Updated · NextMigrate Team
Skills That Developing Country Workers Have That Are Genuinely Scarce Abroad
Imagine you are an accountant in Lagos. You close the books every month in IFRS. You have your ICAN, years of experience, and a salary that buys less each time the naira falls. Late at night you scroll through job adverts in London and Toronto. Then a quiet voice stops you.
Am I actually good enough?
Grow up with a weak currency, a passport that gets extra checks, and a world that calls your economy "developing," and it is easy to feel less qualified than someone from London. The data says otherwise.
The short answer: Rich countries have deep, long-term skill shortages they cannot fill at home. Many of those gaps match skills that professionals from developing countries already have: IFRS accounting, specialist nursing, civil engineering, backend and fintech software, allied health, skilled trades and multilingual business roles. These figures reflect the rules in force as of early 2026. Rules move fast, so confirm the current threshold on the official government site before you act.
1. IFRS accounting and financial reporting
The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are used in over 140 jurisdictions. Nigeria, Kenya, the Philippines, India, Pakistan and South Africa all train their accountants in IFRS.
The United States does not. American accountants train mainly in US GAAP, a different system.
Think of it like driving on the left. UK, Canadian and Australian firms need people who already drive on their side of the road, and many of them trained in developing countries. UK accountancy roles have sat on shortage lists for years. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), whose largest membership bases include Nigeria, Pakistan and Malaysia, has repeatedly flagged that UK firms struggle to fill tens of thousands of finance and accounting roles.
Salary data by country and role
| Role | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Germany (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IFRS Accountant (3-5 YOE) | 42,000-58,000 | 65,000-85,000 | 75,000-95,000 | 52,000-68,000 |
| Group Reporting Accountant | 52,000-72,000 | 78,000-100,000 | 85,000-115,000 | 58,000-78,000 |
| Financial Controller (IFRS) | 68,000-95,000 | 95,000-135,000 | 115,000-155,000 | 72,000-105,000 |
| IFRS Technical Specialist | 58,000-85,000 | 82,000-115,000 | 92,000-125,000 | 62,000-88,000 |
| Audit Manager (IFRS) | 58,000-80,000 | 82,000-108,000 | 92,000-125,000 | 58,000-82,000 |
These are typical market ranges for 2026. Senior roles in London, Sydney and Toronto can sit above them.
Classification codes and shortage list status
| Country | Classification Code | On Shortage List? | Visa Sponsorship Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | SOC 2421 (Chartered and certified accountants) | Yes, on the Immigration Salary List at a discounted GBP 33,400 threshold (versus the GBP 41,700 general rate). Note: the ISL is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026. | High: thousands of sponsor licence holders cover accounting roles |
| Canada | NOC 11100 (Financial auditors and accountants) | TEER 1, eligible for Express Entry. Listed in some PNP priority streams (Ontario, BC, Alberta) | Medium: employer-specific LMIA or Express Entry self-application |
| Australia | ANZSCO 221111 (Accountant, General) | On the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), eligible for subclasses 189, 190, 491 and the Skills in Demand visa | High but competitive. Points typically need 85-95 for accountants |
| Germany | No specific code, falls under "Fachkräfte" (skilled worker) | No formal shortage list, but high demand. Finance roles in Frankfurt and Munich routinely offer Blue Card sponsorship | Medium-High, especially for Big 4 and multinational firms |
Open job postings (early 2026 snapshot)
| Search Term | Indeed UK | Indeed Canada | Seek Australia | LinkedIn Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "IFRS accountant" | 2,000+ | 1,000+ | 800+ | 600+ |
| "Group reporting accountant" | 700+ | 300+ | 200+ | 170+ |
| "IFRS" + "visa sponsorship" | 300+ | N/A (Canada doesn't use this term) | 180+ | 110+ |
| "ACCA" + "accountant" | 3,800+ | 650+ | 400+ | 280+ |
What this means for you: With an ACCA, ICAN (Nigeria), ICAP (Pakistan) or CPA qualification and 3+ years of IFRS experience, you have the exact skillset most of the world's economies need. Many UK roles list salaries of GBP 45,000 to GBP 80,000 and openly offer visa sponsorship.
