Victoria Skilled Migration Report: March 2025 Trends & Occupations

Victoria continues to be a magnet for skilled migrants seeking to establish a future within Australia's dynamic industries. Recent data up to 31 March 2025 from the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report highlights robust growth in visa grants across pivotal sectors, clearly indicating where demand for skilled workers is highest.

Victoria’s Thriving Skilled Migration Landscape

The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report reveals that Victoria approved a remarkable 10,640 primary skilled visa applications by 31 March 2025. This represents a substantial increase of 24.1% compared to the same period in the previous year. This consistent growth underscores Victoria’s unwavering commitment to attracting highly qualified individuals whose occupation skill level can address shortages, bolster vital industry sectors, and contribute significantly to the state’s economic resilience.

The Victorian government actively seeks to fill critical roles across various industry sectors. This strategic approach not only supports local businesses but also fosters a diverse and skilled workforce, strengthening the energy-digital economy and other key areas. From our experience, this demand presents considerable opportunities for skilled migrants.

Understanding In-Demand Industries and Occupations in Victoria

The report provides a detailed breakdown of visa grants by sponsor industry, pinpointing areas of high demand across several key sectors. Collectively, these six industry sectors comprise over 60% of all skilled nominations in Victoria for the current program year, providing clear guidance for prospective skilled migrants.

If your expertise lies within these areas, your prospects for Victoria's Skilled Occupation List nomination may be considerably higher.

• Health Care and Social Assistance: With 1,800 grants (an increase of 9.7%), this sector holds the largest share, accounting for nearly 17% of all approvals. This highlights the ongoing need for healthcare professionals and those in social services, including community health and mental health support.
• Accommodation and Food Services: A staggering 1,550 grants (up 109%) demonstrate a significant resurgence, largely fuelled by the hospitality sector’s robust recovery and expansion. This includes roles for hospitality managers and chefs, as well as restaurant manager positions.
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: This sector saw 1,510 grants (an increase of 10.2%), reflecting the continued demand for specialised expertise.
• Other Services: Accounting for 1,540 grants (up by 49.1%), this broad category signifies diverse opportunities, including roles such as sports coach and event organiser.
• Manufacturing: With 880 grants (up 26.3%), this industry continues its steady growth, with a demand for metal fitters and machinists.
• Education and Training: This sector experienced notable growth, with 600 grants (up 54.7%), indicating a strong need for teachers and educators, including secondary school teachers and potentially those in early childhood education.

Top Skilled Occupations in Victoria

The Skilled Occupation List identifies high-demand occupations across Australia. It is a critical tool used to determine eligibility for skilled visa programs, such as subclasses 190 and 491. The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report further specifies the skilled occupations that received the highest number of visa grants:

• Chef: A remarkable 1,080 grants, an increase of 159%, highlighting the strong demand in the culinary field.
• Motor Mechanic (General): 400 grants, up 34%, showcasing the need for skilled trades workers.
• Software Engineer: 370 grants, reflecting the ongoing importance of ICT business analysts and test engineers in the digital economy.
• Resident Medical Officer: 330 grants, underscoring the critical need within medical practice and general medicine, particularly for those in critical care.
• ICT Business Analyst: 300 grants.
• Personal Care Assistant: 270 grants, a significant rise of 327%, indicating demand in aged care and community health, including roles focused on developmental disability support.
• Secondary School Teacher: 220 grants, up 62%.
• Cafe or Restaurant Manager: 200 grants, an increase of 48%.
• Marketing Specialist: 190 grants.
• Registered Nurse (Aged Care): 180 grants, an increase of 228%, highlighting a specific area of high demand within registered nurses.

This detailed breakdown confirms Victoria's persistent need for skilled professionals across hospitality, information and communication technology (ICT), health, education, and various trade services. Whether your eligible skilled occupation falls into these categories or another, it is wise to consult with Australian Migration Lawyers to confirm your prospects, understand your eligibility requirements and ANZSCO code, and assess your skill level.

