Queensland's Immigration Policy is Considered the Toughest in Australia, with Highly Competitive Invitation Scores. For the 2024-2025 financial year, there are only 600 190 visas and 600 491 visas available. However, in such a challenging scenario, there is still one pathway that maintains low requirements and fast invitations: the 491 Small Business Stream.

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Success Story

Applicant Background:
Skills assessment for ICT Business Analyst – 261111, EOI score of 60+15, running a café in the Gold Coast.

On January 6, 2025, we submitted the ROI for the applicant, and just 10 days later, they received an invitation!

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We were one of the first migration agencies to handle the 491 Small Business Stream applications. Small business backgrounds for successful applicants include convenience stores, gift shops, Western restaurants, BBQ restaurants, etc. So far, we have maintained a 100% success rate and accumulated extensive experience in handling these applications. The main policy change this financial year is the narrowing of the remote area scope, encouraging applicants to contribute to more remote areas (not including tourist hubs like the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast).

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Queensland 491 Small Business State Nomination Basic Requirements:

1. Under 45 years of age
2. Successfully completed skills assessment
3. IELTS score of at least 4 in each band, or equivalent score in other English tests
4. EOI score of 50 points (State government nomination adds an extra 15 points)
5. Living in a designated area under Remote Area Stream 1 or 2
6. Applicant must hold 100% ownership in the business
7. Must have held a visa that allows lawful work and have worked full-time in the business for at least 6 months (at least 30 hours per week)

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Stream 1:

1. Invest at least AUD 100,000 to purchase a small business that has been operating at the same address for at least two years, in a remote area outside Queensland’s southeast region.
2. The business must have been purchased within 18 months prior to the submission of the EOI (businesses purchased before July 1, 2024, can still apply by December 31, 2025).
3. Employ at least one local staff member (PR or citizen or a New Zealand citizen holding a 444 visa and living in Australia) for at least 20 hours per week, or two local employees for at least 10 hours per week. The employees cannot be family members or subcontractors.

Eligible Postcodes (Contract Date After September 1, 2024):
4370-4390, 4400-4428, 4454-4498, 4570-4571, 4580-4895

Eligible Postcodes (Contract Date Before September 1, 2024):
4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895

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Stream 2:

Set up a new business in a Queensland remote area and operate it for at least two years. The business must be profitable, and its turnover for the 12 months prior to the application must be at least AUD 200,000.

Eligible Postcodes:
4019–4022, 4025, 4037, 4074, 4076–4078, 4124–4125, 4133, 4183–4184, 4207–4275, 4280–4287, 4300–4301, 4303–4498, 4500–4512, 4514–4519, 4521, 4550–4575, 4580–4895

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Important Notes:

1. No share transfer (Must have a business transfer agreement)
2. No seller financing
3. Cannot purchase a business from family members or relatives
4. Cannot move or sell the business before receiving approval from the Department of Home Affairs (MQ) (before the visa is approved)
5. Cannot purchase a business that has previously been used for migration applications (e.g., 491, 188, 888)
6. Cannot be multiple businesses under the same ABN
7. Cannot be a passive income investment business (e.g., property management rights)
8. Cannot be a home office or virtual office
9. Cannot be a commission or leasing agent for a franchise (e.g., service stations)
10. Cannot be a purchasing agent
11. Applicants must continue operating the business in the designated area for three years after the visa is granted (and may be monitored). If the applicant chooses to sell the business during this period, Queensland has the right to cancel the 491 visa nomination.

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New Beginning Migration and Study Full-Service List

• Registered Lawyer Services
  Business purchase and lease transfer

• Registered Accountant Services
  ABN/ACN/GST company registration
  BAS during business operation

• Registered Migration Agent Services
  Recommend and guide business purchase decisions
  491 Small Business State Nomination Application
  491 Visa Application
  Health check appointment
  Police clearance processing

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Conclusion:

The 491 Small Business Stream is still suitable for applicants with non-shortage occupations, low EOI scores, no nominated occupation job offers, and those who wish to start their own business. Applicants can scan the QR code below to contact a consultant for an assessment of feasibility.