Credential recognition path
| Your Qualification | UK Recognition | Canada Recognition | Australia Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | Full member, direct recognition | Mutual recognition with CPA Canada (with bridging exams) | CPA Australia pathway via mutual recognition |
| ICAN (Nigeria) | ACCA reciprocal pathway (exemptions for several papers) | WES assessment + CPA bridging exams | VETASSESS assessment + CPA bridging |
| ICAP (Pakistan) | ACCA reciprocal pathway | WES assessment + CPA bridging exams | VETASSESS + CPA bridging |
| CPA (Philippines) | ACCA pathway or direct via ENIC (UK) | WES assessment + CPA bridging | CPA Australia mutual recognition |
| CA India (ICAI) | ACCA reciprocal pathway (exemptions for several papers) | WES + CPA bridging (significant exemptions) | VETASSESS + CPA bridging |
2. Nursing specialisms, not just general nursing
The shortage bites hardest in these specialisms:
- Critical care and ICU. The pandemic burned out a generation of ICU nurses in rich countries. Nigerian and Filipino ICU nurses are actively headhunted.
- Theatre and perioperative. NHS and Canadian surgery backlogs drive huge demand. Many Filipino nurses get theatre training in their standard course, which takes years of extra training in the UK.
- Mental health. The UK has a lasting shortage of Registered Mental Health Nurses (RMNs), with vacancies in the thousands. The NMC increasingly recognises mental health nurses trained in India and Nigeria.
- Midwifery. Rural Australia and Canada are severely short. Filipino and Nigerian midwives with community health experience fit well.
See our guide to the best countries for nurses to migrate abroad for each route.
Nursing salary comparison by country and specialism
| Specialism | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Germany (EUR) | UAE (AED/USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Registered Nurse | 29,000-36,000 | 68,000-88,000 | 72,000-92,000 | 38,000-48,000 | 96,000-144,000 ($26-39K) |
| ICU/Critical Care Nurse | 35,000-46,000 | 78,000-102,000 | 82,000-112,000 | 42,000-54,000 | 120,000-180,000 ($33-49K) |
| Theatre/Perioperative Nurse | 33,000-43,000 | 74,000-98,000 | 80,000-108,000 | 40,000-52,000 | 108,000-156,000 ($29-42K) |
| Mental Health Nurse (RMN) | 33,000-43,000 | 74,000-95,000 | 78,000-102,000 | 40,000-50,000 | N/A (limited demand) |
| Midwife | 33,000-44,000 | 78,000-102,000 | 82,000-112,000 | 38,000-50,000 | 96,000-144,000 ($26-39K) |
| Nurse Practitioner | 40,000-56,000 | 92,000-125,000 | 98,000-135,000 | N/A (role doesn't exist) | N/A |
Classification codes and shortage status
| Country | Nursing Classification | Shortage List Status | Visa Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | SOC 2231 (Nurses) | On the Immigration Salary List: discounted threshold applies; nurses also have a lower Health and Care route salary floor | Health and Care Worker Visa: reduced fee, exempt from the Immigration Health Surcharge |
| Canada | NOC 31301 (Registered nurses) | TEER 1. Included in the 2026 Healthcare and Social Services category-based draws, which typically have CRS cutoffs well below general draws | Express Entry or provincial health worker streams |
| Australia | ANZSCO 254411 (Nurse Practitioner), 254499 (Registered Nurses nec) | On the CSOL, eligible across subclasses. Priority processing for health workers. | Subclass 189/190/491 or the Skills in Demand visa. Some states offer direct nomination for nurses. |
| Germany | Gesundheits- und Krankenpfleger/in | Not on a formal list but in acute demand; recognition of Filipino, Vietnamese, and some Indian nursing qualifications is streamlined via bilateral agreements | Skilled Worker Visa or Blue Card (if salary meets the threshold) |
Employer-sponsored packages for international nurses
Many NHS trusts and Australian public hospitals offer relocation packages:
| Benefit | UK (NHS) | Australia (Public Hospital) | Canada (Provincial Health Authority) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flights | Covered (economy class) | Covered (economy class) | Sometimes covered |
| Airport pickup | Provided | Provided | Sometimes provided |
| Temporary accommodation | 4-8 weeks free | 2-4 weeks free | Varies |
| NMC/AHPRA/NNAS registration fees | Covered (GBP 1,000-2,000) | Sometimes covered | Sometimes covered |
| OSCE preparation course | Provided free (6-12 weeks) | N/A | N/A |
| Visa sponsorship | Yes, employer covers the Certificate of Sponsorship fee | Yes, employer sponsors the Skills in Demand or 494 visa | Yes, employer provides LMIA or provincial nomination |
| Minimum contract | 2-3 years | 2-3 years | 1-2 years |
What this means for you: In ICU, theatre, mental health or midwifery, employers will often sponsor your visa, pay your flights and house you at first. Name your specialism clearly on your CV. If an employer covers less, price the gap with our costing of what bridging and adaptation programmes actually cost, including the months you cannot earn. For how the move really feels, read one Filipino nurse's real story of going abroad.
