensland university or tertiary institution that meets the Australian Study Requirement, and we do not suggest any particular institution is or is not eligible.

Source: Migration Queensland, Queensland university graduates

The Work Test: 20 Paid Hours a Week in Queensland

The second test is about employment after you graduate. You must be "living and working in Queensland for a Queensland-based employer", and the work must have been gained after completing your qualification. It must be at least 20 paid hours per week. The timing differs by visa:

• Subclass 491: at least 6 out of the last 9 months immediately before submitting your ROI, in Regional Queensland.

• Subclass 190: at least 9 out of the last 12 months immediately before submitting your ROI.

The work can be in your nominated occupation, a closely related occupation (sharing the same first three ANZSCO digits), or any Skill Level 1 occupation. Casual employment is accepted, and several eligible jobs may be combined. Importantly, you must keep meeting this requirement when you submit your ROI, when you are invited to apply, and when you are nominated.

In practice, this means keeping clear records as you go. Payslips, employment contracts or letters showing your hours and duties, and your tax documents all help show that the work was paid, at least 20 hours a week and gained after you completed your degree. A gap in hours, a change of employer or a move outside Queensland can affect your months of work, so talk to a registered agent before you change jobs or locations if you are close to lodging.

Source: Migration Queensland, Queensland university graduates

Skills Assessment, the Queensland Onshore List and 491-Only Occupations

Beyond study and work, you need "a valid skills assessment for an occupation on the Queensland onshore skilled occupation list". Some occupations require evidence of registration instead; Migration Queensland gives medical and some allied health professionals as examples. Two points deserve attention. First, some occupations are "only eligible for nomination for the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)". Second, chefs and cooks working in takeaway or fast-food businesses are excluded.

If you are unsure how the lists fit together, see our guide to the skilled occupation list for 189, 190 and 491. Choosing an occupation is a decision to make with a registered agent, because it affects which visa you can be nominated for.

Source: Migration Queensland, Queensland university graduates

Points, English and the Residence Commitment After Grant

You also need a score of 65 or higher in the Home Affairs points test and at least competent English, as defined by the Department. Your SkillSelect expression of interest is the system through which skilled workers are considered; Home Affairs states that "you need to be invited to apply for a skilled visa".

Nomination comes with a promise to stay. For the 190, you commit to living in Queensland until at least 2 years after the visa is granted. For the 491, the commitment is Regional Queensland until at least 3 years after the visa is granted. Migration Queensland also states it will not nominate you for the 190 if you have been nominated for, have applied for or hold a subclass 491 or 489 visa, so the order of your choices matters.

Sources: Migration Queensland, Queensland university graduates; Home Affairs, SkillSelect

From 485 to Nomination: Timing Your ROI and Tax Documents

Registrations of Interest for Queensland's 2026-27 program open on 6 November 2026. Migration Queensland states that onshore applicants must have lodged their 2025-26 tax return and hold their ATO Notice of Assessment before submitting an ROI, and that all applicants must submit a new ROI for 2026-27. For this pathway, the Notice of Assessment is required as supporting evidence unless you did not need to lodge a return.

After an invitation, you have 14 calendar days to upload documents and pay the application fee, and after nomination, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application with the Department. The 14-day window is a Queensland process step, not a Home Affairs time limit. For the full ROI mechanics, read our Queensland state nomination 2026-27 ROI guide.

If you hold a 485, please check your visa end date against these steps. We cannot say whether you will be invited or nominated before your visa expires, and nobody can promise that. A registered agent can help you plan realistic timing and any alternatives.

Sources: Migration Queensland, 2026-27 program published; Migration Queensland, registering your interest

Where Migration Star Can Help

Migration Star is a registered migration practice in Eight Mile Plains, Brisbane, and our principal agent is Rohit Sharma, MARA No. 1797395. We can compare your study, work history, skills assessment and visa dates against the published Queensland criteria and talk through which pathway may suit you, subject to meeting the criteria and Department requirements. We do not guarantee any nomination or visa outcome. You can read about our services, book a 30-minute Migration Consultation ($165), call 07 3519 5619 or visit Level 2, 8 Clunies Ross Court, Eight Mile Plains QLD 4113. Book here: https://www.migrationstar.com.au/book-a-consultation

Information current as at 05/11/2026. Migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Visa criteria may change.

Information current as at 05/11/2026. Migration Star is a registered migration practice. Principal agent Rohit Sharma, MARA No. 1797395. Migration outcomes depend on individual circumstances. Visa criteria may change. This article is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. For advice on your specific situation, book a consultation at migrationstar.com.au.

Migration Star | MARA No. 1797395 | migrationstar.com.au | 07 3519 5619v