The Most In Demand Jobs for Skilled Migration To Australia
The coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on the economies of all the countries across the world. Australia was no exception. However, in early 2022, it has been gradually reopening its borders, welcoming not only returning tourists but also migrant workers and skilled professionals alike. (navigate to How to move safely during Covid page to find out most recent information)
In the aftermath of the health crisis, the country's government has been making every effort to fill the skilled labour market gaps. Although the majority of skilled immigration to Australia was of British descent, in recent years, the Australian job market has been attracting a growing number of specialists from India and China.
With this in mind, let's take a look at the most in demand jobs for skilled migration to Australia and what you will have to do to land yourself a lucrative contract down under.
Immigration to Australia for Work Purposes
Much in the same way as any other country, Australia offers a number of pathways for skilled specialists to immigrate into the country. The guarantee of legal employment and permanent residence has ensured a revived interest among skilled professionals in taking root in the land of OZ.
Each year, the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) publishes an updated list of most in demand jobs for skilled migration. As of early 2022, the list has a stunning 200 occupations. There is plenty of room for anyone thinking seriously of relocating permanently to the antipodes. If you are looking for international removals to Australia - we are ready to help. Contact us to get free quote to check shipping costs.
Demand Meets Supply
As you may expect, some occupations turn out to be far more popular than others. So much so that the government had to introduce quotas on the number of places to be granted. In 2022, Australia is expecting to welcome a total of 160,000 migrants from all over the world, half of which will be skilled immigration workers. To ensure equal opportunities on the job market - but also with a view to filling the most urgent labour gaps – the DoHA’s Skilled Occupation List (SOL) has occupation ceilings on each position advertised. Bearing in mind these quotas and the length of time needed for the processing of visa applications, it is a good idea to apply well in advance. First come, first served.
Skilled Visas to Australia – What You Have to Know
The Australian General Skilled Migration Visa system offers a selection of visas to facilitate immigration for those looking to settle down permanently into the country. Here are the types of visas you can apply for:
- Skilled Nominated Visa
- Skilled Independent Visa
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
- Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa
- State Regional Sponsored
- Family Sponsored
The Skilled Nominated Visa is dedicated to those who have managed to secure a binding offer of employment from an Australian-based company as a result of independent research into the Australian job market. It is by far the shortest way to obtaining permanent residence in Australia but the responsibility of landing a contract rests solely with the applicant.
The most popular, yet decidedly more demanding way of applying for a job is through the Skilled Independent Visa programme. As such, prior to filing the actual application for your visa, you will have to go through the process of summarising your skills and expressing your interest in a specific occupation listed in the SOL.
Express of Interest Procedure and Requirements
The Express of Interest (EOI) procedure is an integral part of the process of applying for the Skilled Independent Visa. This is, in fact, the first step you will have to take before filing your application. To meet the requirements, you will have to supply:
- Personal information
- Relevant work experience
- Documents confirming you qualifications
- Proof of literacy in English (sit an internationally recognised language proficiency test, such as IELTS)
- Details of the Skill Assessment procedure related to your desired occupation
Time to Apply for Professional Skilled Migration to Australia!
Having supplied all the required information in the EOI module, you are now ready to proceed with the application procedure. All you have to do is place your application in the SkillSelect module and wait for accreditation. Unlike in the case of Skilled Nominated Visa, applying for the Skilled Independent Visa comes with some additional conditions you will have to take into consideration. These are:
- You must be aged between 18 and 45
- Your education must be at least a bachelor’s degree; master’s degree and Ph.D. more than welcome
- Your working experience should span a minimum of twelve consecutive months
- You will have to supply a health and police clearance certificates
The Procedure
Your eligibility for the position of interest will be judged based on the outcome of the Skill Assessment procedure and the information you have provided in the Express of Interest section. A dedicated accrediting body will determine whether your skills qualify you as a valuable asset to the Australian economy. The procedure takes up to three months. If successful, you will be issued a letter of accreditation. That’ll be the first yes you will receive.
The IELTS examination requirements will require that you score a minimum of 6 out of 9 points in the following language skills:
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
Since your occupation may be in high demand in a specific state, you are free to aly for a nomination directly with the respective state government. In such cases, the nomination processing time is between 1 and 4 weeks since tiling the application.
Bear in mind that all the documentation you include during the online application procedure will have to be in English. You will have to upload certified translations thereof, in case yours were issued in a different language.
Last but not least, the health certificate can be issued exclusively by a doctor registered with the local Australian embassy. The police clearance will have to testify to your having lived in your country for at least twelve months in the last ten years.
The overall cost of applying for a visa in Australia will differ in a number of ways:
- Primary applicant will have to pay 4,115 AUD
- Dependants below 18 years – 1,030 AUD
- Dependants above 18 years – 2,055 AUD
- Medical fees will total up to 98.55 AUD
- Visa Label Fees cost 69.68 AUD
The Most in Demand Jobs in Australia in 2022
The Skilled Occupation List updated for the 2022 season catalogues over 200 job openings available to skilled workers from abroad. Candidates have access to the regularly updated occupation ceiling information through the relevant government webpages. Thus, bearing in mind the lengthy application processing time and the overall interest in some of the most popular occupations, it is advisable to apply as early as possible.
In 2022, more than ever, Australia needs skilled medical personnel. Expectedly, the demand for qualified medical practitioners is determined by the worldwide health crisis. The quota for nurses and mental health specialists in 2022 is 17,859.
Electrical engineering skills are in short supply. This year, Australia will guarantee 8,021 jobs for qualified electricians. The scope of occupations for electricians is broad, including job openings for circuit designers, computer system design and power network maintenance. This is a very lucrative niche offering stable employment and ample benefits.
With the growing popularity of blockchain technology and the fast-paced development of the gaming industry, Australia’s demand for skilled software and application programmers is huge. In 2022, the total number of job openings for IT specialists is 8,405. From marketing agencies to highly specialised tech companies, employment opportunities for software engineers, testers and web builders.
Teachers are much sought-after, too. Secondary school education alone needs 8,716 qualified and experienced teachers. Currently, it is mathematicians and language specialists that are in short supply. If you are considering taking up employment as a teacher, you will have to complete extra vocational training to meet the requirements of the Australian education system.
Civil engineering is another area abounding in lucrative employment opportunities. Your vocational qualifications will have to include advanced skills in organising and managing business projects. With a total of 7,145 job openings reserved for civil engineers and construction managers, Australia has a rich offer of vocational enhancement courses to suit the domestic market.
If you happen to possess extensive experience in the domain of finance and accounting, Australia will welcome you with open arms. Bookkeepers, payroll specialists and accountants will have no problem securing employment. Financial consulting and business analysts, too, are in high demand in 2022.
The Australian economy is recovering from the aftermath of the worldwide health crisis. This means a growing need for the implementation of new business solutions across a wide spectrum of areas of economy. New projects demand new managers. If this has anything to do with your occupation, e.g., you possess some industry-specific knowledge and the relevant soft skills to manage complex projects involving a number of cooperating specialists, you will certainly have no difficulty landing a lucrative contract in Australia. Needless to say, you will be given ample opportunities to raise your qualifications as a permanent resident in Australia.