When it comes to migrating to Australia permanently, the occupation you nominate can make or break your chances. That’s because Australia’s skilled migration program is built to fill labour gaps with the top occupations in Australia for PR. The government prioritises in-demand jobs in Australia to drive economic growth and support essential services.
With the 2025-26 migration intake maintaining a strong focus on skill-based immigration, understanding which jobs are in demand is more important than ever. In this guide, we break down the high-demand jobs in Australia, how they link to permanent residency opportunities, and how you can boost your PR chances.
Australia’s Skilled Migration Program: What You Need to Know
Australia uses a points-based system to invite skilled workers to apply for PR. There are multiple visa pathways:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): No sponsorship needed
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): Requires state or territory nomination
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): Requires nomination for regional areas
In 2025-26, Australia plans to issue over 190,000 permanent visas, with around 70% allocated to skilled migrants. The highest priority is given to applicants filling jobs in demand in Australia through these skilled streams.
Why Choosing the Right Occupation is Crucial for PR
PR eligibility and occupation demand are intrinsically linked within Australia’s migration framework. The Department of Home Affairs maintains various occupation lists. If you want PR, your occupation needs to appear on one of the three major skills lists:
- MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List)
- STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List)
- ROL (Regional Occupation List)
Jobs on these lists are considered jobs that are in high demand in Australia and are more likely to receive invitations, employer sponsorships, or state nominations. Your occupation can determine:
Top In-Demand Occupations for PR in Australia (2025–26)
Based on recent trends and government priorities, several broad occupation categories consistently feature as in-demand jobs in Australia. These professions are vital for Australia’s economic growth and community well-being.
Healthcare and Medical Professionals
Australia has a pressing and ongoing need for healthcare workers across all states and territories. This sector consistently offers numerous jobs in demand in Australia for skilled migrants. To work in these professions, individuals typically require registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Key occupations in this area include:
- Registered Nurses (various specialisations): Consistently one of the highest demand jobs in Australia due to an aging population and increasing healthcare needs.
- Aged Care Workers: Critical for supporting Australia’s elderly population. These positions require registration with AHPRA. Healthcare workers are constantly among the in-demand jobs in demand in Australia.
- General Practitioners (GPs) and Medical Specialists: Essential to rural and metropolitan healthcare services.
IT and Software Professionals
Australia’s thriving tech industry continues to grow, driving strong demand for skilled IT professionals. This makes it a prime area for what jobs in demand in Australia. Roles in this sector include:
- Software Engineers and Developer Programmers: Consistently among the top occupations granted permanent residency, especially through the 189 visa. Having relevant certifications and solid work experience is highly valued.
- Cybersecurity Analysts: As digital threats evolve, so does the need for experts to protect systems and data.
- Data Scientists: Essential for leveraging big data to drive business decisions. These tech professionals are regularly issued 189 visas. Strong industry certifications and Australian work experience can strengthen your case.
Engineering Professionals
The infrastructure development and mining sectors sustain a consistent demand for engineering professionals across various disciplines. Engineers Australia is the common assessing authority for these occupations.
- Civil Engineers: Crucial for urban development and infrastructure projects.
- Mechanical Engineers: Needed in manufacturing, energy, and resources.
- Electrical Engineers: Important for power generation, transmission, and renewable energy projects.
- Mining Engineers: Particularly in states with significant mining industries. Regional work and employer sponsorship can often fast-track PR for engineers.
Education and Teaching Professionals
There is a consistent shortage of qualified teachers across Australia, especially in specific areas. The Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) is the assessing authority.
- Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teachers: Essential for Australia’s growing demand for early education.
- Secondary School Teachers: Needed across various subjects, with strong demand often found in regional Australia.
- Special Needs Teachers: High demand for educators specialising in supporting students with diverse learning needs. Teachers frequently appear on top regional PR grant lists. AITSL is the assessing authority.
Skilled Trade Workers
Skilled trade workers are the backbone of many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and hospitality. For many, employer-sponsored visas and regional nominations provide some of the fastest pathways to obtaining PR. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is the common assessing body.
- Electricians: Needed across residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Plumbers: Essential for construction and maintenance.
- Carpenters: High demand in the booming construction sector.
- Chefs: Consistent demand in the hospitality industry, particularly in regional areas. Employer-sponsored visas and regional migration make trades one of the fastest PR routes. Skills assessed by TRA.
Social and Community Service Professionals
With a growing and aging population and an increased focus on welfare and support services, there’s a significant and growing need for professionals in this sector, especially in regional areas. The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the assessing body for social workers.
- Social Workers: Providing support to individuals, families, and communities.
- Counsellors: Addressing mental health and wellbeing needs.
- Aged Care and Disability Care Workers: Directly supporting vulnerable populations. Choosing this sector can offer significant advantages for PR due to the high demand. These roles are especially sought after in regional areas and assessed by AASW.
Most PR Granted Occupations – Visa Subclass 189 (Independent Skilled)
Based on 2023-24 grants, the top occupations under Subclass 189 include:
- Software Engineer – 580 PR grants
- Accountant – 399 PR grants
- Registered Nurse – 357 PR grants
- Civil Engineer – 276 PR grants
- Electrical Engineer – 209 PR grants
These stats reflect the top occupations in Australia for PR.
Most PR Granted Occupations – Regional Skilled Visas (Subclass 491 & 494)
Regional visa categories (Subclass 491 and Subclass 494) saw over 23,000 grants in the 2023-24 program year, highlighting why regional migration is a highly strategic PR pathway in 2025-26. Occupations frequently granted PR under these categories include:
- Registered Nurse (all specialisations)
- Secondary School Teacher
- Civil Engineer
- Motor Mechanic
- Electrician
- Chef
These visas emphasise a commitment to living and working in regional Australia for a period before transitioning to permanent residency.
