New Skills in Demand Visa Announced
The long-awaited change in the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa has been announced as the newly named Skills in Demand (SID) visa. While the visa subclass remains the same, the occupations and streams within the visa have some big changes as of 9 December 2024.
What is the SID (subclass 482) Visa?
The SID visa is designed to help Australian businesses meet their workforce needs by allowing them to sponsor skilled workers from overseas.
The SID visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The SID allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to 4 years.
Who is eligible for the SID visa?
The Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) released the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) which has replaced the existing multiple skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa. The CSOL has more than 450 occupations across most job sectors in Australia.
The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia. It will apply to the SID Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream).
The full list of occupations on the CSOL is available here: The Core Skills Occupation List
Although the list has expanded, some occupations have been removed from the prior list, including Real Estate Representatives, Café & Kitchen Managers, Swimming Instructors, and a variety of Farmers.
Within the expanded list, some caveats still exist, which makes it important for an employer to contact us prior to lodging any applications to ensure that the position will qualify for the SID visa.
The SID visa has 3 streams:
- Core Skills stream.
- Specialist Skills stream.
- Labour Agreement stream.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills stream is the most common route for applicants and aims to fill occupations identified as being in shortage. If you have an occupation on the CSOL and meet the other general eligibility criteria, you can apply under this stream.
Salary Requirements: To qualify, applicants must be paid at least the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 73,150 and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.
Work Experience: Applicants are required to have at least one year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation or related field, which is one year less than what was required under the TSS visa.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills stream is for highly skilled professionals who can contribute to Australia’s innovation and productivity in highly technical or niche industries. This stream targets applicants who are earning above a certain salary threshold and have expertise in fields that drive national growth.
Salary Threshold: To be eligible for the Specialist Skills stream, applicants must earn at least AUD 135,000 per year, and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.
Eligible Occupations: This stream is open to professionals in any occupation listed on the ANZSCO 2022 (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations), except for those classified under major groups 3 (trades), 7 (machinery operators), and 8 (drivers and labourers).
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is aimed at employers who have a formal labour agreement with the Australian government. It is being phased out and will soon be replaced by the Essential Skills stream, which is still under development.
What does this mean for TSS Visa Holders?
For those who currently hold a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, the transition to the SID visa system should be smooth. The TSS visa will remain valid for its duration, and existing TSS visa holders will still have a pathway to permanent residence, subject to meeting all relevant eligibility criteria.
As of 6 December 2024, applications for the TSS visa officially closed. All applications made on or prior to 6 December 2024 will be processed in line with existing arrangement.
All future applications must be made under the SID visa.
Next Steps
The introduction of the SID visa marks a significant shift in Australia’s approach to managing its skilled migration system. With more targeted streams, clear pathways to permanent residency, and a focus on addressing critical labour shortages, the SID visa offers both skilled workers and employers a more reliable and streamlined process for filling vital positions in the Australian workforce.
If you’re considering applying for the SID visa or want to learn more about how it can benefit you or your business, consult with us today so we can guide you through the process and ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements.