Diversity in Victoria’s Skilled Migration Intake

Victoria prides itself on attracting a truly diverse pool of skilled migrants. The Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report illustrates the top citizenship countries for visa grants thus far in this program year:

• India: Leading with 2,670 grants, a 55% increase.
• Philippines: 1,300 grants.
• United Kingdom: 980 grants.
• Ireland: 580 grants.
• Sri Lanka: 470 grants.
• Nepal: 450 grants, demonstrating a 194% increase.
• China: 450 grants.

Rounding out the top 15 source countries are South Africa, Malaysia, the USA, Colombia, Japan, South Korea, Italy, and Vietnam, showcasing the global appeal of Victoria’s skilled migration programme. This diversity enriches the local workforce and contributes significantly to Victoria’s cultural and economic landscape. Many of these new workers already possess competent English skills or can acquire them readily.

Key Skilled Visa Pathways in Victoria

For prospective visa applicants, aligning your occupation, skills, and personal goals with the right visa stream can significantly improve your chances of securing a nomination and achieving permanent residency.

Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa

This is a permanent residency pathway for skilled workers who receive a nomination from the Victorian government. To be eligible, visa applicants must have a nominated occupation featured on Victoria’s current nomination list and satisfy all other eligibility criteria, including a valid skills assessment and meeting competent English language requirements.

Australian Migration Lawyers can help assess your eligibility for this visa subclass 190 and guide you through the visa nomination process, including the Australian Government's points test. This pathway is particularly appealing for those who wish to live in Melbourne or other major Victorian cities.

Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa

This is a five-year provisional visa designed for skilled workers who are prepared to live and work in designated regional areas of Victoria. This pathway offers a clear route to permanent residency after fulfilling specific regional work and residence requirements. It provides an excellent opportunity for offshore applicants and those seeking opportunities outside of major metropolitan centres.

The 491 visa also offers a pathway to permanent residency, which can be an attractive option for many skilled migrants. Australian Migration Lawyers can provide further information on securing a Victorian visa nomination under this provisional visa stream.

Understanding the Points Test and Skills Assessment

The Australian government's points test is a crucial part of the skilled visa application process. Your total score depends on factors like your age, English language ability, work experience, and educational qualifications. You might be able to claim additional points for a state or territory nomination or if your partner has certain skills.

A valid skills assessment is a core requirement for subclasses 190 and 491, as it proves that your skills and qualifications meet Australian standards for your nominated occupation. This assessment is conducted by a relevant assessing authority, which is approved by the Department of Home Affairs.

Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers can help you navigate this complex process and assist with all aspects of your skilled visa nomination application.

Employer Sponsored Visa Pathways

It is important to note that the data in this report also highlights the significance of employer sponsorship. In fact, the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Report shows that Employer Sponsored visas are the most common pathway for skilled workers transitioning from temporary visas. If you have a job offer in the state, Australian Migration Lawyers can provide expert assistance with these applications in addition to state nomination pathways.

Strategising Your Victorian Skilled Migration Journey

Staying well-informed about which industries and occupations are securing the highest number of nominations provides a significant advantage when planning your migration strategy. For personalised assistance with confirming your eligibility, preparing a robust Expression of Interest (EOI), or maximising your points under the Australian Government’s points test for Victoria’s state nomination, we encourage you to speak with an Australian Migration Lawyer.

Australian Migration Lawyers are dedicated to providing clear, legally accurate advice and professional guidance, helping you confidently navigate your visa application journey. We can also assist with understanding specific requirements for certain occupations or those concerning English language proficiency and the English test.

Contact Australian Migration Lawyers today for tailored support for your Victorian visa nomination and take the next crucial step towards securing a permanent visa and building your future in Australia. Whether you are applying from within Australia or overseas, our team can provide comprehensive advice on eligible occupations, points criteria, and nomination processes. We are well-versed in the intricacies of state and territory nominations and can offer clarity on various visa subclasses and other requirements.