Only onshore applicants working in Queensland will be considered for Subclass 491 visa

The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Subclass 491 visa (from 65 points and above)

Only onshore applicants working in Queensland will be considered.

The Subclass 491 visa is open to COVID critical skill or sectors as previously outlined:

• Air Ambulance, Critical Medical, Medical Technology,

• Engineering, Critical Infrastructure, Supply Chain,

• Telecommunications, Film & Television Production,

• Maritime Industry, Agricultural Technology Food Technology,

• Mining, Emerging Technology, Financial Technology, and

• Large Scale Manufacturing.

Please note: there is no specific skills list for the above, however applicants must meet one of the critical skills or sectors as listed above and email migration@qld.gov.au detailing how you meet this, including details of employer and role, and how this position is assisting in the COVID response or recovery.

They are also nominating the following selected hospitality occupations, however, you must meet all the work experience requirements and caveats detailed in the above link.

Please note: not all applicants will receive an invitation due to limited quota available.

491- SBO (Small Business Owner) Pathway

The 491-SBO (Small Business Owners) pathway is OPEN.

IMPORTANT: Applicants need to submit a 491-SBO Assessment Form prior to submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), so that your EOI will be picked up.

From 1 April 2021, the pre-existing business purchased will need to have been in operation for 2 years instead of 1 year.

There will also need to be a minimum purchase price of $100,000 (rather than total investment in the business).

Furthermore, commission agents or leasing agents of franchises (such as petrol stations), and home-based businesses (such as courier and cleaning businesses) will not be considered.

These requirements are aimed at ensuring the program is sustainable in the long-term.

Please note: businesses that have been purchased prior to 1 April 2021 are not subject to these requirements, however there must be a valid contract provided for the business before this date (ie business must have settled).