Australia’s skilled migration landscape continues to evolve as the Government responds to workforce shortages, economic priorities and changing labour-market conditions. For skilled professionals considering Australian permanent residency (PR), understanding your occupation is an important starting point, but it is only one part of the overall migration assessment.

For the 2026–27 Migration Program, the Australian Government has set a permanent migration planning level of 185,000 places, with 132,240 places allocated to the Skilled stream, representing more than 70% of the program. The Government has also placed significant emphasis on migrants already living in Australia.

At the same time, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) continues to identify occupations experiencing shortages across Australia. Its latest Occupation Shortage List shows that shortages remain particularly significant across areas such as healthcare, education, construction and trades, although shortages vary between occupations, states and regions.

This means that choosing an occupation simply because it appears to be “in demand” is not enough. You need to consider the specific visa pathway, occupation list, skills assessment, English requirements, points, nomination criteria and your individual circumstances.

Key Points for Australian Skilled Migration in 2026

• Australia’s 2026–27 permanent Migration Program is 185,000 places.
• 132,240 places are allocated to the Skilled stream.
• Healthcare, education, construction and trades continue to show significant workforce shortages.
• Occupation shortages differ between metropolitan and regional areas.
• Being in a shortage occupation does not automatically guarantee a visa or permanent residency.
• Different skilled visas use different occupation-list arrangements.
• Skills assessment, English proficiency, age, skilled employment and other eligibility requirements can affect your options.
• State and territory nomination can be important for eligible applicants.
• Employer-sponsored pathways may provide another route to permanent residency.

What Is Australia’s Skilled Occupation List?

Australia does not have one single occupation list that determines eligibility for every skilled visa.

The Department of Home Affairs uses occupation lists and legislative instruments that vary according to the visa program. The current skilled occupation framework includes the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) as well as other occupation-list arrangements, including the MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL for relevant visa programs.

The CSOL was introduced in December 2024 and provides access to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Direct Entry stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). It contains 456 occupations and was developed using labour-market analysis and consultation led by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Therefore, when assessing a potential PR pathway, it is important to ask:

Is my occupation eligible for the specific visa pathway I am considering?

rather than simply:

Is my occupation on the Australian skilled occupation list?

That distinction can make a significant difference to your migration strategy.

Australia’s Most In-Demand Occupation Areas in 2026

Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest shortage analysis shows continuing workforce pressure in several major areas. In the 2025 Occupation Shortage List, almost half of trade occupations and around two in five professional occupations remained in shortage, with particularly strong shortages across health, education and construction.

1. Healthcare and Medical Occupations

Healthcare continues to be one of Australia’s most important areas of workforce demand.

Australia’s ageing population, healthcare requirements and shortages across parts of the health workforce continue to create demand for qualified professionals.

Potentially relevant occupations and professional areas include:

• Registered Nurses
• Medical Practitioners
• General Practitioners
• Allied Health Professionals
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• Psychologists
• Other specialised healthcare professionals
• Aged and disability care occupations

Jobs and Skills Australia has identified health professionals among occupations experiencing significant workforce shortages. Registered Nurses have also featured among major employing occupation groups associated with shortage pressures.

Why healthcare can be attractive for skilled migration

Healthcare occupations can potentially connect with several skilled migration pathways, depending on the occupation, registration requirements, skills assessment and visa criteria.

However, healthcare professionals may also need to satisfy professional registration or accreditation requirements before they can practise in Australia.

A shortage occupation alone does not guarantee a skilled visa or PR outcome.

2. Construction, Engineering and Skilled Trades

Construction remains another major area of workforce demand.

Australia’s housing requirements, infrastructure development, construction activity and energy projects continue to require qualified workers across a range of occupations.

Potential areas include:

• Civil Engineers
• Construction Managers
• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Carpenters and Joiners
• Metal Fabricators
• Engineering professionals
• Building and construction technicians
• Other specialised trades

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that construction has remained one of the industries with the highest levels of workforce shortage.

Construction is also a significant Australian industry, employing more than 1.3 million people according to current JSA industry data. Major employing occupations include carpenters and joiners, electricians, construction managers and plumbers.

Skilled trades are receiving increased attention

The 2026–27 Federal Budget also includes measures aimed at improving the recognition of migrant trade skills and occupational licensing, reflecting the Government’s focus on getting qualified workers into Australia’s workforce more efficiently.

For trades professionals, however, migration eligibility and occupational licensing are separate considerations. A person may need to satisfy both migration requirements and Australian licensing or registration requirements before working in a regulated occupation.

3. Information Technology and Digital Careers

Technology continues to play an important role in Australia’s economy.

