How to apply ROI in Queensland

How to apply ROI in Queensland

Queensland uses a Registration of Interest process for skilled state nomination. This helps Migration Queensland select candidates for subclass 190 and subclass 491 nomination.

The process is not the same as directly applying for a visa. You first prepare your SkillSelect EOI, then submit a Queensland ROI when the program is open. If Migration Queensland selects you, you can then apply for Queensland nomination.

Important current update

Queensland’s Registrations of Interest for the 2025–26 State Nominated Migration Program are closed. Migration Queensland says all available nomination places for the program year have been filled and future program settings will be published on the Migration Queensland website.

This means applicants should use the waiting period to prepare their EOI, documents and evidence for the next program opening.

Who is Queensland nomination for?

Migration Queensland nominates eligible skilled migrants for two main skilled visa subclasses:

• Skilled Nominated visa subclass 190.
• Skilled Work Regional Provisional visa subclass 491.

The right subclass depends on your occupation, location, work history, eligibility and whether your occupation is available for 190, 491 or both.

Step 1: Check Queensland and Home Affairs requirements

Before submitting anything, check that you meet both the Australian Government visa requirements and Migration Queensland nomination requirements.

• Check your occupation list.
• Check your points score.
• Check your English level.
• Check your skills assessment.
• Check work experience and location rules.
• Check whether you can support every claim with evidence.

Step 2: Submit or update your SkillSelect EOI

Migration Queensland requires applicants to submit a new or updated Expression of Interest through the Home Affairs SkillSelect system.

Your EOI should be accurate and up to date before you submit an ROI. Check your occupation, points claims, employment history, English results, skills assessment, partner points and visa subclass selection carefully.

Queensland no longer requires applicants to select Queensland as the only state of interest in SkillSelect. However, your EOI still needs to be valid, accurate and not close to expiry.

Step 3: Submit Queensland ROI when the program opens

When Queensland ROI opens, you submit your Registration of Interest for Queensland nomination.

You may need to provide:

• Your SkillSelect EOI number.
• Visa subclass and skilled occupation.
• Passport number.
• Residential and employment postcodes if you live in Queensland.
• Annual earnings estimate if you live in Queensland.
• Partner information if relevant.

You can only have one valid Queensland ROI. If you submit more than one ROI, Migration Queensland says only your most recent submission will be considered.

Step 4: Wait for Migration Queensland selection

Migration Queensland selects candidates throughout the financial year, depending on available places and program priorities.

Correctly submitting an ROI does not guarantee nomination or visa grant. Queensland says interest is strong and nominations are offered at its discretion based on available places.

Step 5: If invited, apply for Queensland nomination

If selected, you will receive an invitation from Migration Queensland to the email address listed in your EOI.

After invitation, you generally have 14 calendar days to upload the required documents and application form, and pay the non-refundable application fee.

Migration Queensland assesses your application against the information in both your EOI and ROI. Make sure both are accurate and supported by evidence.

Step 6: If nominated, apply for the visa through Home Affairs

If Migration Queensland nominates you, you will receive an invitation from Home Affairs to apply for your skilled visa.

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

Home Affairs makes the final visa decision. State nomination does not guarantee visa grant.

Queensland onshore requirements to watch

For skilled workers living in Queensland, Migration Queensland lists requirements including an eligible occupation, at least 65 points and competent English.

Onshore work experience rules can also matter. Queensland refers to living and working in regional Queensland for the past 6 months for subclass 491, or Queensland for the past 9 months for subclass 190, immediately before ROI submission.

The work must also be after qualification, closely related by ANZSCO grouping, and at least 20 hours per week.

Documents to prepare

If invited to apply for Queensland nomination, common documents may include:

• State nomination application form.
• Passport bio page.
• VEVO statement for onshore applicants.
• Skills assessment or evidence of registration.
• Evidence of residential address if required.
• Employment contract and statement of service if required.
• Payslips or work experience evidence.
• Evidence of ROI annualised earnings where relevant.
• Graduation documents for Queensland graduate pathway if relevant.

Common mistakes applicants make

Avoid these common Queensland ROI mistakes:

• Submitting ROI when the program is closed.
• Using an outdated or inaccurate EOI.
• Entering annual earnings that cannot be supported by evidence.
• Claiming work experience that does not match Queensland’s requirements.
• Missing the 14-day nomination application deadline after invitation.
• Not checking whether the occupation is eligible for 190, 491 or only one subclass.
• Assuming ROI submission guarantees nomination.
• Not checking email and SkillSelect regularly.

Eazy Path takeaway

Queensland ROI is a state nomination selection step, not a visa application. The usual pathway is SkillSelect EOI, Queensland ROI, Migration Queensland invitation, nomination application, then Home Affairs visa application.

Since Queensland’s 2025–26 ROIs are currently closed, applicants should use this time to prepare their EOI, skills assessment, English evidence, employment documents and salary evidence.