Jobs and Skills Australia releases new insights on migration and workforce trends
Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released two important reports providing fresh insights into Australia’s skilled migration program and broader labour market conditions.
The reports offer valuable information for employers, workforce planners, skilled migrants and organisations involved in recruitment and migration strategy. Together, they provide a snapshot of how skilled migration is supporting Australia’s workforce needs while highlighting emerging labour market trends.
Skills in Demand visa program shows early positive outcomes
JSA’s 2025 Skills in Demand (SID) Report examines the impact of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa program from its introduction in December 2024 through to 30 September 2025.
The report’s early findings suggest the program is broadly meeting the objectives outlined in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy. While the data remains limited due to the program’s recent introduction, the analysis indicates that employer-sponsored skilled migration continues to play an important role in addressing workforce shortages.
Higher salary thresholds are lifting nominated salaries
One of the report’s key findings is that the introduction of the SID visa and indexed salary thresholds has had a positive impact on nominated salaries for primary applicants when compared with the former Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa program. JSA found that salary increases and annual indexation have contributed to higher salary outcomes across the program.
Skilled occupations continue to dominate visa grants
The report found that most SID visa grants were concentrated in higher-skilled occupations.
Between December 2024 and September 2025, 98% of Specialist Skills Stream visas were granted to managers and professionals, while more than 89% of Core Skills Stream visas were granted to professionals, technicians and trades workers. These findings align with the program’s objective of supporting skilled workforce needs across the Australian economy.
Growing use of Labour Agreements
JSA also reported a significant increase in the use of Labour Agreements following recent migration policy changes.
The number of Labour Agreements in effect increased substantially over the reporting period, reflecting their growing role in helping employers address workforce shortages where standard visa pathways may not be available or suitable.
Australian labour market remains resilient
JSA’s Australian Labour Market for Migrants – April 2026 report found that Australia’s labour market remains resilient, although there are signs of gradual softening in some areas.
Employment growth over the past year was strongest in the Electricity, Gas, Water and Waste Services industry, followed closely by Professional, Scientific and Technical Services. Health Care and Social Assistance, along with Education and Training, also recorded some of the strongest employment growth during the period.
The report also noted continued growth in professional occupations, with professionals recording the largest increase in employment over the 12 months to February 2026.
Migrant employment outcomes vary
JSA’s analysis shows that migrant employment outcomes continue to vary depending on factors such as skills, English language proficiency, work experience and length of time spent in Australia.
Female migrants continue to experience higher unemployment rates than male migrants in most jurisdictions, while recently arrived migrants generally face higher unemployment than those who have been established in Australia for longer periods.
What this means for employers
The latest JSA reports reinforce the important role skilled migration continues to play in supporting Australia’s workforce needs. They also highlight the need for employers to take a strategic approach to workforce planning as labour market conditions evolve and migration settings continue to be refined.
For employers relying on overseas talent, staying informed about workforce trends, occupation shortages and migration program settings will remain critical to attracting and retaining skilled workers in a competitive labour market. Contact our team of Immigration Strategist and experts for all your immigration support at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.