Potential areas of opportunity include:

• Software Engineering
• Software Development
• Cyber Security
• Cloud Computing
• Data and Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Information and Communications Technology
• Other specialised digital occupations

Software and applications programmers include occupations such as software engineers, developer programmers and software testers under Australia’s occupation classification system.

However, it is important to avoid assuming that every IT occupation is automatically a high-priority migration occupation.

Australia’s labour market is changing rapidly, including through the adoption of artificial intelligence and other digital technologies. Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 shortage analysis found that some business, finance, engineering and ICT occupations moved from shortage to no shortage, demonstrating why applicants should check current data rather than relying on older occupation lists or online articles.

4. Education and Teaching

Education remains another important area of workforce demand.

Potentially relevant occupations include:

• Early Childhood Teachers
• Primary School Teachers
• Secondary School Teachers
• Special Education Teachers
• Mathematics Teachers
• Science Teachers
• Technology-related teaching specialists
• Other eligible teaching occupations

Jobs and Skills Australia has identified education and teaching among the areas experiencing continuing workforce shortages. Secondary School Teachers are also among the occupation groups highlighted in its shortage analysis.

Teachers considering migration should also investigate Australian teacher registration requirements because migration eligibility and permission to practise are separate matters.

5. Engineering and Infrastructure

Engineering remains important to Australia’s infrastructure, construction, energy and technology sectors.

Potential areas include:

• Civil Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Other specialised engineering fields

Not every engineering occupation has the same level of demand across Australia. Jobs and Skills Australia’s 2025 data also showed that some engineering occupations moved out of shortage while others remained in shortage.

This makes it particularly important to consider your exact occupation, specialisation, location and intended visa pathway rather than treating engineering as one single migration category.

Is an Occupation in Demand Automatically Eligible for PR?

No.

This is one of the most important points skilled migrants should understand.

An occupation can be experiencing a shortage in the Australian labour market without automatically providing an applicant with a PR pathway.

Migration eligibility depends on the requirements of the particular visa.

For example, the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) is points-tested and requires applicants to meet the relevant occupation, skills assessment, English, age and other requirements. Home Affairs states that applicants must have at least 65 points to be eligible for an invitation, but the minimum does not mean that an applicant with 65 points will necessarily receive an invitation.

Similarly, the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) is points-tested and requires at least 65 points, while an invitation can require a higher score depending on the circumstances of the invitation and claims made in the EOI.

Therefore:

Occupation shortage + eligibility + competitive profile + appropriate visa pathway = a stronger migration strategy.

There is never a guarantee of a visa invitation or permanent residency simply because an occupation is in demand.

How to Improve Your Skilled Migration Profile in 2026

If you are eligible for a points-tested skilled visa, several factors can influence your points and competitiveness.

1. Improve Your English

English proficiency can contribute points under the skilled migration points test.

For eligible applicants, Superior English can attract 20 points. However, the accepted test scores and requirements must be checked against the current Department of Home Affairs rules because approved English tests and score requirements have changed over time.

Do not rely on older information such as automatically assuming that “IELTS 8 or PTE 79” describes every current English-testing requirement. The exact test, score and visa rules should be checked for the application.

2. Obtain the Correct Skills Assessment

A skills assessment is a critical part of many skilled migration pathways.

The relevant assessing authority depends on your occupation.

For example, different occupations can be assessed by organisations such as:

• Engineers Australia
• Australian Computer Society
• VETASSESS
• Australian Nursing & Midwifery Accreditation Council
• CPA Australia
• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
• Other relevant professional or assessing authorities

The assessment authority and requirements depend on your nominated occupation and visa pathway.

3. Consider State or Territory Nomination

State and territory nomination can provide another pathway for eligible skilled applicants.

The subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa and subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional visa involve state or territory nomination requirements.

However, nomination criteria can differ significantly between states and territories and can change during the program year.

An occupation that is attractive in one state may not receive the same treatment in another.

4. Consider Regional Australia

Regional migration can provide opportunities for eligible skilled applicants who are willing and able to live and work in designated regional areas.

The subclass 491 pathway is a provisional regional visa and can provide a pathway towards permanent residence if the relevant requirements are subsequently met.

However, regional migration should not be viewed simply as a way to “get extra points”. Your occupation, nomination, location, visa conditions and future PR requirements all need to be considered together.

5. Explore Employer-Sponsored Pathways

Employer sponsorship can be an important option for qualified professionals whose skills are needed by Australian employers.

The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) includes pathways for eligible workers to obtain permanent residence.

For the Direct Entry stream, the nominated occupation must meet the applicable occupation requirements, including the CSOL framework.

The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) can also be relevant to employer-sponsored migration, with the Core Skills stream using the CSOL.

What Does the 2026–27 Migration Program Mean for Skilled Migrants?

