_{Expanded occupation categories open new pathways for Australian employers and global professionals}

_{Ten new roles added to ACS Skilled Migration Assessing Authority}

 

15 January 2025

 

ACS, the professional association for Australia’s technology sector, has announced ten new specialist occupations are now available under its Migration Skills Assessment program.

 

Australian employers and skilled migration applicants now have expanded technology sector opportunities with the updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the new Skills in Demand Visa (SID) announced by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) last month.

 

The new occupations increase the number of professional technology roles available to skilled migrants from 25 to 35 ANZSCO codes, with ten new high-demand occupations.

 

The newly added roles address emerging specialisations in cybersecurity, data science, and DevOps, including:

• 224114 Data Analyst
• 224115 Data Scientist
• 261315 Cyber Security Engineer
• 261316 DevOps Engineer
• 261317 Penetration Tester
• 262114 Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist
• 262115 Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist
• 262116 Cyber Security Analyst
• 262117 Cyber Security Architect
• 262118 Cyber Security Operations Coordinator

 

These updates ensure Australian employers and global professionals can access broader pathways while helping Australia to address critical skill shortages and remain competitive in the global market.

 

Josh Griggs, ACS Chief Executive Officer, said: "the updated Core Skills Occupation List unlocks increased opportunities for employers, regional areas, and skilled professionals to join and uplift Australia’s dynamic tech workforce.

 

“These new occupations and the Skills in Demand visa are essential for addressing the nation’s pressing demand for specialised expertise in fields like cybersecurity and data science. By opening these doors, we are not only meeting immediate industry needs but also building a pipeline of talent for the future."

 

To support applicants, ACS has integrated industry-recognised vendor certifications into some of its migration pathways, giving professionals the opportunity to demonstrate both currency and specialisation in their skills. ACS will also continue providing comprehensive guidance and webinars to assist applicants and migration agents with the Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) process.

 

The need for skilled migration is underscored by findings from ACS’s Digital Pulse report, which projects Australia will need 1.3 million technology workers by 2030. With demand for cybersecurity professionals alone expected to double by 2030, skilled migration plays a pivotal role in securing Australia’s technology future.

 

Griggs added: "We’re pleased to be supporting employers and skilled professionals in accessing these new pathways. Skilled migration is a vital pillar in ensuring Australia remains competitive on the global stage.

 

“With these updates, 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."

For detailed information about the updated skilled occupation categories and ACS’s support initiatives, visit www.acs.org.au.

 

-ENDS-

 

Further information

Troy Steer

Director of Corporate Affairs and Public Policy

M – 0417 173 740

E – troy.steer@acs.org.au

 

 

About ACS

 

ACS is the voice of Australia’s technology sector, representing over 47,000 technology professionals across all industries and across the nation.

 

Our members work in industry, education, government, and the community delivering the digital services that drive the nation and provide the high-skilled jobs of today and tomorrow.

 

ACS works to grow the technology sector while making sure IT professionals act ethically, responsibly, and in keeping with the best interests of not only their employers, but the wider community.

 

Through our network of branches in every state and Territory, our innovation labs, education programs and our history of over fifty years, ACS works to help all Australians be part of the nation’s highest growth sector. Visit www.acs.org.au for more information.