JSA 2026 Shortage Occupation List: What It Means for Skilled Migrants

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) has released its 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL), identifying 279 occupations in national shortage, representing 27% of all assessed occupations.

This is down from 29% in 2025 and a peak of 36% in 2023.

For skilled migrants planning to apply for a 189, 190 or 491 visa, the latest findings provide useful insight into Australia's labour market. However, being on the shortage list does not automatically mean an occupation is eligible for skilled migration or more likely to receive an invitation.

Which Occupations Are in Shortage?

Despite the overall decline, shortages remain concentrated in several key areas:

• Trades and Construction: Building trades, electrical trades and other technical occupations.
• Healthcare: Nursing and selected allied health professions.
• Education: Early childhood education and other teaching-related occupations.
• Engineering: Engineering professionals and technical specialists.
• Science and Technology: Selected engineering, scientific and telecommunications occupations.

According to JSA, 127 occupations have remained in shortage every year from 2021 to 2026, with persistent shortages particularly concentrated among professionals and technicians and trades workers.

Importantly, not every occupation within these industries is classified as being in shortage. Applicants should check their specific occupation against the latest official list.

Why Are Shortages Persisting?

JSA identifies three main reasons why some occupations continue to face shortages:

1. Education and training gaps: Not enough qualified workers are entering the workforce.
2. Suitability gaps: Employers struggle to find applicants with the required skills or experience.
3. Retention gaps: Difficulties retaining workers contribute to ongoing vacancies.

These findings suggest that labour shortages are not simply about the number of available workers. Employers also need candidates with the right qualifications, experience and skills.

Regional Shortages: A Separate Picture

Labour market conditions can vary significantly between metropolitan and regional Australia.

Some occupations may face stronger recruitment difficulties in particular states or regional areas, even when they are not classified as being in shortage nationally.

For skilled migrants, regional pathways such as the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) may be worth considering.

However, JSA's shortage classifications do not determine visa eligibility. Applicants must still satisfy the relevant occupation, nomination, sponsorship and visa requirements.

What This Means for Skilled Migration in 2026

Is your occupation still in shortage, and does that improve your chances of getting PR?

Not necessarily.

The JSA Occupation Shortage List is a labour market assessment, not a skilled migration eligibility list.

Even if your occupation is classified as being in shortage, this does not guarantee an invitation for a 189, 190 or 491 visa. Equally, an occupation being removed from the shortage list does not automatically make it ineligible for skilled migration.

Before submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), applicants should consider:

1. Occupation eligibility: Check whether your nominated occupation appears on the relevant skilled occupation list for your intended visa.
2. Invitation prospects: Review recent SkillSelect invitation outcomes and relevant state nomination requirements.
3. Skills assessment: Confirm that your qualifications and employment experience meet the relevant assessing authority's requirements.
4. Alternative pathways: Consider whether employer sponsorship through the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) may be suitable, including the applicable Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) requirements.
5. Visa timing: If you are already in Australia, assess your current visa expiry date and available pathways before making decisions about your next application.

Key Takeaways

• 279 occupations are in national shortage in 2026, representing 27% of assessed occupations.
• 127 occupations have experienced continuous shortages since 2021.
• Shortages remain concentrated in trades, construction, healthcare, education and engineering.
• Being on the JSA shortage list does not guarantee skilled visa eligibility or an invitation.
• Applicants should assess their occupation, points, skills assessment and available visa pathways together.

Is Your Occupation Still a Pathway to PR?

If you're currently in Australia on a 485, 482 or another temporary visa, understanding whether your occupation is in shortage is only one part of planning your next step.

Your eligibility for 189, 190, 491 or employer-sponsored visas depends on more than labour market demand.

At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers can help you assess your occupation, visa eligibility and potential pathways towards permanent residency.

Book a consultation with Riverwood Migration to review your options before your current visa expires.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

For skilled migration and skills assessment matters, we recommend speaking with Scott Gan, our lawyer specialising in points-tested visas and occupation skills assessments. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

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