Australia’s Current Targeted Sectors for Skilled Migration

National Innovation Visa

Written by Julie Williams | MARN 9903637 | Published 21 October 2024

As Australia continues to grow and strengthen its economy, the need for skilled migration in critical sectors has become a top priority for the Australian government. To support this demand, various skilled visa pathways are available for individuals with expertise in industries that are vital to Australia’s long-term prosperity. These sectors are not only fundamental to economic growth but are also instrumental in enhancing the quality of life for Australian citizens.

Employer-Sponsored Visa:

General Skilled Independent & State Nominated Visa:

The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) provides a point-in-time assessment of the shortage status of occupations in the Australian labour market.   It highlights whether there is a ‘Shortage’, ‘No Shortage’ or possibly a shortage in ‘Regional’ areas only. 

It is interpreted that the occupations labelled with ‘Shortage’ or ‘Shortage in regional areas’ would generally receive priority consideration by the Department.

Here’s a look at the current targeted sectors for skilled migration and the opportunities available for prospective migrants to contribute to Australia’s economy.

1. Health Care & Aged Care

The healthcare and aged care sector in Australia is experiencing an unprecedented demand for skilled and semi-skilled professionals and support staff.  The ageing population and the increased demand for healthcare services have led to a critical shortage of workers, particularly in regional areas. Australia is looking for skilled professionals as medical practitioners, including allied health professionals, registered nurses, and aged and disability care workers.  

A subclass 482 visa would generally be available if an Australian employer is willing to provide sponsorship. Under the current legislation, applicants are able to satisfy the permanent employer-sponsored visa subclass 186 requirements after working for the same employer in the nominated occupation on the subclass 482 visa for two years.  There may also be opportunities for sponsorship under the Designated Area Migration Agreements for occupations that may not be on the standard list of occupations (which may include Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa, Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa and Permanent Employer Sponsored (subclass 186) visa pathways).

Overseas trained medical practitioners are generally not able to secure their permanent residency straight away,  without first working on the subclass 482 visa, due to the specific AHPRA registration requirements.

2. Education

Education is another sector in Australia that faces significant skills shortages. The demand for qualified educators has surged in both urban and regional areas. School teachers including early childhood teachers and special education teachers are in shortage across all the states in Australia.

Teachers with an occupation on the medium to long term occupation list could be eligible for all the listed visa subclass; for those who nominate an occupation on the short-term occupation list, teachers would still be eligible to access a majority of the visa options, except the subclass 189 skilled independent visa or the employer nominated subclass 186 visa under the direct entry stream.

3. Cybersecurity

As the world becomes more digitally connected, the need for cybersecurity professionals has skyrocketed. Australia’s critical infrastructure and businesses rely heavily on digital security measures, and the shortage of cybersecurity experts presents a major challenge.

There is a strong demand for professionals like Cybersecurity Analysts, Security Architects, Ethical Hackers and Penetration Testers, etc.

These professionals are able to consider temporary and permanent employer sponsored visas or a general skilled migration visa. Alternative visa pathways such as the National innovation Visa will be available towards the end of 2024.

4. Construction Engineering

Australia’s infrastructure boom, driven by major projects across transportation, housing, and commercial construction, has created a high demand for engineers and construction professionals.

Professionals in this sector are generally able to have access to all the common skilled visa pathways, either under the employer-sponsored or general skilled visa pathway. Professionals in this sector can include Construction Project Managers, Civil Engineers, Architects, Surveyors and extended construction tradespeople, such as Construction Builders, Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, and Bricklayers; there are a few other occupations; please check if your occupation is the list.

5. Renewable Energy

As Australia transitions towards a greener future, renewable energy is a sector experiencing explosive growth. There is a strong push for skilled workers to develop and manage renewable energy projects such as solar, wind, and battery storage systems.

Engineers skilled in designing and implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar, wind & hydropower projects and Environmental Scientists are needed to fill the skills shortage in this sector.

Apart from the common skilled visa pathways, professionals in this sector with exceptional skills are able to consider the National Innovation Visa.

6. Agrifood

The agriculture and food production sector remains vital to Australia’s economy, with a strong demand for skilled workers across the supply chain. The push towards sustainable agriculture, food security, and innovation has made this sector one of high importance.

Professionals in this sector include Farm Managers, Agricultural Technologists, Food Scientists, Agricultural Engineers, Agricultural Consultants and Agricultural Scientists.

A Subclass 494 skilled employer sponsored regional visa or a subclass 482 temporary skill shortage visa would generally be the visa options available or professionals can consider a visa under the general skilled migration visa pathway.

Conclusion

Australia’s targeted skilled migration programs provide excellent opportunities for professionals across a wide range of sectors to contribute to the nation’s economic recovery and growth. If you are a skilled worker in any of these fields, you may be eligible for a visa to live and work in Australia. With a variety of visa options, including temporary and permanent pathways, there has never been a better time to explore the possibility of making Australia your new home.

For more information or to explore your options, consulting with one of Migration Downunder’s Registered Migration Agents can provide personalised advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Before any immigration advice can be provided, we must hold an initial consultation which will attract a fee commencing from $385.

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