State and Territory Demand: Where Your Skills Are Needed Most
State and territory governments play a crucial role in skilled migration through their nomination programs for Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 visas. Each state and territory publishes its own occupation list and nomination criteria, often prioritising occupations that address specific local skill shortages. For example:
- South Australia and Tasmania prioritise healthcare and teaching
- NSW targets tech and engineering
- Victoria focuses on medical and community care roles
Matching your skills with a state’s needs can significantly increase your nomination chances. Staying updated with each state’s nomination rounds and priorities, often released at the start of the financial year or throughout, is critical for maximising your chances.
Tips to Maximise Your PR Chances in 2025–26
To enhance your prospects of securing PR in Australia through a high-demand job, consider these practical tips:
- Gain Relevant Work Experience: Australian work experience, if possible, is highly valued and can significantly boost your points and attractiveness to employers.
- Complete a Skills Assessment Early: Ensure your skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority (e.g., AHPRA, Engineers Australia, VETASSESS, TRA) is positive and valid before lodging an Expression of Interest (EOI).
- Enhance English Test Scores: Aim for the highest possible score in English language tests (IELTS, PTE, etc.) as superior English proficiency can add significant points to your application.
- Consider Regional Opportunities: Applying for jobs in regional areas or seeking a regional visa (Subclass 491) can increase your chances, as these pathways often have more accessible invitation thresholds and higher allocations.
- Get Certified by Professional Bodies: For regulated professions, obtaining full registration or certification from relevant professional bodies (e.g., AHPRA for nurses, Engineers Australia for engineers, CPA Australia/CAANZ for accountants) is mandatory.
Final Thoughts
Aligning your career with Australia’s high-demand jobs can fast-track your PR journey. With the 2025–26 migration program focusing heavily on skill shortages, choosing the right occupation is more important than ever.
By understanding the skilled migration landscape, identifying the most in-demand jobs in Australia, and diligently preparing your application, you can substantially increase your chances of success. Let VXL Migration help you find the best path to becoming a permanent resident.
How VXL Migration Can Support Your PR Journey
Navigating the complexities of the Australian skilled migration system requires expert knowledge and guidance. VXL Migration and Education Consultants are dedicated to supporting your PR journey every step of the way. We can assist you with:
- PR Eligibility Assessments: A comprehensive evaluation of your qualifications, experience, and points to determine your best PR pathway.
- Guidance on Skills Assessments: Expert advice and assistance in preparing your skills assessment application with the relevant assessing authority.
- Help with EOI Submissions: Meticulous preparation and lodgement of your Expression of Interest (EOI) to maximise your chances of receiving an invitation.
- Assistance in Visa Applications and Employer Sponsorships: Full support through the visa application process, including document preparation and liaising with the Department of Home Affairs, and guidance on employer-sponsored pathways.
Don’t leave your Australian PR dream to chance. For expert advice on what jobs are in demand in Australia and tailored support for your visa application, contact us today.
FAQ
How do I know if my occupation is eligible for PR in Australia?
Your occupation must be on one of Australia’s skilled occupation lists (MLTSSL, STSOL, or ROL), depending on the specific visa subclass you are targeting. A skills assessment by a relevant assessing authority is required to confirm your eligibility.
What is the easiest occupation to get a PR in Australia?
There isn’t one “easiest” occupation. However, occupations on the MLTSSL and those consistently in high demand (like Registered Nurses, Software Engineers, and Civil Engineers) often have more accessible pathways or higher invitation rounds. Regional demand can also make certain occupations easier to secure PR.
Do regional occupations increase my PR chances?
Yes, significantly. Regional areas in Australia have specific skill shortages, and the government prioritises migration to these areas. Regional visas (Subclass 491) offer more points and often lead to PR (Subclass 191) after a period of living and working in a designated regional area.
Can I apply for PR without an Australian job offer?
Yes, for certain visas like the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) and Skilled Nominated (Subclass 190), a job offer is not strictly required. However, having one can increase your points or be a requirement for some state nomination streams. Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 186, 482, 494) naturally require a job offer.
Which visas are best for skilled professionals seeking PR in 2025?
The best visas typically include:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): For highly skilled individuals with occupations on the MLTSSL.
- Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): Requires state/territory nomination for occupations on their specific lists.
- Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional): A provisional visa leading to PR after 3 years, requiring state/territory nomination or family sponsorship in a regional area.
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): A direct PR pathway if you are sponsored by an Australian employer.
Do I need work experience in Australia to get PR?
While not always mandatory, Australian work experience can significantly increase your points and improve your chances, especially for points-tested visas. For some employer-sponsored visas, specific periods of work experience with the sponsoring employer are required.
What English test score is required for skilled migration?
The minimum English proficiency varies by visa subclass and points claimed. Generally, “competent English” (e.g., IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent) is the minimum, but “proficient” (e.g., IELTS 7.0) or “superior” (e.g., IELTS 8.0) English can earn you additional points.
How long does it take to get PR through a skilled visa?
Processing times vary widely based on the visa subclass, the completeness of your application, and the current demand. It can range from a few months to over two years. Regional and employer-sponsored visas often have faster processing times compared to independent skilled visas due to prioritisation.
Can VXL Migration help me choose the right occupation and visa stream?
Absolutely. VXL Migration and Education Consultants specialises in assessing your qualifications and experience against Australia’s current occupation lists and migration policies. We can guide you in identifying the most suitable occupation and visa stream to maximise your PR chances.