Major Restructuring of Australia’s Skilled Visa Program – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

On 7th December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs introduced the most significant restructuring of the 482 visa program since April 2017. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has now been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, streamlining the employer sponsorship process and offering greater flexibility for skilled migrants and businesses.

Key Changes in the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa is designed to better address labour market needs and includes several significant improvements:

• Reduced Work Experience Requirement: The required work experience has been lowered from two years to one year in the nominated occupation or related field.
• Extended Time to Find a New Sponsor: If an applicant’s employment ceases, they will now have more time to find a new sponsoring employer.
• Clearer Pathway to Permanent Residence: The Subclass 186 Employer Nominated Sponsorship (ENS) visa now allows previous employment on a 482 visa to be credited toward the two-year employment requirement for the Subclass 186 Visa.
• Enhanced Benefits for Employers: Employers now have greater incentives to attract and retain skilled workers.

Three-Tiered Structure of the SID Visa

The Skills in Demand (SID) visa consists of three distinct pathways to cater to different skill levels and industry needs:

1. Core Skills Pathway

The Core Skills Pathway is designed for a broader range of skilled professionals and includes the following criteria:

• The nominated occupation must be listed on the Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) to address skill shortages in key industries.
• The sponsoring employer must offer a salary that complies with the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR), with a minimum salary of $73,150 per year.

Key Features:

• No age limit, making it accessible to skilled workers across all age groups.
• Visa duration of up to four years, providing stability and opportunities for settlement in Australia.
• Pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 visa.

2. Specialist Skills Pathway

The Specialist Skills Pathway is tailored for highly skilled professionals and includes the following criteria:

• Open to most ANZSCO occupations, except trade workers, machinery operators, and labourers.
• Applicants must be offered a minimum salary of $135,000 per year by the sponsoring employer.

Key Features:

• No age limit, providing opportunities for experienced professionals of any age.
• Fast-tracked visa processing, allowing eligible applicants to secure quicker outcomes.
• Pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 visa.

3. Labour Agreement – Essential Skills Pathway

• This stream is available for applicants sponsored under Labour Agreements.
• It will be replaced by the Essential Skills stream, which is currently under development.

What These Changes Mean for Employers and Skilled Migrants

The introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa provides a more structured and accessible approach to employer-sponsored migration in Australia. The reforms enhance job security for skilled migrants, reduce barriers to permanent residency, and offer more flexibility for businesses seeking to attract global talent.

For individuals and businesses looking to navigate these changes effectively, AustraliaMigrate is here to provide expert guidance. Contact us today to learn more about how these updates impact your migration pathway.