The table below shows the main countries where skilled migrants move for permanent residence and, later, citizenship. Figures are based on 2025 plans and best estimates. They are not exact, because each country counts migration differently, but this gives a clear picture of the opportunities.
| Country | 2025 Program / PR Plan | Estimated Skilled Migration | Pathways to Residence | Key Salary / Threshold Rules | High Demand Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | Target ~395,000 permanent residents | 230,000–260,000 (economic class) | Express Entry, Provincial Programs | No national minimum salary; points system + market wages | Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Education |
| Australia | Program 185,000 (≈70% skilled) | 125,000–135,000 | Skills in Demand Visa, ENS 186, Regional 494 | CSIT A$76,515; SSIT A$141,210 | Healthcare, Trades, Engineering, ICT |
| United Kingdom | Skilled Worker → ILR (5 years) | Lower inflows expected | Skilled Worker, Health & Care Worker | £38,700 general; lower for Immigration Salary List jobs | Healthcare, some high-skill STEM |
| New Zealand | Skilled Migrant Category; Green List | Reduced from 2023–24 highs | SMC, Green List (Straight to or Work to Residence) | NZ$33.56/hr median; 1.5×–2× for points | Trades, Care, Transport, Engineering |
| Germany | Skilled Immigration Act; EU Blue Card | ≈200,000 skilled visas (2024) and rising | EU Blue Card, Skilled Worker, Opportunity Card | Blue Card salary rules vary by job group | Engineering, IT, Healthcare, Trades |
Acronyms Explained
- PR – Permanent Residence. The legal right to live and work in a country long-term.
- STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics. Often priority job areas.
- ENS 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186 visa) in Australia, for employer-sponsored skilled workers.
- Regional 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) in Australia, linking jobs in regional areas to permanent residence.
- CSIT – Core Skills Income Threshold in Australia. Minimum salary required for most skilled visas (A$76,515 from July 2025).
- SSIT – Specialist Skills Income Threshold in Australia. Higher minimum salary for very high-skilled visa routes (A$141,210 from July 2025).
- ILR – Indefinite Leave to Remain. UK status after 5 years on a work visa that allows permanent stay.
- SMC – Skilled Migrant Category. New Zealand’s main skilled residence visa system.
- EU Blue Card – A residence and work permit for highly skilled non-EU workers, used across Germany and other EU countries.
Trends Looking Ahead (2025–2027)
- Canada: Fewer total visas than 2024, but still one of the world’s highest numbers for economic migrants. Easier for people already working or studying inside Canada.
- Australia: Program stable; higher salary thresholds mean employers must pay well. Regional jobs remain a strong option.
- United Kingdom: Higher salary requirements limit some applicants, but healthcare and priority jobs are still open.
- New Zealand: After a big 2023–24 inflow, numbers are smaller. Focus is now on key trades and Green List jobs.
- Germany: Expanding skilled visas. Blue Card and new “Opportunity Card” routes bring more foreign professionals to permanent residence.
What This Means for Jobseekers
- Focus on demand sectors: Healthcare, trades, engineering, IT, and education are common across countries.
- Check salary rules: Many countries now set minimum incomes to qualify.
- Prepare your CV: Use clear language, numbers, and industry keywords so employers and automated systems (ATS) can see your value.
- Be flexible: Regional jobs often give faster visas and sometimes easier residency.
- Get help: A locally experienced employment consultant can guide you in adapting your CV, understanding employer culture, and targeting the right opportunities.
Why the written job offer is still the kingmaker
Across these systems, a genuine, correctly-paid job offer is the single most powerful lever—it enables sponsorship, meets salary floors, and anchors later steps (PR and citizenship). Timelines, visa classes, and settlement routes differ by country, but the offer is the hinge that connects skill shortages to permanent pathways. (For formal immigration advice, always consult a licensed adviser in the relevant country. If you need an introduction, just ask.)
Free first step
If you want a no-cost assessment, send your CV. For suitable profiles, we may benchmark your profile against the current shortage lists, salary thresholds, and sector demand above, and recommend a job-first search plan that aligns with today’s high demand job sectors.
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