The 2026–27 permanent Migration Program has been set at:

The Government has also allocated 129,590 places to migrants already living in Australia, across the Skill and Family streams, highlighting the continuing importance of onshore migration pathways.

The Skilled stream allocation is particularly significant because it represents more than 70% of the total permanent Migration Program.

However, these are planning levels, not guarantees of individual visa outcomes.

2026 Skilled Migration: What Applicants Should Not Assume

There are several common misconceptions about Australian skilled migration.

Myth 1: “My occupation is on the shortage list, so I will get PR.”

Not necessarily.

The Occupation Shortage List describes labour-market shortages. Visa eligibility is determined under the relevant migration legislation and visa criteria.

Myth 2: “65 points means I will receive an invitation.”

No.

For points-tested visas, 65 points is a minimum eligibility threshold, not a guarantee of invitation. Home Affairs explicitly notes that invitation scores can be higher.

Myth 3: “The CSOL applies to every skilled visa.”

No.

The CSOL applies to specific visa programs and streams. Other skilled visas use different occupation-list arrangements.

Myth 4: “Any IT job is a high-priority migration occupation.”

No.

Technology occupations should be assessed individually against the current occupation and visa requirements.

Myth 5: “Regional Australia automatically means PR.”

No.

Regional pathways have their own eligibility and subsequent PR requirements.

How Global Consult Can Help With Your Australian Migration Plans

Choosing an occupation is only the beginning of a skilled migration strategy.

At Global Consult, we can help you understand your potential Australian migration options based on factors such as:

• Your occupation and qualifications
• Professional experience
• Skills assessment requirements
• English proficiency
• Age and points profile
• Current visa status
• State or territory nomination options
• Regional migration possibilities
• Employer-sponsored pathways
• Permanent residency options
• Supporting documentation
• Application planning

Our goal is to help you understand which pathways may be relevant to your circumstances, rather than simply recommending an occupation because it appears on a general “in-demand jobs” list.

Migration requirements can change, so your strategy should always be based on the current rules applicable to your visa and circumstances.

Australian Skilled Occupation List 2026 FAQs

What are the most in-demand occupations in Australia in 2026?

Healthcare, education, construction and skilled trades continue to experience significant workforce shortages, while demand also exists across selected engineering, technology and other specialised occupations. However, demand varies by occupation, state and region.

What is the Australian Skilled Occupation List?

The Department of Home Affairs uses occupation lists and legislative instruments for different skilled visa programs. The current framework includes the CSOL, MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL depending on the relevant visa.

Is the CSOL the same as the skilled occupation list?

No. The CSOL is one component of Australia’s skilled occupation framework. It currently applies to specific visa streams, including the Skills in Demand subclass 482 Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme subclass 186 Direct Entry stream.

How many skilled migration places are available in 2026–27?

The Australian Government has allocated 132,240 places to the Skilled stream within the 185,000-place permanent Migration Program for 2026–27.

Can I get Australian PR with 65 points?

A minimum of 65 points applies to certain points-tested skilled visas, but reaching 65 points does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation requirements can be higher depending on the visa, occupation and invitation round.

Are nurses in demand in Australia?

Healthcare continues to experience significant workforce shortages, and registered nurses are among the occupations highlighted in Australia’s shortage analysis. Eligibility for a particular visa depends on the applicant’s occupation, skills assessment, registration, English and other requirements.

Are trades in demand in Australia?

Several construction and trade occupations continue to experience workforce shortages. Electricians, carpenters, plumbers and other construction-related occupations are significant parts of Australia’s construction workforce.

Are IT jobs still good for Australian migration?

Some technology occupations can be relevant to skilled migration, but the situation varies by occupation and visa. Applicants should assess their exact occupation against the current Home Affairs requirements rather than assuming all IT occupations receive the same migration treatment.

Does being in Australia improve my PR options?

It can be relevant. The 2026–27 Migration Program places significant emphasis on applicants already living in Australia, with 129,590 places allocated to onshore migrants across the Skill and Family streams. However, being onshore does not automatically make someone eligible for PR.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s skilled migration system in 2026 is increasingly focused on skills, workforce needs, employer demand and carefully targeted migration pathways.

Healthcare professionals, teachers, construction and trade workers, engineers and selected technology professionals can have strong opportunities where their occupation, qualifications and experience align with current migration requirements.

But there is no single “best occupation for PR”.

The strongest strategy is to look at the complete picture:

Occupation → Skills Assessment → English → Experience → Points → Visa Eligibility → State/Employer Options → PR Pathway

Before making major education, employment or migration decisions, check the latest requirements for your specific occupation and visa pathway.

If you want to understand your potential Australian skilled migration or permanent residency options, Global Consult can help you assess your circumstances and identify the pathways worth exploring.

Your occupation is only the starting point. The right migration strategy connects your skills with the right Australian pathway.