Update (October 2026)
This article is based on 2023 data. Since then the Global Talent visa has been replaced by the National Innovation visa, the 188 business visa has closed, and the TSS visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand visa, which uses the Core Skills Occupation List. See our skilled occupation list and CSOL pages for current occupations.
The Skilled Migration Program is the pathway that most migrants apply for to work in Australia. The main concern for international workers and students is choosing the most suitable occupation based on their skills that leads to an Australian Permanent Residency Pathway. The skilled migration data from 2023 can provide insight into the top occupations for the Skilled Migration Program.
Related:
Skilled Migration Program – General information
Skilled migration in Australia consists of the following visa subclasses:
- Skilled Independent – visa subclass 189
- State/ Territory Nominated – visa subclass 190
- Skilled Work Regional – visa subclass 491
- Employer Sponsor: subclass 186, 482, 494
- Global Talent (independent) – visa subclass 858
- Business Innovation and Investment – visa subclass 188
The most popular visa types in the Skilled Migration Program are visa subclass 189, 190 and 491. These visas account for 44% of the skilled migration program in Australia.
The information below takes a closer look at the top 10 occupations that are being invited to apply for visa subclasses 189, 190, 491 and the Global Talent visa.
Top Occupation for Skilled Independent Category – Visa subclass 189
The total number of visas granted under subclass 189 is 7,213. Let’s have a look at the top 10 occupations that have the greatest number of visas granted under this stream.
The top occupations under this stream are professional occupations. This aligns with the patterns of the Bespoke Invitation Rounds conducted by the Department of Home Affairs since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Professional occupations receive the majority of 189 visa grants due to the demand of healthcare workers and engineers to support the recovery of Australia’s economy post COVID-19.
One thing to note is that the points required to receive an invitation under the 189 visa is relatively high. They range from 90 points to 110 points. As a result, trade occupations are disadvantaged and are less likely to qualify for this visa due to the high points required and not being considered in targeted invitation rounds.
By looking at previous year data, we can draw general conclusions as to the most popular occupations being considered in the Skilled Migration Program. However, it should be noted that this information is for reference only as the Australian Migration Program changes rapidly throughout the year.
Related guides
- Skilled occupation list (current)
- Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
- National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
- Australian visa processing times
- Top Occupations For Australia Immigration – Employer Sponsored Visas
- Bespoke Invitation Rounds For 189 And 491 Visa (Family Sponsored Stream)
- Major Partner Visa Changes, Family-Employer-Business Visas Prioritised Within 160,000 Places
- Migration Numbers and Study Australia Updates
- Australia’s Migration Program – General Skilled Migration
- Skilled Occupations List
- PMSOL
- Global Talent visa invitation numbers by nationality
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