Migration Occupation Guide
Explore which occupations qualify for Australian skilled migration — from management to chefs, IT to logistics. Understand your visa options, skills assessment requirements, and pathway to permanent residency.
This guide is for general reference only and does not constitute migration advice. Occupation lists are updated regularly by the Australian Government. Always verify current eligibility with a registered migration agent (MARA). MPAC does not lodge visa applications — we connect you with specialist agents.
How Skilled Migration Works
Find Your Occupation
Match your experience to an ANZSCO-coded occupation on the skilled occupation lists (CSOL, MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL).
Skills Assessment
Get assessed by the relevant authority (TRA, ACS, VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, etc.). Processing: 4–16 weeks.
Visa Application
Apply via SkillSelect EOI (189/190/491) or employer sponsorship (482/494). Points test: minimum 65 points.
Permanent Residency
Direct PR via 189/190, or transition from 482→186 (2 years) or 491→191 (3 years).
Key Visa Subclasses
No employer or state sponsorship needed. Points-tested. Direct PR. Most competitive.
State/territory nomination required. 5 bonus points. Direct PR. Broader occupation list.
Employer-sponsored. Up to 4 years. Transition to 186 PR after 2 years. Min salary $73,150.
15 bonus points. Regional living for 3 years → 191 PR. Lower competition, wider occupation list.
Direct PR via employer nomination. Direct Entry (CSOL) or Transition from 482 after 2 years.
Direct PR for exceptional talent. No points test. No employer. Priority sectors: AI, Health, Renewables.
Occupation Categories
Management & Executive
Senior roles in corporate, hospitality, and operations management — many on the CSOL/MLTSSL with direct PR pathways.
8 occupationsHospitality & Chefs
Chef and Cook remain on Australia's critical occupation lists. Hospitality managers are in strong demand, especially in regional areas.
4 occupationsOffice & Professional Services
Accountants, auditors, HR advisers, and corporate services roles — strong demand across all states, especially Victoria.
6 occupationsTechnology & IT
Australia's tech sector has critical shortages. Software engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts enjoy fast processing and strong PR pathways.
7 occupationsTrades & Technical
Electricians, plumbers, welders, and mechanics — Australia's building boom means trades are in critical shortage, especially in regional areas.
6 occupationsLogistics & Supply Chain
Supply chain disruptions have made logistics professionals essential. From fleet managers to procurement specialists — strong demand across Australia.
5 occupationsEngineering & Construction
Engineers across all disciplines — civil, mechanical, electrical, structural — are among the highest-demand and best-paid migration occupations.
5 occupationsHealthcare & Medical
Australia's number one priority for migration. Nurses, physiotherapists, and pharmacists enjoy the fastest processing and strongest pathways.
4 occupationsDigital & Small Business
Occupations that can be run as lean, digitised businesses — from e-commerce and marketing to web design and ICT sales. Many align with MPAC's business acquisition pathways.
10 occupationsSkills Assessment Bodies
TRA
Trades Recognition Australia
VETASSESS
Vocational Education & Training Assessment
ACS
Australian Computer Society
Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia
IML/AIM
Institute of Managers & Leaders
CPA/CA/IPA
CPA, Chartered Accountants, IPA
Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au), Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) Dec 2024, MLTSSL/STSOL/ROL 2025–26.
ANZSCO codes based on 2022 version (for 482/186) and 2013 version (for 189/190/491). Salary ranges are indicative averages in AUD per annum.