The Australian Government has unveiled the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) as part of a major reform to the nation’s skilled migration system. Starting 7 December 2024, this new visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, streamlining application processes, improving pathways to permanent residency, and introducing updated eligibility criteria to attract global talent.
These reforms align with the Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations, focusing on addressing workforce shortages, boosting critical sectors, and enhancing Australia’s global competitiveness.
Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa
- Simplified Streams:
The SID Visa is divided into three targeted streams:StreamPurposeEligibilitySpecialist SkillsTargets high-income earners in critical skilled sectors.Annual income of AUD 135,000+; ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6; excludes trades and machinery roles.Core SkillsAddresses national skill shortages in mid-income roles across critical sectors.Annual income of AUD 73,150+; occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL); includes 70 new roles.Labour AgreementSupports niche industries or roles outside the CSOL under Labour Agreements.Occupations and salaries defined in bespoke Labour Agreements between employers and the government. - Streamlined Work Experience Requirements:
The required work experience has been reduced from two years to one year of relevant full-time work experience in the past five years. - Pathways to Permanent Residence:
Time spent on the SID Visa or TSS Visa counts toward eligibility under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). - Enhanced Mobility for Visa Holders:
- Up to 180 days between employment changes.
- Up to 365 days to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa during the visa period.
- New Occupation List:
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) consolidates 456 occupations and introduces 70 new roles in critical industries such as healthcare, cybersecurity, and construction. - Income Thresholds:
Indexed annually based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). - Language Proficiency:
Applicants must achieve an IELTS score of 5 in all bands or equivalent.
Detailed Breakdown of the Streams
Specialist Skills Stream
- Purpose: Attracts highly skilled professionals in high-income roles critical to economic growth.
- Eligibility:
- Income threshold: AUD 135,000+ annually.
- Occupations: ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (managers, professionals, clerical workers).
- Excludes trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers (ANZSCO Groups 3, 7, and 8).
- Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
- Benefits:
- Fast-track processing (target of 7 days).
- Broad flexibility for high-earning professionals, excluding certain roles.
Core Skills Stream
- Purpose: Addresses national skill shortages in mid-income roles across critical sectors.
- Eligibility:
- Income threshold: AUD 73,150+ annually.
- Occupations: CSOL, including new roles in healthcare, education, construction, and cybersecurity.
- Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
- Benefits:
- Tailored to address immediate labor market demands.
Labour Agreement Stream
- Purpose: Supports niche industries or roles under bespoke Labour Agreements.
- Eligibility:
- Occupations and salaries defined by specific agreements.
- Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent unless otherwise specified.
- Benefits:
- Customized terms for industries or regions with acute labor shortages (e.g., agriculture, remote healthcare).
Key Distinctions Between Streams
| Feature | Specialist Skills Stream | Core Skills Stream | Labour Agreement Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Threshold | AUD 135,000+ | AUD 73,150+ | As per Labour Agreement |
| Occupation List | ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) | Defined in Labour Agreement |
| Processing Time | 7 days (targeted) | Standard processing times | Dependent on agreement terms |
| Exclusions | ANZSCO Groups 3, 7, 8 | Roles not on CSOL | Limited to Labour Agreement scope |
| Flexibility | High for high-income roles | Moderate | Tailored to specific agreements |
Eligibility Criteria
For Employers
- Prove the lack of suitably skilled Australian candidates.
- Demonstrate financial capability to meet nominated salaries without inflationary practices.
- Comply with updated sponsorship obligations (monitoring, reporting, etc.).
For Applicants
- Meet the income threshold for their stream.
- Provide evidence of at least one year of relevant work experience in the past five years.
- Satisfy English language and occupation-specific requirements.
Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
For Employers
- Streamlined processes with a consolidated occupation list.
- Greater flexibility to hire skilled migrants for high-demand roles.
For Visa Holders
- Simplified pathways to permanent residency.
- Enhanced job mobility and flexibility.
Transitioning from TSS to SID Visa
| Scenario | Options Available |
|---|---|
| TSS Visa Holders | Retain existing conditions or transition to the SID Visa, benefiting from new mobility provisions. |
| Occupations Not on CSOL | Cannot switch employers under the Core Skills stream; alternative pathways include finding eligible roles, applying for other visas, or leaving Australia if ineligible. |
| New Applicants | Applications submitted after 7 December 2024 must meet the SID Visa requirements. |
Addressing Industry Concerns
The exclusion of trades and machinery roles from the CSOL has raised concerns among industry leaders, especially in construction and trades, where labor shortages are critical. The government highlights the Labour Agreement Stream as a potential solution but has committed to ongoing consultations to address these issues and adapt the SID Visa to economic needs.
Need Assistance? Contact Miracle Migration & Education
At Miracle Migration & Education, we are here to help skilled workers and employers navigate this transformative change.
- For Employers: Simplify sponsorship processes and access tailored solutions to hire global talent.
- For Skilled Individuals: Explore pathways to permanent residency and take advantage of the new visa’s flexibility.
📞 Contact Us Today!
📱 +61 424142335
📧 info@miraclemigration.com.au
🌐 www.miraclemigration.com.au
Let us guide you through the new era of skilled migration in Australia!