The vast majority of immigrants who relocate to Australia do so through skilled migration programs. These programs select candidates for immigration based on their potential support the Australian economy by participating in the local workforce. If a prospective migrant has the skills and qualifications required to pursue certain in-demand jobs in Australia, they are invited to live and work in the country. In-demand occupations are those skill shortages in Australia’s labor market that cannot be filled by the local population.

One of the eligibility factors for skilled migration visas is that the applicant’s skilled occupation must feature on the relevant Skilled Occupation List (SOL) — which enumerates occupations that are in-demand in Australia, and their corresponding ANZSCO code. The SOL also mentions the assessing authority through which an applicant must undergo skills assessment.

Candidates can either undertake their own job search or avail the services of an abroad job consultancy to identify opportunities for employment and connect with overseas employers. As per the SOLs of previous years, we can infer which occupations have been, and may continue to be, in-demand in Australia.

Registered Nurses

In 2018–19, 17,322 places in skilled visa streams were reserved for registered nurses. This is among the most sought-after healthcare occupations in Australia. Owing to the growth in the ageing population, the healthcare sector has noted a sharp increase in the demand for registered nurses who can provide long-term medical care and acute care management for patients. Australia has world-class healthcare services, sophisticated medical infrastructure, and scope for innovation. Registered nurses may also pursue further studies in a specialty of their choice. The assessing authority for this occupation is ANMAC. The average annual salary for a registered nurse in Australia is AUD 76,129.

Electricians

9,303 places were reserved for electricians in 2018–19. Qualified electricians must possess the requisite licensing or registration, English language skills, as well as a formal qualification and/or relevant years of work experience in the trade or on-the-job training; to be eligible for a skilled visa, which is more beneficial than a job seeker visa Australia. The assessing authority for this occupation is TRA. The average salary for electricians in Australia is AUD 70,031 per year.

Secondary School Teachers

8,480 places for secondary school teachers were reserved in 2018–19. Secondary school teachers, especially in Math and Science, are in-demand in regional and urban areas of Australia. To qualify, the teacher must have very good English language skills, required ac4412ademic credentials and qualifications, and at least 45 days of supervised teaching practice. The assessing authority for this occupation is AITSL. The average annual salary can be as high as AUD 69,000.

Carpenters and Joiners

8,372 places were reserved for carpenters and joiners in 2018–19. Construction activities across urban and regional Australia require the expertise of skilled carpenters and joiners. Immigrants with required skills, qualifications and experience can consider this option. This is a potentially rewarding career opportunity that assures fair wages. Eventually, experienced carpenters can also establish their own business. The assessing authority for this occupation is TRA. Carpenters can earn anywhere between AUD 40,000 to AUD 90,000 per year.

Software and Applications Programmers

7,200 places were reserved for software programmers in 2018–19. This field registers a very high number of applicants. Aspirants must have a relevant educational qualification and/or requisite years of work experience, and fulfil other conditions. The assessing authority for this occupation is ACS. The average annual salary is AUS 63,712.

Metal fitters and mechanists, motor mechanics, livestock farmers and agricultural workers were also highly in-demand in Australia in 2018–19. The eligibility requirements for skilled immigrants depend on the occupation they wish to practice in Australia, the visa stream, and the Australian state or territory they will be relocating to. Those who have relevant education, training and work experience in in-demand occupations may find it easier to gain permanent residency and access lucrative opportunities for jobs in Australia.