Australia Skilled Visa Occupation Demand List 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to PR

Are you planning to make Australia your home in 2025? With the launch of the Migration Strategy 2025, the landscape for skilled migration has shifted dramatically. The traditional 482 visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is now the primary roadmap for thousands of aspiring migrants.

Whether you are a software engineer, a registered nurse, or a skilled tradesperson, understanding the Australia Skilled Visa Occupation Demand List 2025 is the first step toward securing your Permanent Residency (PR). This guide breaks down the latest lists, visa subclasses, and priority sectors for the 2025–26 program year.

1. The New Landscape: Skills in Demand & Core Lists

The Australian government has transitioned to a “dynamic” migration system. Instead of static lists, Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) now provides regular updates to ensure migration meets real-time labor needs.

Primary Visa Subclasses for 2025

• Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent): A points-tested visa for occupations on the MLTSSL. High scores (often 90+) are usually required due to limited places.
• Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated): A permanent visa requiring nomination by a specific state or territory.
• Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional): A 5-year provisional visa for regional areas, providing a pathway to PR via the Subclass 191.
• Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand Visa): The new replacement for the TSS visa, featuring three streams: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills.
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme): A direct employer-sponsored pathway to permanent residency.

2. Core Legislative Terms You Must Know

Navigating the Department of Home Affairs website requires understanding these key migration acronyms:

• MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List): The “Gold Standard” list for independent PR.
• STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List): Used mainly for state-nominated and short-term employer visas.
• CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List): The new consolidated list specifically for the Core Skills Stream of the SID visa.
• ANZSCO Code: The 6-digit identifier for your job (e.g., 261313 for Software Engineer).
• TSMIT/CSIT: The minimum salary threshold. As of July 1, 2025, the threshold is $76,515 (plus superannuation).

3. High-Demand Industries: Where the Jobs Are

In 2025, five major industries dominate the invitation rounds. If your occupation falls here, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) are significantly higher.

Healthcare & Social Assistance

Healthcare remains the top priority. Registered nurses and GPs often receive invitations with the minimum 65 points in state rounds.

• Top Roles: Registered Nurse (Aged Care), Midwife, Physiotherapist, General Practitioner.

Construction & Skilled Trades

To combat the housing crisis, Australia is prioritizing trades. These roles often see record-low fill rates, making them high-priority for visas.

• Top Roles: Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Bricklayer, Construction Project Manager.

ICT & Digital Technology

Despite global tech shifts, Australia has a critical need for cybersecurity and data specialists to protect national infrastructure.

• Top Roles: Cybersecurity Specialist, Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst.

Engineering

Infrastructure and renewable energy projects are driving the demand for specialized engineers.

• Top Roles: Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mining Engineer, Renewable Energy Specialist.

Education

Secondary and early childhood teachers are currently on the priority processing list under Ministerial Direction 115.

• Top Roles: Early Childhood Teacher, Secondary School Teacher (STEM), Special Needs Teacher.

Also Read:UK Skilled Worker Visa 2026: Salary Thresholds and Requirements

4. State Nomination: The Secret to Success in 2025

With the Subclass 189 becoming more competitive, State Nomination (190/491) is the preferred route for most. Each state sets its own “Priority List.”

Pro Tip: Moving to a regional area (Category 2 or 3) can grant you an extra 15 points toward your Subclass 491 application.

5. Step-by-Step: How to Apply in 2025

1. Check the List: Use your ANZSCO code to see if your job is on the MLTSSL, STSOL, or CSOL.
2. Skills Assessment: Get your qualifications verified by authorities like ACS (Tech), Engineers Australia, or VETASSESS.
3. English Proficiency: Aim for “Superior” English (IELTS 8.0 or PTE 79+) to claim 20 points.
4. Submit EOI: Lodge your Expression of Interest via SkillSelect.
5. State ROI: If applying for 190/491, submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to your chosen state.

(FAQs): Australia Skilled Visa Occupation Demand List 2025

Ready to Start Your Journey?

The 2025 migration program is all about alignment. If your skills match the “Core Skills” list and you meet the new $76,515 salary threshold, your path to Australia is clearer than ever.

What is your ANZSCO occupation? Comment below, and we can help you identify which state currently has the highest demand for your skills!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the Australian Department of Home Affairs or a Registered Migration Agent (MARA), before making decisions.