Understanding Australia’s Skills Needs with Current Data

Australia's skilled migration program plays a vital role in supporting the nation's long-term economic goals, addressing critical skills shortages, and strengthening its workforce across both metropolitan and regional areas. As the Australian government continues to refine its migration program in response to population growth and labour market needs, skilled workers remain central to the country's development strategy.

Why Up-to-Date Information Matters

Each state and territory publishes its own Skilled Occupation List and sets nomination priorities based on local skills shortages. However, knowing which industries and occupations are actually converting into granted visas is just as important.

The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report (to 31 March 2025) provides real, current data showing which sectors are hiring, which occupations are most in demand, and where skilled migrants are securing state or territory nomination.

• Chefs, motor mechanics, health professionals, teachers, and ICT workers continue to be among Australia’s top nominated occupations nationwide.
• Accommodation and food services, health care, construction, education, and professional services are leading industries for approved skilled visas in most states and territories.
• Source countries such as India, the Philippines, Nepal, China, and the United Kingdom remain key contributors to Australia’s skilled workforce.

Migration Program Planning Levels for 2024-25

For the 2024-25 permanent migration program, the Australian government has allocated 132,200 places to the Skill stream, accounting for 71% of the total 185,000 permanent migration spots. It is designed to address labour shortages, especially in regional Australia.

The largest portion of this allocation has gone to the Employer Sponsored category, with the total number of places increasing to 44,000. The State/Territory Nominated and Regional visa categories have each been granted 33,000 places, marking a slight increase compared to the previous year's permanent migration program.

In contrast, the allocation for Skilled Independent visas has nearly halved, reflecting a stricter focus on employer sponsorship and regional needs. The planning level for the Global Talent Visa has also been reduced, anticipating the rollout of the new National Innovation Visa.

The other 29% of places have been allocated to the Family stream. The majority of these are reserved for Partner visas (40,500). The remaining allocations include visas for parents, children, and other family members. The Child visa program is managed separately and remains uncapped.

Understand Where Your Skills Are Needed in 2024–2025

Australia’s skilled migration program remains one of the world’s most sought-after pathways for professionals and tradespeople wanting to live and work in a stable, prosperous country. Every year, thousands of skilled workers secure visas to fill gaps in local labour markets, support economic growth, and strengthen communities, particularly in sectors where Australian employers can’t find enough qualified local workers.

Skilled migration is open to people whose occupation is on Australia’s Skilled Occupation Lists (SOLs) and who meet criteria such as age, English language proficiency, work experience, and education. Many skilled migrants apply through points-tested visas, such as:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): A permanent visa for workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): A five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in designated regional areas.

Snapshot of Skilled Visa Grants

The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report provides detailed insights into the skilled visa categories that saw activity up to 31 March 2025. This data highlights trends in visa grants for skilled workers transitioning from temporary visas to permanent or provisional residency.

Notably, Employer Sponsored visas remain the most dominant pathway for skilled migrants, while other visa categories, such as Skilled Independent and Regional visas, have experienced declines compared to the previous year.

Understanding these shifts is crucial for prospective migrants and migration professionals alike, as they reflect changing government priorities and labour market demands across Australia.

Below is a summary of key visa grant figures and their changes from the same period in the previous year.

• Business Innovation and Investment: 10 grants (down 7.7%)
• Distinguished Talent: 30 grants (down 25.7%)
• Employer Sponsored: 18,830 grants (up 3.3%)
• Global Talent (Independent): 450 grants (down 34.3%)
• Regional: 880 grants (down 39.2%)
• Skilled Independent: 1,560 grants (down 50.5%)
• State/Territory Nominated: 2,610 grants (down 12.9%)

The Global Talent Visa category, originally known as the Distinguished Talent Visa, was replaced by the invitation-only National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) on 6 December 2024. The Business Innovation and Investment Program closed on 31 July 2024.

Overview of Common Pathways for Skilled Workers

The Australian government offers several visa pathways designed to attract skilled workers to support the country's economic growth. Many of them are points-tested or require nomination from a state, territory, or employer. Here are the key skilled migration visa categories and their main subclasses:

Employer Sponsored

The employer-sponsored visa category is for skilled workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer willing to sponsor their visa application. Employer sponsorship is one of the most common pathways for skilled migrants and international students on Temporary Graduate visas to transition from temporary to permanent residence.

The main visa subclasses in this category include:

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): A temporary visa allowing skilled workers to fill positions when employers cannot address labour shortages locally.
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an employer, providing a direct pathway to permanent residence through the Direct Entry, Labour Agreement, and Temporary Residence Transition streams.
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494): A temporary visa for skilled workers sponsored by an employer located in a designated regional area of Australia.

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)

This is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers who are not sponsored by an Australian employer, state, or territory. Applicants must have an occupation on the relevant Skilled Occupation List and a suitable skills assessment, and be invited to apply for this visa after submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI).

State or Territory Nominated

Visas that require applicants to be nominated by an Australian state or territory include:

• Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190): This is a permanent visa. Applicants are generally expected to live and work in the nominating state or territory for a period of time. This visa also requires you to submit an EOI before you can be invited to apply.
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491): This temporary visa targets skilled workers willing to live and work in designated regional Australia. It allows applicants to stay for five years and apply for permanent residence after three years if they meet the eligibility criteria for work and residence. An eligible relative can also sponsor you for this visa instead of an Australian state or territory.

State-Specific Updates

While the national report provides valuable information, skilled migration success often depends on aligning your application with the specific needs of a state or territory. Below you’ll find detailed updates for New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the Australian Capital Territory based on the latest Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report figures.

Each guide explains:

• Where visa grants are rising
• Which industries are driving demand
• Which occupations top the list in each state or territory
• Who is eligible to apply
• How Australian migration lawyers can help you prepare a strong Expression of Interest (EOI) and secure a nomination

Ready to Explore?

• Victoria
• New South Wales
  
• Queensland
• Western Australia
• South Australia
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory
• Tasmania

Need Expert Support?

Skilled migration can be competitive, but the right information and guidance make all the difference. If you need help understanding the visa application process, preparing a strong EOI, or meeting all nomination criteria, speak with our experienced team at Australian Migration Lawyers. We stay up to date with evolving government priorities and policy changes, ensuring you receive tailored advice based on the latest guidelines. Book a consultation today to get started.