Work Visa Eligible Occupations for Australia and New Zealand: The 2026 Edition
If you’re a skilled professional eyeing a move to Australia or New Zealand, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most opportunity-rich years in recent memory. Both countries have overhauled their migration frameworks, and the results are now fully operational: streamlined occupation lists, rising salary thresholds, brand-new residence pathways, and a clear government signal that skilled talent is wanted.
But here’s the thing: the window isn’t open indefinitely. Occupation lists are reviewed annually, salary thresholds are indexed every July, and quotas can be reached. This guide breaks down exactly what’s on the table right now — which occupations qualify, which visa pathways exist, what you’ll need to earn, and what’s coming next.
| Disclaimer This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official government websites and consult a registered migration agent (Australia) or licensed immigration adviser (New Zealand) before making decisions. |
Australia: The CSOL, the SID Visa, and a Cyber-Sized Opportunity
Australia’s skilled migration system now runs on a single, consolidated framework: the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). With 456 eligible occupations tied directly to the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme, the CSOL has replaced the old patchwork of fragmented lists. It’s the backbone of employer-sponsored migration in 2026 — and a refreshed version incorporating the latest public consultation findings is expected later this year.
The 10 Tech and Cybersecurity Occupations Now on the CSOL
Among the most significant additions to the CSOL are 10 technology and cybersecurity roles validated by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). These aren’t aspirational listings — they’re active, assessable occupations with clear visa eligibility right now. The ACS’s Digital Pulse report projects Australia will need 1.3 million technology workers by 2030, with cybersecurity demand expected to double. The government projects over 58,000 new tech positions by 2028 alone.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Why It Matters |
| Data Analyst | 224114 | Data-driven decision-making is now standard across finance, health, government, and AI-adjacent industries |
| Data Scientist | 224115 | Central to AI, machine learning, and predictive modelling — one of the fastest-growing occupation groups globally |
| Cyber Security Engineer | 261315 | Designs and maintains critical security infrastructure; demand surging across banking, defence, and health |
| DevOps Engineer | 261316 | Cloud-native deployment and automation expertise coveted by enterprise tech and government agencies |
| Penetration Tester | 261317 | Ethical hackers are now essential as cyber attacks escalate in frequency and sophistication |
| Cyber Governance Specialist | 262114 | Compliance and regulatory expertise critical as Australia tightens data protection laws |
| Cyber Security Advisor | 262115 | Executive-level strategic risk-mitigation planning — increasingly a board-level conversation |
| Cyber Security Analyst | 262116 | Frontline security operations expanding rapidly in both government and private sectors |
| Cyber Security Architect | 262117 | High-level security design roles needed across every major industry sector |
| Cyber Security Ops Coordinator | 262118 | Security operation centre leadership urgently needed to manage round-the-clock threat response |
NSW and the ACT have specifically flagged “Digital and Cyber” as priority sectors in their state nomination programs. South Australia issued 344 invitations in January 2026, with cybersecurity and tech roles dominating the ACT’s Nominated Migration Program.
Beyond Tech: Australia’s Broader Shortage Landscape for 2026
Cybersecurity and data aren’t the only game in town. According to the most recent Occupation Shortage Report, approximately 29% of assessed occupations remain in shortage, with 139 occupations in persistent shortage for five consecutive years. The sectors driving the strongest migration demand in 2026 are:
| Sector | Key Roles | 2026 Snapshot |
| Healthcare | Registered Nurses, GPs, Midwives, Physiotherapists | Largest share of persistent shortages; in-demand across metro and regional Australia for 5+ years straight |
| Technology | Software Engineers, Cybersecurity Specialists, ICT Business Analysts, Data Scientists | 58,000+ new positions projected by 2028; states offering priority nomination |
| Skilled Trades | Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Auto Mechanics | Vacancy fill rate dropped to 54.3% for Skill Level 3 — hardest roles to recruit nationally |
| Education | Secondary Teachers (STEM), Early Childhood Teachers, Special Education | Acute shortages especially in regional areas; maths and science teachers most needed |
| Construction | Civil Engineers, Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors | Fueled by housing crisis and infrastructure spending; Parramatta alone forecast to hit 286,470 population by end of 2026 |
Australia’s 2026 Visa Pathways: How to Actually Get In?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa has replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa and now operates under a three-stream structure. Here’s how each pathway works:
| Visa | Type | Min Salary (2026) | Key Details |
| Subclass 482 — Core Skills | Temp (4 years) | AUD $79,499/yr (from 1 July 2026) | Employer-sponsored; occupation must be on CSOL. Leads to PR via subclass 186 after 2 years. Time is portable across sponsors. |
| Subclass 482 — Specialist Skills | Temp (4 years) | AUD $146,717/yr (from 1 July 2026) | No occupation list required. For high-income, highly specialised professionals. No skills assessment needed in most cases. |
| Subclass 186 (ENS) | Permanent | Same as 482 Core Skills | Employer-nominated permanent residency. Transition from 482 after 2 years of full-time work. |
| Subclass 189 | Permanent | N/A (points-tested) | Skilled Independent visa. No sponsor needed. Min 65 points (realistically 85+ for competitive occupations). Must be on MLTSSL. |
| Subclass 190 / 491 | Perm / Provisional | Varies by state | State-nominated pathways. 491 is a 5-year regional provisional visa that converts to PR after 3 years. Often lower points threshold. |
The July 2026 Salary Threshold Increase: What You Must Know
From July 1, 2026, Australia’s minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas are going up. This happens automatically every year through indexation, but the numbers matter if you’re negotiating a job offer or your employer is planning to lodge a nomination.