Not sure which country you’d qualify for?
6 quick questions about your age, skills and English. Free, 2 minutes, results on screen. No sign-up.
Free eligibility check →3. Multilingual customer service and business roles
Firms growing into African, Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets need staff who speak those languages. A sample of open roles:
| Language Pair | Average UK Salary (GBP) | Number of Open Roles (early 2026) | Average Canada Salary (CAD) | Average Australia Salary (AUD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English + French (African French) | 29,000 - 37,000 | 1,100+ | 50,000 - 64,000 | 56,000 - 72,000 |
| English + Arabic | 31,000 - 42,000 | 850+ | 52,000 - 67,000 | 60,000 - 76,000 |
| English + Portuguese (Brazilian) | 29,000 - 36,000 | 550+ | 48,000 - 62,000 | 54,000 - 70,000 |
| English + Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa | 27,000 - 34,000 | 200+ (growing) | 46,000 - 60,000 | N/A |
| English + Hindi/Urdu | 28,000 - 37,000 | 1,300+ | 47,000 - 62,000 | 56,000 - 72,000 |
| English + Tagalog | 27,000 - 34,000 | 350+ | 46,000 - 60,000 | 54,000 - 68,000 |
| English + Swahili | 27,000 - 34,000 | 150+ | 46,000 - 57,000 | N/A |
| English + Mandarin | 31,000 - 44,000 | 2,000+ | 54,000 - 72,000 | 62,000 - 82,000 |
Source: aggregated from Indeed UK, Indeed Canada, Seek, Reed, and LinkedIn job postings, early 2026.
Classification codes for multilingual roles
| Country | Applicable Codes | Eligibility Notes |
|---|---|---|
| UK | SOC 3554 (Business sales executives), SOC 4133 (Call and contact centre occupations) | Business development roles can qualify for the Skilled Worker Visa (general threshold GBP 41,700 or the going rate). Pure call-centre roles do NOT qualify: ensure the role is classified correctly as business development or account management, not call centre. |
| Canada | NOC 14201 (Banking, insurance, and other financial clerks), NOC 64409 (Other customer and information services representatives) | NOC 14201 is TEER 2, eligible for some PNPs but not Express Entry FSW. NOC 12101 (HR and recruitment officers) may apply for client-facing multilingual roles. |
| Australia | ANZSCO 611211 (Insurance agent), ANZSCO 225113 (Marketing specialist) | Multilingual roles are often classified under marketing or business development, which sit on the CSOL. Pure customer-service roles do NOT. |
A firm entering West Africa needs someone who understands Francophone African business, not just French. You cannot train that into a British graduate in six months.
What this means for you: English plus a major developing-world language, with sales or operations experience, is a scarce mix. The job code is everything. Classed as business development or international account management, the role can qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa. Classed as "call centre," it may not.
4. Civil and structural engineering
UK infrastructure bodies estimate the country needs tens of thousands more engineers this decade for HS2, new nuclear at Sizewell C, flood defences and housing.
The UK produces roughly 7,000 to 8,000 civil engineering graduates a year. The maths does not work.
Engineers from Nigeria, India, Pakistan and the Philippines are filling the gap. The UK Engineering Council's route through the International Professional Engineers Agreement (IPEA) lets engineers with recognised qualifications and experience work towards Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. See international engineers and UK visa recognition.
