The 2025 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) has just been released. This list shows which jobs across Australia are hardest to fill and where employers continue to struggle to find skilled workers.

It’s a useful guide for any business looking to understand where the labour market is tight and which roles may qualify for sponsorship under Australia’s skilled visa programs.

What’s Changed This Year

The good news is that skill shortages have eased compared to last year.

• 29% of occupations are now in shortage, down from 36% in 2023.
• This improvement is mainly because there are more qualified applicants, higher fill rates, and slightly less demand in some sectors.

However, the problem isn’t over.

• Nearly half of all trade jobs are still hard to fill.
• Around two in five professional roles, especially in health, education, and construction, continue to face significant shortages.

This shows that while things are improving overall, some industries are still struggling to attract and keep skilled workers.

Why These Shortages Exist

The Occupation Shortage Drivers report, released alongside the OSL, explains the main reasons shortages continue. These include:

• Not enough qualified people available in Australia;
• Gaps between what’s taught in training and what employers need;
• Pay rates that don’t match market expectations; and
• Retention problems, especially in regional areas.

Interestingly, the report also found that workplaces that embrace diversity and inclusion tend to face fewer skill shortages, showing that inclusive workplaces attract and retain more talent.

Why This Matters for Sponsors

For employer sponsors, the 2025 OSL can help with workforce planning and visa strategy.

• Identify sponsorship opportunities – roles listed in shortage are often well-suited for Subclass 482 (Temporary Skills Shortage) or Subclass 494 (Regional Employer Sponsored) visas.
• Stay competitive – offering fair pay and good conditions helps attract skilled candidates and ensures compliance with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
• Plan ahead – combining skilled migration with local training and development can reduce future shortages.

The Bottom Line

Skill shortages are easing but still widespread in key sectors such as trades, healthcare, education, and construction. The 2025 Occupation Shortage List is a valuable tool for employers looking to understand the job market and plan their recruitment strategies, especially when hiring skilled workers from overseas.

If your business is considering sponsorship or struggling to fill critical roles, our team at Crystal Migration & Legal Services can help you understand how the OSL affects your industry and guide you through your sponsorship options.