Salary Threshold Changes — Effective 1 July 2026
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Strategic tip: If your employer is ready to sponsor you and your salary is borderline, lodging the nomination before July 1 locks in the current (lower) threshold. Several migration firms report employers are already accelerating recruitment campaigns to beat the deadline.
New Zealand: Green List, 47 New NOL Roles, and the SMC Overhaul for 2026
New Zealand’s immigration system is in the middle of its most significant transformation in years. The Green List continues to expand, the National Occupation List (NOL) is gradually replacing the old ANZSCO classification system, and a major overhaul of the Skilled Migrant Category is launching in August 2026. If you’re a skilled professional or tradesperson, the pathways to New Zealand residency have never been wider.
The Green List: Fast-Track Residency in Two Tiers
New Zealand’s Green List is the country’s priority occupation pathway to residency. It operates on two tiers, and understanding the distinction is critical to your planning:
| Tier | Pathway | Example Occupations |
| Tier 1 | Straight to Residence — apply immediately upon securing an eligible job. No waiting period. Fee starts at NZ$6,450. | GPs, Registered Nurses, Structural Engineers, Construction Project Managers, Software Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Dentists, Surgeons |
| Tier 2 | Work to Residence — work for 24 months in an eligible role with an Accredited Employer, then apply for residence. | Metal Fabricators, Welders, Fitters, Panel Beaters, Vehicle Painters, Paving Plant Operators, Automotive Electricians, Diesel Mechanics, Telecommunications Technicians, Corrections Officers |
The Green List now includes an expanded roster of skilled trades on the Tier 2 (Work to Residence) pathway. Ten trades occupations were added, directly tied to New Zealand’s manufacturing recovery — a sector contributing approximately NZD $21.8 billion annually to the economy. Immigration Minister Erica Stanford explicitly positioned these additions as a response to persistent labour shortages holding back productivity.
Newly Eligible Trades on the Green List (Tier 2)
| Occupation | Min Wage Threshold | Notes |
| Metal Fabricator | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | High-demand manufacturing |
| Welder (Pressure Welder) | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | Critical for infrastructure |
| Fitter (General) | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | Persistent shortage |
| Fitter and Turner | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | Engineering support |
| Fitter-Welder | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | Hybrid skill set valued |
| Metal Machinist | $43.63/hr ($90,750/yr) | Precision manufacturing |
| Panel Beater | $38.59/hr ($80,267/yr) | Automotive sector gap |
| Vehicle Painter | $38.59/hr ($80,267/yr) | Automotive sector gap |
| Paving Plant Operator | $38.59/hr ($80,267/yr) | Infrastructure projects |
| Earthmoving Plant Operator | $38.59/hr ($80,267/yr) | Construction demand |
Eligibility requires a job or job offer from an Accredited Employer, age 55 or under, 24 months of NZ work experience in the relevant trade, and meeting the occupation-specific wage threshold above.
March 2026: 47 New Occupations Join the National Occupation List
On March 9, 2026, Immigration New Zealand expanded the National Occupation List (NOL) with 47 additional skill level 1–3 occupations. The NOL is gradually replacing the old ANZSCO classification system and is the go-to framework for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications. This expansion covers roles across healthcare, trades, hospitality (including reclassified chef roles split by seniority and skill level), and technical sectors.
At the same time, three occupations — pet groomer, nanny, and kennel hand — were reclassified from Skill Level 3 to Skill Level 4, introducing additional requirements including English language standards and shorter maximum stay periods.