Engineering salary data by country and specialism
| Specialism | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Germany (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate Civil Engineer (0-2 YOE) | 28,000-36,000 | 58,000-72,000 | 62,000-78,000 | 44,000-54,000 |
| Civil Engineer (3-5 YOE) | 38,000-52,000 | 72,000-92,000 | 82,000-102,000 | 54,000-70,000 |
| Senior Civil Engineer (6-10 YOE) | 50,000-68,000 | 92,000-122,000 | 102,000-132,000 | 66,000-88,000 |
| Principal/Lead Engineer (10+ YOE) | 62,000-88,000 | 112,000-152,000 | 122,000-162,000 | 80,000-112,000 |
| Geotechnical Engineer (5+ YOE) | 46,000-66,000 | 86,000-116,000 | 96,000-132,000 | 60,000-82,000 |
| Structural Engineer (5+ YOE) | 46,000-64,000 | 84,000-112,000 | 92,000-128,000 | 56,000-80,000 |
| Water/Environmental Engineer (5+ YOE) | 44,000-62,000 | 80,000-108,000 | 90,000-122,000 | 54,000-78,000 |
| Highway/Transport Engineer (5+ YOE) | 46,000-66,000 | 86,000-116,000 | 94,000-128,000 | 60,000-82,000 |
Classification codes and shortage status
| Country | Code | Shortage Status | Key Projects Driving Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | SOC 2121 (Civil engineers) | On the Immigration Salary List, discounted GBP 33,400 threshold (ISL scheduled to expire end of 2026) | HS2, Sizewell C nuclear, Thames Tideway, Northern Powerhouse Rail |
| Canada | NOC 21300 (Civil engineers) | TEER 1, eligible for Express Entry. On multiple PNP priority lists and STEM category-based draws | Trans Mountain, Gordie Howe Bridge, provincial infrastructure programmes |
| Australia | ANZSCO 233211 (Civil engineer) | On the CSOL, eligible across subclasses. Priority processing in some states | Inland Rail, Western Sydney Airport, Snowy Hydro 2.0, Melbourne Metro Tunnel |
| Germany | Falls under "Ingenieur/in Bau" | Recognised shortage occupation for engineers | Deutsche Bahn network modernisation, Energiewende infrastructure, housing programmes |
Open job postings (early 2026 snapshot)
| Search Term | Indeed UK | Indeed Canada | Seek Australia | StepStone Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Civil engineer" | 7,800+ | 4,800+ | 3,500+ | 3,800+ |
| "Structural engineer" | 3,900+ | 2,600+ | 2,000+ | 1,800+ |
| "Geotechnical engineer" | 1,700+ | 1,100+ | 850+ | 650+ |
| "Civil engineer" + "visa sponsorship" | 1,100+ | N/A | 600+ | 350+ |
The sub-specialisms in highest demand:
- Geotechnical: foundations and ground investigation, driven by housing and renewable energy (wind turbine foundations).
- Structural: especially homes and commercial buildings. The UK keeps building fewer homes than its target of 300,000 a year.
- Highway and transport: the UK's ageing road network has a multi-billion-pound maintenance backlog.
- Water and environmental: the UK water industry committed roughly GBP 100 billion of capital spending for the 2025-2030 regulatory period.
What this means for you: With 5+ years of experience and an accredited degree, you are urgently needed. Big projects in tough conditions (poor soil, tight budgets, extreme weather) count as a strength, not a weakness.
Engineering credential recognition path
| Your Qualification | UK Path | Canada Path | Australia Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Accord degree (IITs, some NITs, UP Diliman, etc.) | Direct application to the Engineering Council for CEng/IEng | Engineers Canada recognition, no additional exams in most cases | Engineers Australia direct recognition, CDR (Competency Demonstration Report) still required for skills assessment |
| Non-Washington Accord degree | Individual assessment by the Engineering Council. May require additional evidence. | Engineers Canada technical exams may be required | Engineers Australia CDR with more detailed evidence |
| COREN registration (Nigeria) | Apply via IPEA or directly to the Engineering Council. 3-5 years experience typically sufficient. | WES credential assessment + Engineers Canada evaluation | Engineers Australia CDR assessment |
| PRC license (Philippines) | Engineering Council individual assessment | Engineers Canada evaluation | Engineers Australia CDR |
5. Software engineering, but not what you think
The software shortage is uneven. Here is where you may have an edge.
