As global economies continue to evolve, many countries are facing skill shortages in key sectors. To address these gaps, various immigration programs have been designed to attract skilled workers from around the world.
List of 36 International Skill Shortage Immigration Programs in 2024
Here’s a comprehensive list of skill shortage jobs based immigration programs available in 2024:
New Zealand
- Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Targets skilled workers in professions such as trades, healthcare, and engineering.
- Essential Skills Work Visa: For skilled workers in occupations on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List or the Regional Skill Shortage List.
Canada
- Express Entry: Manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program targeting various skilled occupations.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program: Helps employers in Atlantic Canada hire foreign skilled workers and international graduates.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each province and territory nominates skilled workers who meet specific regional labor market needs.
- Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Permit: Allows multinational companies to transfer key employees to Canada temporarily.
- Quebec-selected skilled worker (QSW): For skilled workers aiming to become permanent residents of Quebec.
United Kingdom
- Global Talent Visa: For highly skilled individuals in fields like science, engineering, medicine, and the arts.
- Skilled Worker Route: For skilled workers with a job offer from an approved employer sponsor.
- Shortage Occupation List: Eases visa processes for foreign workers in specific occupations with shortages.
- Tech Nation Visa: For tech talent with job offers from UK-based tech companies.
Australia
- TSS Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage): Allows employers to sponsor skilled workers for occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List.
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme: Enables employers in regional areas to sponsor skilled workers for occupations on the Regional Occupation List.
- Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189): For skilled workers not sponsored by an employer or family member but have an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.
- Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190): For skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government agency.
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186): Allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers for permanent residency.
- Regional Skilled Migration Program (subclass 491): For skilled workers and their families wanting to live and work in regional Australia.
Germany
- Fachkräftezuwanderungsgesetz (Skilled Immigration Act): Attracts skilled workers from outside the EU to address labor shortages in various sectors.
Ireland
- Critical Skills Employment Permit: For highly skilled workers in occupations on the Critical Skills Occupations List, including healthcare and engineering roles.
United States
- H-1B Visa: Allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, including healthcare, engineering, and technology roles.
Singapore
- Employment Pass: For foreign professionals with acceptable qualifications and specialist skills.
Denmark
- Positive List for Skilled Workers: Fast-tracks residence and work permits for foreign nationals with in-demand skills.
Japan
- Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit: For employees of multinational companies transferred to a branch or subsidiary in Japan.
Switzerland
- Swiss Blue Card: For highly qualified workers from outside the EU/EFTA with job offers in Switzerland.
South Africa
- Skilled Migration Programme: Targets skilled workers in various fields to address national skill shortages.
Finland
- Employment Permit System: Allows employers to hire skilled workers from outside the EU/EEA for job vacancies they cannot fill locally.
Sweden
- Key Employee Initiative: Allows companies to quickly recruit highly skilled key personnel from abroad.
Norway
- Residence Permit for Employment: For skilled workers with job offers in Norway.
Chile
- Start-up Visa: Attracts foreign entrepreneurs to start innovative businesses in Chile.
Malaysia
- Employment Pass: For foreign professionals working in specific skilled occupations in Malaysia.
Netherlands
- Entrepreneur Visa: Allows entrepreneurs to establish and operate innovative businesses.
Hong Kong
- Employment Pass: Allows foreign professionals with job offers and necessary qualifications to work.
Malta
- Key Employee Initiative: Enables companies to recruit highly skilled foreign workers essential to operations.
South Korea
- Skilled Migrant Visa: For skilled workers with qualifications and experience in in-demand occupations.
France
- Talent Passport: For highly qualified professionals, recent graduates, and investors wanting to work or start businesses in France.
Belgium
- Highly Skilled Migrant Programme: Targets highly skilled professionals with job offers in Belgium.
Global skill shortage immigration programs offer numerous opportunities for skilled workers to enhance their careers while contributing to the economic development of their host countries. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, engineer, IT specialist, or tradesperson, there’s likely a program that aligns with your skills and career goals.