Updated Wage Thresholds: The Numbers That Matter
NZ Wage Thresholds — Effective 9 March 2026
Teachers must now meet Step 5 of the pay scale (previously Step 4) for skilled residence pathways. |
The Big One: Skilled Migrant Category Overhaul — August 2026
Perhaps the most consequential change on the horizon is the overhaul of New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, scheduled for late August 2026. This represents one of the largest refinements to New Zealand’s residence pathway in recent years, introducing two entirely new pathways:
| New Pathway | Requirements |
| Skilled Work Experience Pathway | For migrants in ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3 roles with at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, including 2 years in New Zealand earning at least 1.1x the median wage (~NZD $38.50/hr). |
| Trades & Technician Pathway | For workers in specified trades/technician roles who hold a relevant Level 4+ qualification, with at least 4 years post-qualification experience, including 18 months in New Zealand at or above the median wage (NZD $35.00/hr). |
This is a game-changer for experienced professionals without university degrees and for tradespeople who previously had limited realistic residence options. The reforms also introduce Red and Amber occupation lists that restrict or add conditions to certain occupations, increased points for New Zealand qualifications (incentivising study in NZ), simplified wage settings (you lock in the median wage rate when you start, not when you apply), and extended English test validity to 5 years for registered professionals.
An AEWV extension option (up to 12 additional months for migrants close to meeting SMC requirements) is also scheduled for 2027, giving people a bridge if they’re almost but not quite there. From August 2026, accountants with CPA Australia membership who can work as Qualified Statutory Accountants in NZ will also become eligible under the SMC pathway.
Australia vs New Zealand: A 2026 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Australia | New Zealand |
| Primary List | CSOL (456 occupations) + MLTSSL, STSOL, ROL for points-tested visas | Green List (Tier 1 & 2) + National Occupation List (NOL) replacing ANZSCO |
| Key Employer Visa | Subclass 482 Skills in Demand — 4-year temp, leads to PR | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — ties to Green List for residence |
| PR Timeline | 2 years via 482→186 (employer); or direct via 189 points test | Immediate (Tier 1 Green List) or 2 years (Tier 2); SMC overhaul in Aug 2026 |
| Min Salary (Employer) | AUD $79,499/yr (Core Skills, from July 2026); $146,717 (Specialist) | NZD $35.00/hr median; Green List trades up to $43.63/hr |
| Top Shortage Sectors | Healthcare, cybersecurity, software, trades (54.3% fill rate), education | Healthcare, trades/manufacturing, ICT, education, construction |
| Coming Next | Refreshed CSOL expected later in 2026; July salary indexation | SMC overhaul (Aug 2026); AEWV extensions (2027); Red/Amber lists |
| Migration Intake | 185,000 permanent places (2026); ~132,200 skilled stream | Net migration stabilising; focus on retaining skilled workers already onshore |
Your 2026 Action Plan: What to Do Right Now?
Whether you’re targeting Australia, New Zealand, or keeping both options open, here are the concrete steps worth taking today:
- Verify your occupation on the current lists. Don’t rely on articles or summaries (including this one). Check the official CSOL at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and the Green List at immigration.govt.nz. Occupations can be added or removed with little notice.
- Start your skills assessment now. For Australia, contact ACS (ICT), Engineers Australia (engineering), AHPRA (health), or the relevant authority for your occupation. Processing times vary. For New Zealand, ensure your qualifications align with the NZQF framework and get an IQA if you studied overseas.
- Understand the salary thresholds and deadlines. Australia’s Core Skills threshold rises to AUD $79,499 on 1 July 2026. New Zealand’s median wage is NZD $35.00/hr from 9 March 2026. If your offer is borderline, negotiate before your employer lodges the nomination.
- Time your application strategically. For Australia, lodging an employer nomination before 1 July locks in lower thresholds. For New Zealand, the 47 new NOL occupations are available for job checks now, and the SMC overhaul in August 2026 may open new residence doors for you.
- Explore state and regional pathways. In Australia, states like South Australia, NSW, and the ACT have their own nomination programs. The 491 regional visa often has lower points requirements and converts to PR after 3 years. Don’t fixate solely on the 189.
- Watch the NZ Red and Amber lists. Once the full occupation lists for the new SMC pathways are confirmed, some roles will face restrictions (Red list) or additional requirements (Amber list). Get clarity on where your occupation sits before August 2026.
- Consult a licensed professional. A registered migration agent (MARA-licensed for Australia) or licensed immigration adviser (New Zealand) can evaluate your specific situation, identify the strongest pathway, and help you avoid costly mistakes.