What are the most sponsored areas and other areas with job opportunities in Australia?

Areas such as healthcare, medical services, technology and digital innovation have topped the list of most sponsored sectors over the past two years.

The reports show that this is what official reports show, along with construction, retail, education, hospitality and sustainability.

Since December 2024, significant changes have occurred in the Australian immigration system, and different types of work visas have been directly affected. One of the most significant changes has been the unified list of occupations, the new Core Skill Occupation List (CSOL), covering 456 occupations.

In this article, we summarize the main data from the Administration of the Immigration and Citizenship Programs February 2025 report 2023-24 financial year. The report shows that the Australian government allocated a total of 190,000 places for permanent migration, including skilled visas, regional visas, and other categories like the Parent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program.

Among the most frequently granted occupations for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, General Practitioners and Resident Medical Officers became the most granted occupation, with 4,884 visas granted from June 23 to December 24, surpassing the previous occupation of Chefs, with 4,558 in the same period, both under Skills in Demand (SID) (subclass 482) visa and  Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494).

This change highlights the wave of shortages in sectors such as healthcare and medical services in the country. Other sectors such as technology, construction, education, and emerging fields like renewable energy are also facing the challenge of limited qualified professionals available.

It also emphasises the importance of skilled migrants in Australia. The country faces significant labour shortages in critical industries, exacerbated by an aging population. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics until 2022, “Australia’s strong population growth was driven primarily by natural increase (births minus deaths, 60% of growth) until 2000, and since then overseas migration was the main contributor (57%) until the closure of international borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.”

Skilled migrants have filled vital gaps in areas where there are insufficient skilled local workers. The government reports. Under the healthcare and medical services field, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care shows that Registered nurses, particularly those specialising in aged care, mental health, and emergency nursing, are in high demand, as well as General Practitioners (GPs), Aged Care Workers, Mental Health Professionals.

Another sector receiving high investment is technology and digital innovation, Australia’s fastest-growing industry, with job openings increasing by 6% year-on-year. Software developers remain a key pillar of the technology workforce, but this can include occupations such as cyber security specialist, data analyst and ICT business analyst.

Construction and trade remain strong in high-demand areas, highlighted by the housing crisis and infrastructure projects. According to Immigration News Australia, “Australia’s infrastructure spending is projected to reach $120 billion by 2030”. Civil engineers, electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, mining engineers, as well as electricians, plumbers, carpenters and welders remain in high demand.

Education, training, renewable energy and sustainability round out the big picture in high-demand areas. The Australian Government’s National Teacher Workforce Action Plan highlights the urgent need for secondary school teachers in areas such as mathematics, science and special education. Environmental and sustainability consultants, green building specialists, including architects and construction professionals with expertise in energy-efficient design are increasing.

Below there is the list with top 15 granted occupations for Temporary Skill Shortages visa between 2022–23 and 2023–24, plus current year to date 2024–25 (to 31 December 2024).

Source: Department of Home Affairs, 2025 

Other areas that will see increased employment opportunities between 2024 and 2025 include agricultural technicians, environmental scientists, accountants, auditors, supply chain managers, logistics coordinators and finance professionals, who are needed to support businesses and ensure regulatory compliance. Hospitality remains a broad field, with openings for chefs, hotel managers and other professionals in the field.

Opportunities beyond the list:

What if your business isn't in this core area, or your employee specialty isn't in the top 15 occupations? Should a skilled migrant consider changing careers to fit into this chart?

Aaron Chan, Principal Migration Consultant at Seven Corp, raises that despite a variety of occupations being on the Core Skill Occupation List (CSOL):

“Skilled worker visas – both employer-sponsored and points-based – are generally subject to a minimum level of professional experience in their field by the applicant when applying for the visa in question.

Unfortunately, this may not be entirely reflective for applicants who have decided to change careers whilst on a temporary visa, as this will require the candidate to demonstrate the reasons for their decision, and it is up to the Department to determine whether the reasons given are sufficiently genuine.”

Aaron also highlights that in most circumstances, there is an age limit of 45 for those wishing to apply for skilled worker permanent residence, so the later the career change is, the more difficult it may be for their long-term migration prospects, based on the Department’s current framework, until they become permanent residents.

If you have any further questions about your obligations as a standard business sponsor, do not hesitate to contact a Seven Corp specialist for a free consultation.

Email: employer@sevencorp.com.au

Phone number: 1300 157 707