Trends in the Temporary Resident (Skilled) Visa Program – March 2025 Report Summary
The Department of Home Affairs’ “Temporary resident (skilled) report – 31 March 2025” provides a detailed quarterly update on Australia’s employer-sponsored skilled migration landscape for the 2024–25 program year to date. This report offers valuable insights into the occupational, geographical, and industry-based trends that continue to shape demand for temporary skilled workers across the country.
Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for tailored support.
Overview: Employer-Sponsored Skilled Migration Activity to 31 March 2025
Application and Grant Volumes
63,700 primary skilled visa applications were lodged.
48,350 primary skilled visas were granted.
Compared to the same period in the 2023–24 program year:
Lodgements increased by 53%.
Visa grants increased by 33%.
These figures reflect a robust return of employer-sponsored skilled migration in response to labour shortages across health, construction, IT, and hospitality sectors.
Top 15 Nominated Occupations by State and Territory
Section 1.19 of the March 2025 report presents a breakdown of the top 15 nominated occupations for employer-sponsored skilled visa grants, categorised by the location of the nominated position.
Most Frequently Nominated Occupations (Nationally)
Registered Nurses
Software Engineers
ICT Business Analysts
Chefs
Civil Engineers
Construction Project Managers
Mechanical Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Motor Mechanics
General Practitioners
Accountants (General)
Marketing Specialists
Physiotherapists
University Lecturers
Secondary School Teachers
These occupations appeared consistently across multiple jurisdictions, indicating their high demand nationwide.
Regional Demand and Occupational Distribution
New South Wales
Strongest demand for IT professionals, engineers, and healthcare workers.
Leading state by total number of skilled employer-sponsored grants.
Victoria
Notable concentrations in ICT, education, and health.
Hospitality roles such as chefs and front-line food service also well represented.
Queensland
Increasing demand for motor mechanics, chefs, and tradespeople.
High need for healthcare workers in regional areas.
Western Australia
Engineering and resource-based roles dominate, reflecting the strength of the mining and construction industries.
South Australia, Tasmania, ACT and NT
Consistent demand for registered nurses, medical officers, and teaching professionals.
Smaller visa volumes but similar occupation patterns.
Sectoral Trends and Insights
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
ICT occupations remain dominant across urban centres. Roles such as software engineers, ICT business analysts, and systems administrators continue to be among the most nominated.
Healthcare
Healthcare professionals—particularly registered nurses, general practitioners, and allied health workers—are in constant demand across all states, with regional locations offering competitive remuneration to attract international talent.
Construction and Engineering
Roles in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering are among the top nominated, reflecting national infrastructure projects and urban expansion.
Hospitality and Trades
Hospitality, especially chef positions, has seen a substantial recovery. Motor mechanics and electricians have also experienced sharp increases in nomination volumes.
Remuneration Insights
According to the report:
Mining roles commanded the highest average base salaries (around $156,300).
Skilled professionals in ICT and healthcare also earned competitive salaries, particularly in states like NSW and WA.
Salary levels varied by occupation, state, and whether the position was located in a regional or metropolitan area.
Nationality of Skilled Workers
Top countries of citizenship for skilled employer-sponsored visa recipients:
India: 8,730 grants (~18.1% of total), a 62.6% increase year-on-year.
Philippines: 7,880 grants (~16.3%)
United Kingdom: 5,270 grants (~10.9%)
These figures highlight the continued reliance on skilled professionals from Asia and Europe to fill critical workforce gaps in Australia.
Implications for Skilled Visa Policy
The March 2025 report confirms the sustained need for employer-sponsored skilled migration to address national labour shortages. While the Skills in Demand (SID) visa is now the primary pathway, the trends identified in this report continue to inform policy development and occupational planning.
Key takeaways:
Consistent demand across ICT, healthcare, engineering, trades, and hospitality.
Strong engagement from regional areas seeking skilled professionals.
Steady growth in applications and grants year-on-year.
Employers and skilled workers should use this data to better understand where migration opportunities are likely to remain strong under the new visa framework.
Planning to Hire or Apply for a Skilled Visa?
One Planet Migration Law supports employers and skilled professionals navigating Australia’s evolving migration system. Whether you need assistance with sponsoring a skilled worker or applying under the Skills in Demand visa, our experienced team can guide you through every step of the process.
Contact us today for tailored, expert advice.
Simplifying immigration. Connecting humanity.
Note: The information provided in this article is meant for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Although we strive to provide accurate and useful information, the nuances of Australian immigration law demand personalised advice from legal professionals. Given the dynamic nature of migration regulations, it is essential to consult with experienced immigration experts for up-to-date insights tailored to your individual circumstances. We strongly advise seeking professional guidance to navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law effectively and to achieve the most favorable outcomes for your immigration journey.
