A New Work Visa Eligible Occupations for Australia and New Zealand – November 2025. ustralia and New Zealand continue to attract skilled professionals seeking stable and rewarding careers abroad. Both countries provide high living standards, robust healthcare, safety, and excellent opportunities for career growth.
Every year, their governments update lists of occupations eligible for work visas, targeting sectors with labor shortages and welcoming qualified professionals globally.
In 2025, several updates were made to these occupation lists, reflecting the rising demand for experts in healthcare, construction, IT, engineering, agriculture, and education. For aspiring migrants, understanding the newly eligible occupations is the first step toward a successful visa application.
Understanding Work Visa Occupation Lists
Work visa occupation lists are official reports released by immigration authorities showing the jobs in demand within a country. If your occupation appears on the list, you may qualify to apply for a work visa, provided you meet other requirements such as qualifications, experience, and language proficiency.
- Australia: Managed by the Department of Home Affairs, reviewed regularly to reflect labor market changes.
- New Zealand: Published by Immigration New Zealand, updated to ensure sufficient skilled workers for critical industries.
Types of Work Visas in Australia
Australia offers various skilled work visas depending on occupation, experience, and sponsorship:
- Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa – Subclass 482: For workers sponsored by an employer to fill short-term skill gaps.
- Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189: Points-based visa for professionals without requiring a job offer.
- Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190: For applicants nominated by a state or territory.
- Employer Nomination Scheme – Subclass 186: For skilled professionals nominated for permanent residency by their employer.
Newly Eligible Occupations in Australia
Healthcare & Aged Care
- Registered Nurse (all specializations)
- Aged Care Worker
- Disability Support Worker
- Mental Health Nurse
- Radiographer
- Sonographer
- Paramedic
Construction & Engineering
- Civil Engineer
- Structural Engineer
- Surveyor
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Bricklayer
- Building Inspector
Information Technology
- Software Developer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Network Engineer
- Systems Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
Agriculture & Farming
- Dairy Farm Worker
- Crop Farm Worker
- Agricultural Technician
- Livestock Farm Supervisor
Education & Childcare
- Early Childhood Teacher
- Primary & Secondary School Teacher
- Special Education Teacher
- Childcare Center Manager
Hospitality & Tourism
- Chef
- Pastry Cook
- Restaurant Manager
- Hotel Manager
How to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia
- Check the Occupation List: Confirm your occupation appears on the skilled occupation list.
- Skills Assessment: Get your qualifications and experience evaluated by the relevant authority.
- English Language Test: Take an approved test like IELTS or PTE.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): Apply through SkillSelect for points-based visas.
- Receive an Invitation: Wait for a visa invitation based on your EOI.
- Lodge Visa Application: Submit all required documents and pay the application fee.
- Await Outcome: Immigration authorities process your application and notify you of the decision.
Types of Work Visas in New Zealand
New Zealand offers several pathways for skilled foreign workers:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): For workers with a job offer from a certified employer.
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Points-based visa for permanent residency.
- Green List Direct-to-Residence Visa: For highly demanded occupations.
- Sector Agreements Work Visa: For specific industries facing shortages.
Newly Eligible Occupations in New Zealand – June 2025
Health & Medical
- Midwife
- Registered Nurse (Mental Health, Community Health)
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Physiotherapist
- Occupational Therapist
Construction & Infrastructure
- Quantity Surveyor
- Drainlayer
- Scaffolder
- Heavy Diesel Mechanic
- Building Services Engineer
Technology Sector
- Cloud Engineer
- Software Tester
- IT Business Analyst
- Database Administrator
Primary Industries
- Forestry Worker
- Fishery Technician
- Agriculture Supervisor
- Viticulturist
Transport & Logistics
- Truck Driver (Class 5)
- Forklift Operator
- Logistics Coordinator
Hospitality
- Sous Chef
- Hotel Duty Manager
- Bar Manager
How to Apply for a Work Visa in New Zealand
- Secure a Job Offer: Full-time employment from a certified New Zealand employer.
- Employer Accreditation: Ensure your employer is authorized by Immigration New Zealand.
- Apply for Visa: Submit an AEWV application with all required documents.
- Health & Police Checks: Required to assess your health and character.
- Visa Approval: Once approved, travel to New Zealand and begin work.
- Path to Residency: Certain occupations allow permanent residency applications after working for a set period.
Tips for Applicants
- Verify that your qualifications meet local standards.
- Keep your documents ready: education certificates, experience letters, and English test results.
- Apply only through accredited employers or trusted agents.
- Stay updated on visa processing times and policy changes.
Common Challenges
- Not meeting qualification or experience requirements.
- Failing English language tests.
- Occupation not on the current eligible list.
- Missing or incomplete documents.
- Delay in securing a job offer from an accredited employer.
Advantages of Working in Australia and New Zealand
- Competitive salaries
- Pathways to permanent residency
- Strong work-life balance
- Access to quality healthcare and education
- Family inclusion on visas
- High quality of life
- Diverse and multicultural environment
Top Job Search Websites
- Australia: Seek, CareerOne, Adzuna Australia, Workforce Australia
- New Zealand: Seek New Zealand, JobFix, MyJobSpace, Workhere New Zealand
FAQs
Can I apply without a job offer?
- Australia: Some points-based visas do not require a job offer.
- New Zealand: Most work visas require a job offer from a certified employer.
Is English language testing mandatory?
Yes, unless you’re from an English-speaking country or studied in English.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, most work visas allow dependents to be included.
How long is the visa valid?
Typically 2–4 years, depending on visa type and occupation.
Do I need a health check?
Yes, both countries require a medical check for work visas.
Can I change employers on a work visa?
Usually yes, but the new employer must be certified and notified to immigration authorities.
Summary
The updated occupation lists in June 2025 for Australia and New Zealand open new opportunities for skilled professionals worldwide. Whether your expertise is in healthcare, construction, IT, education, or hospitality, there are multiple pathways to work, live, and eventually settle permanently in these countries.