Backend and infrastructure. Backend engineers in Python, Go, Java and cloud (AWS, GCP) remain in strong demand. Outsourcing work gave many engineers from India, Nigeria, Pakistan and Egypt deep experience building reliable systems at scale.
Fintech. Nigeria and Kenya lead in mobile money. If you built payments for M-Pesa, Paystack, Flutterwave or similar, London and Singapore fintechs want you.
DevOps and reliability. Power cuts, unstable internet and tight cloud budgets are like training at altitude. Keep a system running under those conditions and you learn to build it tough. Employers increasingly value that over experience with unlimited AWS budgets.
Compare the best countries for IT professionals to migrate and read the deep dive on software engineers moving to Germany and Canada.
Software engineering salary data by skill and country
| Skill/Role | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Germany (EUR) | Remote (Global Pay, USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backend Engineer (Python/Go, 5+ YOE) | 55,000-88,000 | 105,000-155,000 | 112,000-162,000 | 68,000-98,000 | 100,000-180,000 |
| DevOps/SRE (AWS/GCP, 5+ YOE) | 60,000-92,000 | 112,000-162,000 | 122,000-172,000 | 72,000-105,000 | 110,000-190,000 |
| Data Engineer (Spark/Airflow, 5+ YOE) | 55,000-88,000 | 105,000-152,000 | 112,000-158,000 | 62,000-92,000 | 100,000-170,000 |
| ML/AI Engineer (5+ YOE) | 72,000-115,000 | 125,000-185,000 | 132,000-192,000 | 78,000-125,000 | 130,000-260,000 |
| Fintech Backend (payments, 5+ YOE) | 65,000-105,000 | 112,000-162,000 | 118,000-168,000 | 72,000-105,000 | 110,000-200,000 |
| Cybersecurity Engineer (5+ YOE) | 60,000-98,000 | 105,000-158,000 | 112,000-162,000 | 68,000-98,000 | 110,000-190,000 |
| Frontend/Full-Stack (React, 5+ YOE) | 50,000-78,000 | 92,000-132,000 | 96,000-142,000 | 56,000-82,000 | 80,000-150,000 |
| Mobile (iOS/Android, 5+ YOE) | 55,000-82,000 | 96,000-142,000 | 102,000-152,000 | 60,000-88,000 | 90,000-160,000 |
Classification codes and immigration pathway
| Country | Code | Shortage Status | Points Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | SOC 2134 (Programmers and software development professionals) | Removed from the shortage list in 2024. Now subject to the general GBP 41,700 threshold or the going rate. | N/A (UK has no points for occupation) | Most senior dev roles meet the salary threshold. Junior roles often will not. |
| Canada | NOC 21232 (Software developers and programmers), NOC 21231 (Software engineers) | TEER 1. Eligible for STEM category-based draws. | STEM category eligibility can effectively lower the CRS cutoff you compete against | Express Entry is the primary path. No employer sponsorship needed. |
| Australia | ANZSCO 261312 (Developer programmer), 261313 (Software engineer), 261111 (ICT business analyst) | On the CSOL, eligible across subclasses and the Skills in Demand visa. | +20 points for Superior English (IELTS 8.0 each band). No occupation-specific bonus. | ACS skills assessment required. Recent-experience requirements apply. |
| Germany | Falls under IT-Fachkraft / Blue Card | Experienced IT specialists can qualify without a university degree since the 2024 reform, provided they document 3+ years of relevant, recent experience. | N/A (no points system) | Among the most permissive IT immigration policies of any major economy. |
Open job postings (early 2026 snapshot)
| Search Term | Indeed UK | Indeed Canada | Seek Australia | LinkedIn Germany |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Software engineer" | 30,000+ | 17,000+ | 10,000+ | 13,000+ |
| "Backend engineer" | 8,000+ | 4,000+ | 2,600+ | 3,000+ |
| "DevOps engineer" | 8,800+ | 5,200+ | 3,200+ | 4,600+ |
| "Data engineer" | 10,000+ | 6,400+ | 3,900+ | 5,000+ |
| "ML engineer" OR "machine learning" | 6,000+ | 3,600+ | 2,100+ | 3,200+ |
| "Software engineer" + "visa sponsorship" | 4,400+ | N/A | 2,000+ | 1,500+ |
Which tech skills get extra points or shortage list inclusion?
