The Top Occupations and Industries for Skilled Migrants in 2025

Australia continues to experience strong demand for skilled workers across several key industries, as revealed by the latest government data. For skilled professionals seeking migration opportunities and sponsoring businesses aiming to fill workforce shortages, understanding these trends is essential. This article highlights the most in-demand jobs in Australia and the industries leading the charge in skilled visa sponsorship. Whether you are an applicant or an employer, knowing where demand is highest in 2025 can guide your strategy.

A Snapshot of Australia's Skilled Visa Program in 2025

The skilled visa program has expanded significantly in 2025. According to reports from the Department of Home Affairs, there has been a 33.2% increase in primary visa applications granted. The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa, previously the key pathway for temporary skilled workers, has now been replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa for applications lodged from 7 December 2024. This transition reflects Australia’s continued commitment to addressing labour shortages through targeted skilled migration.

Top Industries Sponsoring Skilled Workers

Based on data from the Department of Home Affairs, the top three sponsor industries for skilled migrants in 2025 are:

• Health Care and Social Assistance (17.9% of all primary visas granted)
• Accommodation and Food Services (13.4%)
• Other Services (8.9%)

Each of these industries recorded notable growth in visa grants compared to the previous year, underlining their reliance on skilled international labour to support economic and community needs.

Health Care and Social Assistance

The Health Care and Social Assistance sector is the largest sponsor of skilled visa applicants, accounting for nearly 18% of all primary visa grants. Data from the Department of Home Affairs also shows this industry experienced the largest employment growth of any sector over the past year. This correlation between workforce growth and sponsorship demand reinforces the sector’s critical role in both public health and skilled migration.

Accommodation and Food Services

The Accommodation and Food Services sector saw a remarkable 112.8% increase in primary visa grants. With 20.2% of total applications lodged for roles in this industry, it’s clear that businesses in hospitality are heavily dependent on skilled migration. This trend particularly supports roles such as chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers, many of whom arrive on visas tailored for the hospitality workforce.

The Most In-Demand Occupations for 2025

Skilled migrants targeting high-demand occupations have the best chance of visa approval. Official reports reveal the top nominated occupations for primary visa grants:

• Chef
• Resident Medical Officer
• Motor Mechanic (General)

These roles reflect critical workforce needs across both metropolitan and regional areas of Australia.

Chefs (ANZSCO 351311)

Chefs remain the most highly sponsored occupation in 2025, with 3,920 visa grants, representing a 160.5% increase from the previous year. This growth aligns directly with demand in the Accommodation and Food Services sector, where hospitality businesses continue to face skills shortages. For those considering chef sponsorship in Australia, now is an opportune time to apply.

Medical Professionals

The demand for medical professionals continues to be strong. Resident Medical Officers, a key occupation within the health sector, received 2,380 visa grants in 2025. This consistent demand reflects Australia’s focus on strengthening healthcare systems, especially in response to population growth and hospital workforce shortages. Doctors and healthcare professionals remain among the most sought-after migrants.

Where Are the Jobs? Top Locations for Skilled Migrants

Skilled visa grants are not evenly distributed across Australia. The top three states for skilled migrants are:

• New South Wales (NSW): 17,430 visa grants
• Victoria: 10,640 visa grants
• Western Australia (WA): 8,560 visa grants

These figures highlight strong demand in urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, though regional areas continue to offer incentives for skilled migration as well.

Beyond the headline roles, the Australian government’s skilled migration program is targeting a wide range of other professions to fill critical workforce gaps across the country. The healthcare sector, in particular, shows a significant need for qualified international professionals, with high demand for registered nurses, allied health professionals, and social workers, especially within aged care and to support the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Simultaneously, major infrastructure projects are driving demand for engineering professionals, including civil engineers and various skilled tradespeople. Many of these roles feature on the core skills occupation list, providing clear visa pathways and opportunities for permanent residency through streams like the Employer Nomination Scheme visa and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa.

How Australian Migration Lawyers Can Help

For skilled workers and sponsoring businesses, navigating the skilled visa system requires more than just paperwork. It demands a deep understanding of eligibility rules, changing occupation lists, and sponsorship requirements. The team at Australian Migration Lawyers offers professional support to help applicants meet income thresholds, assemble decision-ready documentation, and avoid delays or refusals. Employers can rely on our guidance to meet labour market testing rules and stay compliant with sponsorship obligations. Get in touch with our team today for tailored assistance with the new Skills in Demand visa or related Subclass 482 matters.