New Work Visa Occupation Lists Announced for Australia and New Zealand 2025
Australia and New Zealand have transformed their skilled migration programs, offering exciting opportunities for professionals. If you specialize in tech, engineering, aviation, or cybersecurity, now is the time to act.
These changes are significant. New occupations were added in April 2025, effective from May 2025 onward. The goal? To address critical labor shortages and fast-track global talent into high-demand sectors in both countries.
Australia’s Skilled Visa Reset in May 2025
Australia introduced its new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) on December 7, 2024. This list replaces outdated categories and aligns with future job demands. Notably, these occupations are linked to the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and other popular visas like subclass 189 (Skilled Independent).
Newly Eligible Roles in Australia (Effective May 2025)
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code | Why It Was Added |
| Data Analyst | 224114 | High demand for data analytics in various sectors. |
| Data Scientist | 224115 | Surge in roles related to AI and big data. |
| Cyber Security Engineer | 261315 | Rising cyber threats necessitate skilled professionals. |
| DevOps Engineer | 261316 | Demand for cloud-native deployment experts. |
| Penetration Tester | 261317 | Increased need for ethical hackers. |
| Cyber Security Analyst | 262116 | Strengthening defenses in government and private sectors. |
| Cyber Security Architect | 262117 | Strategic design roles are critical across sectors. |
| Cyber Governance Specialist | 262114 | Compliance experts are highly sought after. |
| Cyber Security Advisor | 262115 | High-level risk mitigation planners are essential. |
| Cyber Security Ops Coordinator | 262118 | Urgent need for security operation managers. |
These roles received validation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS) in January 2025, confirming their eligibility for visas.
Apply Under:
- Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
- Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand)
- Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
New Zealand’s Green List Update for May 2025
In April 2025, New Zealand added several high-value roles to its Green List. Most of these positions qualify for Straight to Residence visas, making it easier for you to live and work in cities like Wellington and Auckland.
Newly Added Roles in New Zealand
| Occupation | ANZSCO Code(s) | Visa Route | Why It Was Added |
| Aeronautical Engineer | 233911 | Straight to Residence | High demand in aviation. |
| Naval Architect | 233916 | Straight to Residence | Shortage in marine design talent. |
| ICT Systems/DB Administrator | 262111, 262113 | Straight to Residence | Core to tech infrastructure. |
| Mechanical Engineer Technician | 312512 | Straight to Residence | Demand in manufacturing. |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | 323111-323113 | Straight to Residence | Addressing workforce gaps. |
| Corrections Officer | 442111 | Work to Residence | Immediate vacancies in public safety. |
These roles not only offer work visas but also present a direct pathway to residency.
Advantages of New Occupations
The inclusion of these new occupations in the official Skill Shortage Lists signals faster and more assured migration routes. Here are the benefits:
- Fast-tracked skilled worker visas.
- Residency pathways with fewer hurdles.
- Streamlined job matching with vetted employers.
- Exemption from labor market testing in many cases.
- Simplified documentation and reduced processing times.
In Australia, professionals like Cyber Security Engineers and Data Scientists can enter through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) with employer sponsorship. Many may qualify for permanent residency via subclass 186 within just two years.
In New Zealand, roles such as Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Aeronautical Engineers are now in the Green List Tier 1 category. This means you can start your residency journey immediately, without needing a job offer.
Conclusion
Australia and New Zealand’s updated work visa lists present exciting opportunities for skilled professionals. With new roles available and streamlined processes, now is the perfect time to explore your options for migration.
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