A country’s strong employment market does not guarantee opportunity for every professional. In 2026, governments are increasingly identifying specific occupations where domestic talent is insufficient, and adjusting skilled migration pathways around those gaps.
For international professionals, this makes occupation demand, eligibility and immigration policy important parts of the same decision.
1. Germany: Demand Is Concentrated in Essential Sectors
Germany continues to experience concentrated labour shortages, particularly in healthcare, construction and skilled trades. Its Federal Employment Agency identified 157 shortage occupations in its latest assessment.
Healthcare, nursing, construction, skilled trades, childcare and professional driving remain among the areas where demand is particularly relevant. For international professionals, the opportunity depends on whether their qualifications and experience align with Germany’s current labour-market needs.
2. Canada
Canada’s 2026 immigration priorities reflect specific workforce requirements, with Express Entry categories covering healthcare, STEM, trades, education and transport, alongside selected research, medical and management profiles.
This makes Canada particularly relevant for professionals in healthcare, engineering, technology, skilled trades and education. However, occupation, recent experience and eligibility under the relevant immigration category remain important considerations.
3. Australia
Australia continues to experience shortages across parts of healthcare, education, construction and skilled trades, although labour-market conditions vary between occupations and regions.
For international professionals, this means the opportunity should be assessed at both the occupational and regional level. National demand does not necessarily translate into the same level of opportunity across every profession or location.
4. Ireland
Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupations List focuses on roles where specific qualifications and expertise are considered important to the economy. The list was updated in May 2026 to include additional roles across areas such as construction, agriculture, intellectual property and geospatial services.
The approach places greater emphasis on specialisation. Professionals therefore need to consider whether their actual skills, qualifications and experience correspond with the relevant occupation requirements rather than relying solely on their job title.
5. New Zealand
New Zealand continues to link skilled immigration with occupations facing workforce shortages. Its Green List provides eligible professionals with employment and, depending on the occupation, potential residence pathways.
Healthcare, engineering, construction, technology, sustainability and selected technical occupations remain relevant areas. For eligible professionals, the attraction can extend beyond securing employment to building a longer-term pathway in the country.
6. Singapore
Singapore has adopted a highly selective approach to international professional talent through its Shortage Occupation List. Qualifying professionals in identified shortage roles can receive additional recognition under the Employment Pass COMPASS framework.
Technology, cybersecurity, data, software, engineering and selected scientific roles feature among the areas of specialised demand. The opportunity therefore depends heavily on how closely an individual’s expertise matches Singapore’s current skills priorities.
7. Japan
Japan’s workforce requirements extend beyond traditional professional occupations. Its Specified Skilled Worker framework covers sectors including construction, manufacturing, nursing care, transport, aviation, agriculture, hospitality and food production.
This makes Japan relevant to a broader range of international workers, particularly those with technical, operational and sector-specific skills. It also demonstrates how countries are increasingly using immigration to address workforce gaps across essential industries.
What Professionals Should Consider
Across these markets, one trend stands out: skilled migration is becoming more targeted.
Countries are increasingly identifying the occupations they need and aligning parts of their immigration systems with those requirements. For professionals, the destination decision therefore needs to consider occupation, qualifications, experience and the available immigration pathway together.
The strongest opportunities increasingly sit at the intersection of labour-market demand, professional expertise and immigration policy.
Planning an International Move?
Northman & Sterling helps professionals and businesses navigate international immigration, mobility and market-entry requirements across multiple jurisdictions. Our team can assess the appropriate route based on your professional profile, destination and mobility objectives.
Speak with Northman & Sterling about your international mobility requirements.