Queensland’s 2026–27 State Nominated Migration Program is not yet open for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs).

The 2025–26 ROI window is closed. Migration Queensland says all available places were filled after receiving a high volume of high-quality submissions.

The new program opening date is still pending.

This delay can be frustrating. However, there are useful steps you can take now.

Information status: Migration Queensland has officially confirmed that the 2025–26 ROI window is closed, that available places were filled, and that future program settings and nomination allocations are still awaited from the Australian Government. Industry sources have reported, but Migration Queensland has not yet officially confirmed on its website, that Queensland may receive 1,850 subclass 190 places and 750 subclass 491 places for 2026–27. Industry sources have also reported a wider Net Overseas Migration reform delay and new Queensland nomination fees of approximately AUD 573 offshore and AUD 630.30 onshore. Verify the allocation, reform details, opening date and fees directly on migration.qld.gov.au before relying on them or paying a fee.

What is confirmed by Migration Queensland?

The official Migration Queensland update confirms four key points:

ROIs for the 2025–26 program year are closed.
All available nomination places were filled.
The state is awaiting Australian Government advice on future program settings and nomination allocations.
Invited applicants who already submitted their 2025–26 nomination application will continue to be assessed and finalised once new places are allocated.

Those invited applicants do not need to take further action unless Migration Queensland contacts them.

This is different from having an EOI only.

If you submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) but were not invited to apply for Queensland nomination, you do not have a pending nomination application. You must wait for the 2026–27 program to open and then submit a new ROI.

What has been reported about the delay?

Industry updates published around 3 September 2026 report that Queensland confirmed its expected 2026–27 allocation on 14 August.

The reported figures are:

1,850 places for the subclass 190 visa
750 places for the subclass 491 visa

These figures are reported to be at the same level as the previous program year.

However, they remain reported figures. They are not yet confirmed on the current Migration Queensland program page.

The delay is also being linked to the Australian Government’s wider Net Overseas Migration reform package. Industry sources report that the package was not resubmitted to Cabinet in early September. Further implementation details may take more than two weeks to settle.

Again, this is reported context. It is not an official explanation currently published by Migration Queensland.

The practical position is straightforward:

The Queensland 2026–27 program is not open. Do not submit a new ROI yet.

Queensland nomination fees: what applicants should know

Industry sources have also reported increased Queensland nomination application fees for 2026–27.

The reported amounts are approximately:

AUD 573 for offshore applicants.
AUD 630.30 for onshore applicants.

These figures reportedly apply to subclass 190 and subclass 491 nomination applications invited from 1 July 2026.

Migration Queensland’s online information should be checked before payment. Fees can change. The fee shown in a third-party article may also be outdated.

The fee is relevant only after you receive an invitation to apply for Queensland nomination. You cannot pay it to reserve a place or submit an early ROI.

How the Queensland process should work when it reopens

Migration Queensland’s published process has six stages.

Step 1: Check both sets of requirements

You must meet:

The Australian Government requirements for your visa.
Migration Queensland’s minimum nomination requirements.

The main Queensland pathways include:

Skilled workers living in Queensland.
Building and construction workers.
Graduates of a Queensland university.
Skilled workers living offshore.
Small business owners in regional Queensland.

For the federal requirements, review the official pages for the Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190 and the Skilled Work Regional visa subclass 491.

Step 2: Submit or update your SkillSelect EOI

Your SkillSelect EOI must be accurate.

Check:

Your nominated occupation.
Your points claims.
Your skills assessment.
Your English test result.
Your employment history.
Your partner details.
Your address and visa information.

An EOI is generally valid for two years. Migration Queensland considers EOIs until they are 715 days old.

The official guidance says EOIs expiring in less than two weeks will not be considered. The FAQ uses a more conservative reference of less than 15 days.

Renew early. Do not wait until the final days.

If you live in Queensland, your EOI must show Australia as your “Usual Country of Residence”.

You do not need to create a new EOI every program year. You will need a new ROI.

Step 3: Submit a new Queensland ROI

A new ROI is required each program year.

You can submit it only after Migration Queensland opens the 2026–27 program.

You may have only one valid Queensland ROI. If you submit more than one, only the most recent ROI will be considered.

Your ROI must match your EOI. Choose one visa subclass. You cannot use one ROI to apply for both the Queensland 190 nomination and Queensland 491 nomination.

Step 4: Wait for selection

Migration Queensland selects candidates based on more than points.

Factors may include:

Occupation.
Qualifications.
Skilled work experience.
Salary.
Work location.
English ability.
Age.
Partner skills.
Regional workforce needs.

Selection is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation.

