Expanded Opportunities for Professionals: Australia Introduces New Specialist Careers in its Skilled Migration Evaluation Plan

Australia Expands Skilled Migration Program to Address Technology Sector Demands

The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced the Core Skills Occupation List and the new Skills in Demand Visa, as part of an effort to boost Australia's competitiveness on the global stage. This initiative, spearheaded by the Australian Computer Society (ACS), aims to meet immediate industry needs and build a pipeline of talent for the future.

According to ACS CEO Josh Griggs, skilled migration is a vital pillar in ensuring Australia remains competitive. He emphasises that the new occupations and the Skills in Demand visa are essential for addressing the nation's demand for specialised expertise in fields like cybersecurity and data science.

The updated program now covers 35 ANZSCO codes in the professional technology roles, an increase from the previous 25. The newly added roles address emerging specialisations in cybersecurity, data science, and DevOps.

ACS has integrated industry-recognised vendor certifications into some of its migration pathways, allowing professionals to demonstrate currency and specialisation in their skills.

In a significant move, ACS has expanded its Migration Skills Assessment program to include 10 new specialist occupations. These include roles such as Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Cyber Security Engineer, DevOps Engineer, Penetration Tester, and several cybersecurity-related roles.

Demand for cybersecurity professionals in Australia is expected to double by 2030, according to ACS's Digital Pulse report. By 2030, Australia will require 1.3 million technology workers. Recognising this, ACS reaffirms its commitment to helping skilled migrants build rewarding careers in technology while supporting the nation's economic growth and innovation through diverse pathways.

ACS will continue providing comprehensive guidance and webinars to assist applicants and migration agents with the Migration Skills Assessment process. The updates also include support for applicants navigating this process.

ACS CEO Josh Griggs stated that the updated Core Skills Occupation List unlocks increased opportunities for employers, regional areas, and skilled professionals. He believes that this move will foster growth and innovation in the technology sector, contributing significantly to Australia's competitiveness on the global stage.

Expanded Opportunities for Professionals: Australia Introduces New Specialist Careers in its Skilled Migration Evaluation Plan