Are you looking to bring your professional skills to Australia? The latest reports from the Department of Home Affairs show that the demand for skilled workers is stronger than ever across several key sectors. For skilled individuals hoping to migrate and for businesses needing to fill crucial roles, understanding these trends is the first step to success. This article explores the top industries and most in-demand jobs for skilled migration in 2025, giving you a clear picture of where the biggest opportunities are.
The Hottest Occupations for Skilled Migrants This Year
If you are a skilled professional with experience in a high-demand field, you may have stronger prospects for visa success. According to official Department of Home Affairs reports, the top nominated occupations receiving primary visa grants are:
- Chef
- Resident Medical Officer
- Motor Mechanic (General)
These roles highlight critical workforce needs in cities and regional areas all across Australia.
Top Jobs in Focus: A Closer Look
Let's dive deeper into the two leading occupations driving skilled migration, based on the latest DOHA data.
Chefs (ANZSCO 351311): Still in High Demand
Chefs continue to be the number one most sponsored occupation. Department of Home Affairs data shows a massive 3,920 visa grants in 2025, representing a 160.5% jump from the previous year. The huge demand is directly linked to skill shortages in the Accommodation and Food Services industry. For talented chefs considering sponsorship in Australia, it is an excellent time to explore your options.
Medical Professionals: A Critical Need
Australia's need for skilled medical professionals remains very high. According to DOHA reports, Resident Medical Officers, a vital role in the healthcare system, accounted for 2,380 visa grants. This ongoing demand shows Australia's commitment to strengthening its hospitals and health services to support a growing population.
Tip: If your occupation is on this list, it's a great time to explore your visa options. Strong demand can improve your chances of finding a sponsor.
Is your profession on the list? Chat with Australian Migration Agents to find out which visa pathway is right for you.
Where are the Opportunities? Top States for Skilled Workers
While jobs are available nationwide, some states are leading the way in welcoming skilled migrants. According to Department of Home Affairs figures, the top three destinations based on visa grants are:
- New South Wales (NSW): 17,430 visa grants
- Victoria: 10,640 visa grants
- Western Australia (WA): 8,560 visa grants
These numbers show strong opportunities in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Tip: Don't just look at the major cities! Regional areas in NSW, Victoria, and WA often have specific shortages and dedicated visa pathways.
Key Industries Driving Skilled Migration
Based on data from the Department of Home Affairs, three sectors are sponsoring the most skilled migrants.
Health Care and Social Assistance
This industry is the largest sponsor, making up 17.9% of all primary visas granted. DOHA data also shows it saw the biggest employment growth of any sector in the last year, highlighting a clear link between the need for more workers and the reliance on skilled migration to fill roles.
Accommodation and Food Services
This sector saw an incredible 112.8% increase in visa grants. With over 20% of all applications being for roles in this industry, it is clear that hospitality businesses depend heavily on skilled migrants, especially for positions like chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers.
The 'Other Services' category came in third, accounting for 8.9% of sponsorships.
Whether you're a skilled professional or a business needing to sponsor talent, our team can help you navigate the process. Message us for straightforward migration guidance.
Other High-Demand Professions to Consider
Beyond the top three occupations, Australia is actively seeking skilled workers in many other fields. There is high demand for:
- Healthcare: Registered nurses, social workers, and allied health professionals are needed, particularly in aged care and to support the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
- Engineering and Trades: Major infrastructure projects are creating a need for civil engineers and a variety of skilled tradespeople.
Many of these roles are featured on the core skills occupation list, which provides clear pathways to a visa and potential permanent residency.
The Skilled Visa Program in 2025: A Quick Overview
Australia’s skilled visa program has grown substantially this year. Department of Home Affairs reports show a 33.2% increase in the number of primary visa applications granted. A key change is that the Subclass 482 visa has been replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa for all applications made from 7 December 2024 onwards. This update shows the government's focus on using targeted migration to solve labour shortages.
How Our Migration Agents Can Help You Succeed
For both skilled individuals and sponsoring businesses, successfully navigating the visa system involves more than just filling out forms. It requires a clear understanding of eligibility criteria, sponsorship obligations, and changing occupation lists.
Our team of registered migration agents at Australian Migration Agents offers professional support to help you prepare a decision-ready application and avoid common delays. We can guide employers to meet labour market testing rules and stay compliant. Get in touch with our friendly team today for assistance with the Skills in Demand visa or any other migration matter.
.png)