Step 5: Apply within 14 calendar days

If selected, you will receive an invitation from Migration Queensland.

You then have 14 calendar days to:

Upload the required documents.
Submit the nomination application.
Pay the non-refundable application fee.

Miss the deadline and the application may close. Migration Queensland may not invite you again in the same program year.

Step 6: Lodge the visa within 60 days

If Queensland nominates you, Home Affairs will issue an invitation for the visa application.

You then have 60 days to lodge.

The subclass 190 visa is a permanent visa. The subclass 491 visa is a provisional skilled work regional visa. It can support a later pathway to permanent residency Australia if you meet the relevant requirements.

What Queensland applicants should do now

1. Do not submit a new ROI

The 2026–27 ROI window is not open.

Wait for the official announcement on the Migration Queensland website.

2. Audit your EOI

Review every claim.

Confirm that your points are supported by documents. Check that your skills assessment and English test remain valid.

Correct errors now. A small mistake can create a large problem later, so it is better to catch issues early.

3. Track your visa expiry date

An EOI is not a visa application.

It does not provide lawful status. It does not create a bridging visa.

Check your current substantive or bridging visa. Plan early if it will expire while you wait for state nomination.

4. Prepare Queensland evidence

Organise documents based on your likely pathway.

Examples include:

Queensland address evidence and payslips.
Employment contracts and reference letters.
Building and construction employment evidence.
Queensland university completion documents.
Regional business records and business plans.
Skills assessment and English evidence.

5. Monitor the official source

Use third-party updates for awareness only.

Rely on migration.qld.gov.au for:

The official opening date.
2026–27 eligibility criteria.
The approved occupation lists.
Nomination fees.
ROI instructions.
Document requirements.

6. Review other states carefully

Applicants may also consider programs that have reportedly opened for 2026–27, including:

Tasmania, reported open from 17 August.
Northern Territory, reported open from 21 August.
South Australia, reported open from 26 August.

Check each state’s official website. Review its commitment, residence and nomination rules before proceeding.

Do not assume you can freely hold multiple state nomination applications. Choose a pathway carefully. State rules differ.

Final takeaway

Queensland skilled migration is delayed. The 2026–27 program is not yet open for new ROIs.

The reported 1,850 subclass 190 places and 750 subclass 491 places still require direct confirmation. The reported nomination fees also require checking before payment.

For now:

Keep your EOI accurate.
Renew expiring documents.
Protect your lawful visa status.
Prepare evidence.
Watch Migration Queensland.
Act quickly when the program opens.

For applicants planning skilled migration Australia, preparation is the advantage you can control.

Official sources

Learn More

Need help reviewing your EOI, visa status or Queensland strategy?

Book a consultation with a migration agent Adelaide team

Skillage Nimbus supports applicants with Australian state nomination, visa planning and permanent residency pathways. You can also visit Skillage Nimbus to learn more about how our registered migration agents across Australia can help.

This article is general information only. It is not migration advice. Queensland program settings, allocations, fees and opening dates may change quickly. Always verify current requirements on official Queensland Government and Australian Government websites. If your situation is complex, speak with a registered migration agent in Australia or an appropriately qualified immigration lawyer in Adelaide for legal advice.

Frequently asked questions

Is Queensland’s 2026–27 nomination program open?

No. As at 7 September 2026, new 2026–27 Queensland ROIs are not open.

Can I submit a Queensland ROI early?

No. Do not submit a new ROI until Migration Queensland officially opens the program.

Are 1,850 subclass 190 places and 750 subclass 491 places confirmed?

They have been reported by industry sources. They are not yet confirmed on the current official Migration Queensland program page.

What should an existing 2025–26 invited applicant do?

If you already submitted your invited 2025–26 application, Migration Queensland says you do not need to take further action. The application will continue to be assessed and finalised once new places are allocated.

How long is an EOI valid?

An EOI is valid for two years. Queensland considers EOIs until they are 715 days old. Renew before it reaches the final two weeks, or use the safer 15-day margin.

Can I apply for Queensland subclass 190 and subclass 491 at the same time?

Queensland’s guidance allows only one valid ROI. Your selected visa subclass must match the subclass in your ROI and EOI. Review the rules carefully before submitting.

How long do I have to lodge after receiving a Home Affairs invitation?

You generally have 60 days to lodge the visa application after receiving the Home Affairs invitation.

Is the subclass 491 visa permanent?

No. The subclass 491 visa is provisional. It allows eligible skilled workers to live and work in regional Australia and may lead to permanent residence through the relevant pathway. Check current Home Affairs requirements.

Queensland 2026–27 Nomination Delays: What 190 and 491 Applicants Should Do Now