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For Brits moving abroad
Professional Jobs in Australia
Last checked: October 2026
Accountants, engineers, IT specialists and many other professionals are on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List, which is used for employer-sponsored visas. For qualified UK professionals, that means real opportunities.
But you can't just arrive and start work. You'll need a positive skills assessment for your visa, and some professions also need registration or licensing before you can practise.
This guide covers the professional jobs in Australia that are in demand, the main visa routes, and what you'll need to sort before you land.
Professional jobs in demand in Australia
All of these jobs are on Australia's Core Skills Occupation List, used for employer-sponsored visas.
Engineering
Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Mining Engineer (excluding Petroleum), Geotechnical Engineer, Transport Engineer, Environmental Engineer
IT and cyber security
Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, Analyst Programmer, Cyber Security Engineer, Cyber Security Analyst, Devops Engineer, ICT Business Analyst, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Network Administrator
Accounting and finance
Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant, External Auditor, Internal Auditor, Finance Manager, Actuary
Construction and property
Construction Project Manager, Architect, Quantity Surveyor, Surveyor, Urban and Regional Planner, Building Inspector
Legal
Solicitor, Barrister, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Conveyancer
Science and data
Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Statistician, Chemist, Geologist, Environmental Consultant, Veterinarian
Management and business
Human Resource Manager, Sales and Marketing Manager, Supply and Distribution Manager, Management Consultant, Recruitment Consultant, Marketing Specialist
Every job title there is copied word for word from the official list.
Visa options for UK professionals
Most professionals move to Australia on one of a handful of visas.
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). An Australian employer sponsors you for a job on the Core Skills Occupation List. You can only work for that sponsor, but it can lead to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). A points-tested permanent visa. You don't need an employer or a state to sponsor you, but you do need an invitation.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). Permanent residency with nomination from an Australian state or territory.
Regional visas (subclasses 491 and 494). For living and working outside Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Both can lead to permanent residency through subclass 191.
Visa rules change often, so speak to a registered migration agent before you apply.
Skills assessment and registration for UK professionals
Before you can apply for most skilled visas, you'll need a positive skills assessment from the assessing authority for your occupation. The Department of Home Affairs lists which one applies to your job.
Engineers are assessed by Engineers Australia, and IT professionals by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Accountants go through CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) or the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA). VETASSESS covers many other professional occupations.
Some professions also need registration or a licence before you can work. Lawyers, architects and some engineers are among them, and the rules can vary from state to state.
Check what your occupation needs early. Assessments and registration can take months, and you'll usually need the assessment before you apply.
Moving to Australia from the UK with your family
The good news for families is that most skilled and employer sponsored visas let you include your partner and children in the same application, so they move with you rather than applying separately.
Your partner can be your husband, wife or de facto partner. Children usually need to be dependent on you, and older children have to meet extra conditions.
Everyone on the application normally has to pass health and character checks, so it’s worth starting early on things like medical appointments and police certificates.
Moving a whole family also means shipping your belongings, finding schools and sorting your money. Plan these alongside your visa, not after it.
Wondering what it all costs? See the full cost of moving to Australia
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