Explore the most needed occupations and your visa options
Australia continues to experience skill shortages across a range of sectors, and if your occupation is in demand, you may have a clear pathway to live and work there.
This mid-2025 update outlines the top occupations currently in high demand, what visa options are available for each, and why acting now can make all the difference.
Why Demand Matters for Migration
Skilled migration to Australia is built around the country’s workforce needs. When an occupation appears on a skilled shortage list, either nationally or at a state level, it can open the door to:
- Priority processing
- Additional points
- Nomination from a state or territory
- Direct invitations to apply
Being on the right list at the right time can dramatically improve your chances of success.
Top In-Demand Occupations in Australia – Mid 2025
Here are some of the most sought-after roles across key industries. Many of these occupations appear on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) or State Nomination Priority Lists.
Healthcare
- Registered Nurses (all specialisations)
- General Practitioners
- Physiotherapists
- Medical Laboratory Scientists
Visa options:
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – Core Skills Stream)
- Subclass 189 / 190 / 491 (depending on qualifications and points)
- Subclass 186 (for those with employer sponsorship and PR goals)
Engineering and Construction
- Civil Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Structural Engineers
- Surveyors
- Construction Project Managers
- Quantity Surveyors
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
Visa options:
- 482 / 186 (employer-sponsored)
- 190 or 491 (state-nominated)
- 189 (for high-scoring independent applicants)
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Software Engineers
- ICT Business Analysts
- Cyber Security Specialists
- Systems Analysts
- Database Administrators
- Cloud Engineers
Visa options:
Trades & Technicians
- Diesel Mechanics
- Fitters & Turners
- Welders
- Automotive Electricians
- HVAC Technicians
- Chefs & Cooks
- Bakers & Pastry Chefs
- Hairdressers
Visa options:
- 482 (Core Skills Stream)
- 491 / 190 (with positive skills assessment)
- 186 (for those with long-term sponsorship)
Education & Social Services
- Early Childhood Teachers
- Secondary School Teachers (Maths, Science, IT)
- Social Workers
- Counsellors
- Youth Workers
Visa options:
Why It’s Time to Act
Demand can shift and states regularly update their nomination lists.
If your occupation is on the list now, it's the ideal time to:
- Complete your skills assessment
- Prepare and submit your Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Apply for state nomination if needed
- Secure employer sponsorship if available
Delaying could mean missing out when quotas fill or lists change.
Let’s Check If Your Occupation Qualifies
At Australian Shores, we:
- Review your CV to determine which occupations you qualify for
- Check current demand across all states and regional areas
- Recommend the best visa strategy based on your profile
