Introduction
Queensland has released both Onshore Skilled Occupation and Offshore Skilled Occupation Lists for its migration program 2025-2026. These lists reveal the occupations that Queensland has been facing a shortage of skilled workers. For international students or for those planning to migrate to Queensland, the lists will help them identify whether they are eligible for its migration program and what your next step is if your occupation is currently not in the lists.
Key Differences: Onshore vs Offshore Lists
If you wish to migrate to Queensland under a 190 or 491 visa, your occupation must lie in either Onshore Occupation or Offshore Occupation lists. Below is the key differences between these two lists.
| Category | Onshore List | Offshore List |
| Target applicants | Is for applicants already in Australia (often in Queensland) or those onshore pathways | Is for applicants located outside Australia (“skilled workers outside Australia” pathway) |
| Eligible occupations | Include a broader set of occupations | Include a more selective subset oriented to key shortages; some occupations may appear in the offshore list but not be eligible for subclass 190 under offshore pathway |
| Eligibility for Visa 190 / 491 | Many occupations are eligible for both 190 (Skilled Nominated) and 491 (Skilled Work Regional) | Some occupations may permit only 491 (but not 190) in the offshore pathway; additional conditions or restrictions may apply. |
| Licence / registration requirements | For some certain professions (e.g. electricians, plumbers), Queensland licensing or registration rules may apply even if the occupation is on the list | The same occupation may require license/registration post-visa grant, but some licensing or transitional arrangements may differ. It’s advisable that you carefully check the state’s rules. |
Selected Occupations & Key Details
Below are some occupations that are in high demand, so they appear on both lists of occupation.
| Occupation | Job Duty | Presence on Lists & Visa Subclasses |
| Construction Project Manager (ANZSCO 133111) | Planning, coordinating, budgeting, supervising construction projects) | Onshore: Yes for both 190 & 491
Offshore: Yes for both 190 & 491 |
| Civil Engineer / Structural / Transport / Geotechnical Engineers (e.g. ANZSCO 233211, 233214, 233215 etc.) | Design, plan, oversight civil infrastructure (roads, bridges, water, transport networks) | Onshore: Yes for all major engineering types (civil, structural, transport)
Offshore: Yes for civil, structural, transport etc. |
| Registered Nurse (multiple specialities) (ANZSCO 2544xx, 254499 etc.) | Patient care, clinical responsibilities in hospitals, clinics, community settings | Onshore: Many nursing specialities are eligible for both 190 & 491 visas
Offshore: Many nurse roles (e.g. Registered Nurse, Critical Care, Mental Health) appear in the offshore list for both visa types |
| Secondary/ Special Education Teachers (e.g. ANZSCO 241411, 241311, 241511, 241599 etc.) | Teaching students in secondary schools, special needs settings | Onshore: Yes for many teaching roles for both subclasses 190 and 491
Offshore: Yes (with some limitations) |
| Surveyor / Spatial Planner (ANZSCO 232212, 232611 etc.) | Survey land, map and plan for urban/regional development and spatial data | Onshore: Surveyor, Urban & Regional Planner appear on onshore list
Offshore: Surveyor is listed offshore (both 190 & 491) |
| Environmental Scientist / Consultant (ANZSCO 234312, 234399 etc.) | Environmental assessments, remediation, impact studies, sustainability consulting | Onshore: Appears in onshore list Offshore: Yes it is listed in the offshore list for many environmental science roles |
| Electrical / Electronics / Mechanical Engineers (ANZSCO 233311, 233411, 233512 etc.) | Designing, maintaining, and overseeing electrical, electronic, mechanical systems in industries (energy, manufacturing, infrastructure) | Onshore: Yes for all these engineering roles Offshore: Yes these engineering specialities appear in offshore QSOL |
| Architectural / Building / Surveying Technicians & Draftspersons (ANZSCO 312111, 312114 etc.) | Supporting architects, engineers or surveyors by preparing technical drawings, site plans, models, measurement work | Onshore: Yes listed in onshore list under “Building & Engineering Technicians / Architectural / Surveying” Offshore: Some appear in offshore QSOL (e.g. 312111) |
Please note that:
- Some occupations are common to both lists, but they may be only eligible for subclass 491 under one list or pathway (i.e. not permitting 190) depending on program priorities.
- Additional qualifications or experience: For offshore applicants, Queensland often requires post-qualification work experience in the nominated occupation or a closely related role. Please check the qualification and work experience requirements carefully
- State licensing or regulations: Particularly in fields like health, engineering, electrical trades, surveying, architecture, education and building, Queensland (or Australia broadly) may require state-level registration, licensing, or continuing professional development compliance. Even if your occupation is “eligible,” you may not be able to practice until meeting those local rules.
- Skill assessment & recognition: Your credentials, training, and experience must satisfy the designated skills assessing authority in Australia (for example, Engineers Australia, AHPRA, etc.). They evaluate whether your overseas qualifications are equivalent to Australian standards.
- Quota and competitiveness: Please note that a role appears on both lists does not guarantee selection. Some roles are more competitive or in high demand, and quotas or priority occupations may push less-demanded occupations lower in priority.
If you wish to migrate to Queensland, contact our Experienced Migration Agents on 07 3003 1899 or hello@migration.com today. Our Migration Agents will help you go through all the processes.