| Skill Area | Canada (Category Draws) | Australia (CSOL) | UK (Shortage List) | Germany (Blue Card) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software development | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL (189/190/491) | Not on the shortage list, but the salary threshold is usually met | IT specialists can qualify without a degree (3+ years' experience) |
| Data science / ML | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL | Not on the shortage list | Blue Card eligible |
| Cybersecurity | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL | Certain SOC 2139 roles remain on the Immigration Salary List | Blue Card eligible |
| DevOps / Cloud | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL (systems analyst codes) | Not separately listed | Blue Card eligible |
| Database administration | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL | Not on the shortage list | Blue Card eligible |
| Network engineering | STEM category draw eligible | On the CSOL | Certain SOC 2139 roles on the Immigration Salary List | Blue Card eligible |
What this means for you: Stop comparing yourself to a Silicon Valley engineer with a Stanford degree. The market needs people who can build and keep systems running. That is you.
6. Healthcare workers beyond nursing
Allied health salary and demand data
| Profession | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Shortage Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapist (5+ YOE) | 35,000-50,000 | 74,000-98,000 | 82,000-112,000 | UK: SOC 2222, on Immigration Salary List. Australia: ANZSCO 252511, on CSOL. Canada: NOC 31202, TEER 1. |
| Occupational Therapist (5+ YOE) | 35,000-50,000 | 72,000-95,000 | 80,000-108,000 | UK: SOC 2223, on Immigration Salary List. Australia: ANZSCO 252411, on CSOL. |
| Medical Laboratory Technologist | 30,000-43,000 | 62,000-82,000 | 66,000-92,000 | UK: SOC 3218, on Immigration Salary List. Australia: ANZSCO 234611, on CSOL. |
| Pharmacist (3+ YOE) | 40,000-58,000 | 88,000-118,000 | 82,000-112,000 | UK: SOC 2213. Canada: NOC 31120, TEER 1. Australia: ANZSCO 251511, on CSOL. |
| Radiographer/Sonographer | 33,000-46,000 | 70,000-92,000 | 76,000-102,000 | UK: SOC 3214, on Immigration Salary List. Australia: ANZSCO 251211, on CSOL. |
| Dentist (3+ YOE) | 50,000-85,000 | 125,000-205,000 | 105,000-185,000 | All countries: acute shortage in rural and regional areas specifically. |
7. Skilled trades: the overlooked category
Trades salary and demand data
| Trade | UK (GBP) | Canada (CAD) | Australia (AUD) | Germany (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 35,000-52,000 | 68,000-98,000 | 78,000-115,000 | 38,000-50,000 |
| Plumber | 33,000-50,000 | 62,000-92,000 | 72,000-108,000 | 34,000-47,000 |
| Welder (coded) | 31,000-47,000 | 58,000-88,000 | 68,000-105,000 | 32,000-44,000 |
| Heavy equipment operator | 30,000-42,000 | 62,000-98,000 | 72,000-115,000 | 34,000-47,000 |
| Carpenter/Joiner | 29,000-44,000 | 58,000-82,000 | 68,000-98,000 | 32,000-44,000 |
| HVAC Technician | 31,000-47,000 | 58,000-88,000 | 68,000-98,000 | 34,000-47,000 |
Canada runs category-based Express Entry draws for the trades. These have consistently had CRS cutoffs well below general draws. Eligible NOC codes include 72010 (Contractors and supervisors, electrical trades), 72011 (Electricians), 72020 (Plumbers), 73200 (Residential and commercial installers), and many others in TEER 2 and 3.
Australia lists most trades on the CSOL, with priority processing for the regional subclass 491. Tradespeople willing to work in regional Australia often get state nomination (adding 15 points) and faster processing. See skilled trades migrating to Australia and Canada.
