BREAKING NEWS: Queensland suspends Skilled Visa program

Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) has announced a temporary suspension for the acceptance of all applications for Queensland Skilled Visa Nominations under the State Nominated scheme Subclasses 190 and 489, due to having reached their Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) allocated ceiling.

What does this mean for you?

  • Applicants who have a paid, unfinalised application with BSMQ can choose either to remain in the queue OR request a refund.
  • Expression of Interest (EOIs) submitted with SkillSelect that have not yet been considered, will no longer be valid. Applicants will be required to resubmit an EOI once the application process has been reopened.
  • There may also be changes made to the Queensland Skilled Occupation list. Only EOIs meeting new criteria will be considered.
  • BSMQ will advise shortly as to when the nomination process will reopen.

Click here to go to the BSMQ announcement.

Facebook Comment

14 Comments

  1. Manoj Bhan on April 16, 2017 at 10:33 pm

    Hi Northern Immigration Australia,
    Thanks for the update- very valuable information. Do you think Queensland will make changes to the Skills Occupation List? I’m an accountant and I was hoping to apply for a skilled visa. I’m just waiting on my IELTS test.
    Thanks,
    Manoj

    • Manuela Seiberth on April 17, 2017 at 8:51 am

      Hi Manoj,
      Thanks for your comment. It is likely that Migration Queensland is making changes to the Skills Occupation List. But not only Queensland, all Australian states and territories evaluate their migration programs and Skills Occupation Lists on a regular basis and make adjustments. Only occupations in demand which can’t be filled by Australians are supposed to be on these lists.
      Accountants are currently sponsored by News South Wales (NSW), Tasmania (TAS) and Northern Territory (NT). Good luck for your IELTS test! Please contact us if you have further questions.

  2. sam on April 20, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    Hi i am finishing electrical and electronics engineering from cdu this july and as electronic engineer is removed from sol list, can i still apply 190 and 489 ?

  3. Lisa Mabour on April 28, 2017 at 8:35 am

    Hi Northern Immigration Australia,

    I am currently in Queensland and was planning to apply for a Skilled Nominated Visa. When do you think will they resume the Nomination for 190 visas?
    Thanks!

    • Manuela Seiberth on May 3, 2017 at 8:44 am

      Hi Lisa,
      Thanks for your enquiry. Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) has their Nominations for the Skilled Visa Program still suspended. We assume that they will accept new applications from 1 July 2017.
      What is your occupation? Perhaps you would qualify to apply in a different state? However, this would require you to relocate. If you want to stay in Queensland you can look into other visa options, for example Employer Sponsored visa. You can find more information here.

      Please feel free to contact us and we can conduct an assessment of your circumstances and options.

      The assessment includes the following services:
      – Advice on available pathways
      – Visa requirements
      – Pros and cons of each option
      – Indicative costs and processing times

      We are looking forward to hearing from you!

  4. Pisapat on May 25, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    Hi,
    I am a phd graduate. Do you think 190 subclass for phd streamline for QLD are going to change?
    I quite concern about it.
    Thank you very much for your help.

    Regards,
    Pisapat

    • Manuela Seiberth on May 25, 2017 at 12:23 pm

      Dear Pisapat,
      Thanks for your comment. At this stage we are not aware of any further changes. The Queensland Government may make announcements closer to 1 July 2017.
      We will keep you posted. You can also follow us on Facebook or Contact Us!

  5. Ugandar on June 20, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    Dear NIA,
    I am from India and I have 11+ years of experience in software field. In my assessment I got only 5+ years of experience as a Developer Programmer and I am a competent in English language. This allows me to be eligible to apply only for 489.
    I am planning to apply on July 1st 2017. Please advise me whether it is the right time to apply or not.

    Thanks

    • Manuela Seiberth on June 23, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Dear Ugandar,
      Thanks for your enquiry. What state would you like to apply for Nomination? Queensland? Some states have suspended their Skilled Migration programs and advised they will resume from 1 July 2017.
      It’s best to check the relevant websites, usually State Governments provide updates.
      Please contact us, if you require more information.

  6. Kunal Kataria on June 29, 2017 at 1:45 am

    Hi Northern Immigration Australia,

    My Occupation Code is 223311 I applied for 489 visa Queensland for which visa fee was paid to DIBP for me and my spouse. Later we were blessed with a baby, her medicals were also submitted with DIBP but visa fee demand from DIBP is still pending. Is my visa in queue? I paid my visa fee in Dec 2016…by when I will get my visa?

    Thank you for your help!

  7. Farheen on August 15, 2017 at 8:55 am

    Hi Northern Immigration Australia,

    I have been told that BSMQ revises the skilled occupation list twice a year, can you please advice when was the last time this list was updated?

    Thanks & regards,
    Farheen

    • Manuela Seiberth on August 15, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Dear Farheen,

      Thanks for your enquiry.

      Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) has re-opened its Skilled Visa Nomination program on 3 July 2017 and published a new Queensland Skilled Occupation Lists (QSOL). You can find the details here.

      Please contact us, if you require our assistance.

Leave a Comment