The bigger picture: structural demand, not charity
None of this is a favour. It is demographics.
| Country | Working-Age Population Trend | Annual Immigration Target | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Shrinking share of working age as the population ages; net migration fell sharply from its 2023 peak as new rules bit | Net migration falling toward the low hundreds of thousands | NHS staffing, infrastructure delivery, ageing population |
| Canada | Near-zero natural growth; population growth driven almost entirely by immigration | ~380,000 permanent residents per year (2026-2028 Levels Plan) | Labour force maintenance, pension system sustainability |
| Germany | Shrinking workforce as the baby-boomer generation retires | Government targets several hundred thousand skilled immigrants per year | Manufacturing, healthcare, engineering |
| Australia | Growing slowly, mostly through immigration | Permanent Migration Programme of roughly 185,000 places | Construction, healthcare, technology |
The vacancy counts are in our breakdown of the 15 jobs employers cannot fill anywhere, with vacancy rates and salaries by country. For destinations actively courting skilled workers, see countries rolling out the red carpet for skilled workers.
What to do next
Step 1: Check the shortage occupation lists
| Country | List Name | Where To Find It | Update Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Immigration Salary List (formerly Shortage Occupation List) | gov.uk, Skilled Worker visa guidance | Under review; ISL scheduled to expire end of 2026 |
| Canada | TEER system + category-based draw eligibility | canada.ca, Express Entry | Categories set annually; draws ongoing |
| Australia | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, skilled occupation lists | Updated more frequently than the old lists |
| Germany | Skilled worker / Blue Card shortage occupations | make-it-in-germany.com | Reviewed periodically |
| New Zealand | Green List | immigration.govt.nz, Green List | Reviewed periodically |
Australia's old MLTSSL, STSOL and ROL are now merged into the CSOL, which underpins both the points-tested subclasses and the Skills in Demand visa. If an older guide mentions the MLTSSL, check the CSOL instead.
Step 2: Search real job postings
Go to LinkedIn, Indeed and Totaljobs. Search your job title plus "visa sponsorship." Count the results.
Tip: On Indeed UK, filter by "visa sponsorship." On LinkedIn, use Boolean: "software engineer" AND "visa sponsorship" AND "UK". On Seek (Australia), filter by "Employer-sponsored visas" under the "More" filters.
Step 3: Get your credentials assessed early
| Destination | Assessment Body | Approximate Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | WES (World Education Services) | CAD 250-330 | 5-8 weeks |
| Australia | VETASSESS (general), ACS (IT), Engineers Australia, ANMAC (nursing) | AUD 300-1,400 | 4-12 weeks |
| UK | ENIC (UK) | From around GBP 60 (basic comparison) | 10-15 business days |
| Germany | ZAB (Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen) | Around EUR 200 | 2-4 months |
Step 4: Calculate your points
Use the official calculators:
- Canada: the CRS calculator on canada.ca (free)
- Australia: the points calculator on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (free)
- New Zealand: the points indicator on immigration.govt.nz (free)
Step 5: Start. Do not wait for permission
The data, the job postings and the shortage lists all say you are needed. The only one who has not said you are good enough is you.
A common regret among people who moved is not starting two years earlier. Each year you wait can cost you age points (Canada), points-test competitiveness (Australia) and salary growth (everywhere). Worried about age? Read am I too old to migrate?. The honest answer is usually no.
Frequently asked questions
Which skills are most in demand abroad in 2026?
IFRS accounting, specialist nursing, civil and structural engineering, backend, DevOps and fintech software, allied health, and skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers. Multilingual roles count when classed as business development.
Are accountants from Nigeria, Pakistan or India in demand in the UK?
Yes. They train in IFRS, which the UK uses. SOC 2421 is on the Immigration Salary List at a discounted GBP 33,400 threshold, versus the GBP 41,700 general rate. The ISL is scheduled to expire at the end of 2026, so check the current position on gov.uk.
Can I get a German Blue Card in IT without a degree?
Since the 2024 reform, experienced IT specialists can qualify without a university degree if they document 3+ years of relevant, recent experience. Check the current rules on make-it-in-germany.com.
Do call-centre jobs qualify for a UK Skilled Worker Visa?
Pure call-centre roles do not. Business development or international account management roles can qualify, at the general GBP 41,700 threshold or the going rate. Make sure the job offer uses the correct SOC code.
How long does a credential assessment take?
Roughly: WES (Canada) 5-8 weeks, Australian bodies 4-12 weeks, ENIC (UK) 10-15 business days, ZAB (Germany) 2-4 months. Start early.
