The Department of Home Affairs has announced that effective 7 December 2024, the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa program will be implemented along with the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This new program will replace the Subclass 482 visa and its existing occupation lists.
Key Details of the SID Visa Implementation
Initially, many anticipated a delay in the SID visa rollout until early 2025, as the Migration Amendment (Strengthening Sponsorship and Nomination Processes) Bill 2024 did not pass the Senate in its final sitting in 2024. However, the Department has confirmed that crucial aspects of the SID visa will proceed, utilising regulatory changes to the Migration Regulations 1994.
While some components, such as the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold indexation, will require legislative backing and is expected to roll out later in 2025, the program will proceed with other updates as planned.
At this stage, only the occupation list has been disclosed. More details on the broader framework and pathways will be announced as they become available.
Adaptive Skills Lists
Jobs and Skills Australia has spearheaded the review of occupation lists, reflecting efforts to balance competing labour market interests.
While employers have highlighted ongoing skills shortages across various sectors, concerns persist that higher temporary visa labour rates may suppress wages and contribute to broader economic challenges. The new CSOL aims to address these dynamics through targeted pathways.
The New Tiered SID Visa Pathways
The SID visa introduces a tiered structure to streamline skilled migration, moving away from the previous short-term and medium-long term occupation lists under the Subclass 482 visa:
- Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP):
- No ANZSCO code required
- Minimum base salary: $130,000 per annum
- Excludes trade, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers
- Launch date anticipated on 7 December 2024
- Core Skills Pathway (CSP):
- Requires nomination of an occupation on the CSOL
- Key updates to the CSOL apply
- Launch date: 7 December 2024.
- Essential Skills Pathway (ESP):
- Reserved for lower-remuneration roles deemed critical to Australia’s labour needs
- Expected to launch in 2025
Occupation Updates on the 7 December CSOL
Occupations Removed
Whilst not a full list, we’ve highlighted some key occupations which will no longer be eligible under the Core Skills Pathway after 7 December :
Agriculture & Farming:
- Cotton Grower (121211)
- Flower Grower (121212)
- Fruit or Nut Grower (121213)
- Grain, Oilseed or Pasture Grower (121214)
- Grape Grower (121215)
- Mixed Crop Farmer (121216)
- Sugar Cane Grower (121217)
- Vegetable Grower (Aus) (121221)
- Beef Cattle Farmer (121312)
- Deer Farmer (121314)
- Horse Breeder (121316)
- Mixed Livestock Farmer (121317)
- Sheep Farmer (121322)
- Crop Farmers (nec) (121299)
- Livestock Farmers (nec) (121399)
- Mixed Crop and Livestock Farmer (121411)
Media, Creative Arts & Entertainment
- Book or Script Editor (212212)
- Director (film, television, radio or stage) (212312)
- Film and Video Editor (212314)
- Photographer (211311)
- Copywriter (212411)
- Newspaper or Periodical Editor (212412)
- Music Professionals (nec) (211299)
- Journalists and Other Writers (nec) (212499)
- Performing Arts Technicians (nec) (399599)
- Graphic designer (232411)
Hospitality & Tourism:
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager (141111)
- Conference and Event Organiser (149311)
Healthcare, Alternative Medicine & Social Services:
- Acupuncturist (252211)
- Naturopath (252213)
- Health Diagnostic and Promotion Professionals (nec) (251999)
- Complementary Health Therapists (nec) (252299)
- Counsellors (nec) (272199)
- Social Professionals (nec) (272499)
- Medical Technicians (nec) (311299)
- Life Scientist Technicians (311413)
- Environmental Research Scientist (234313)
Education:
- Child Care Centre Manager (134111)
- Art Teacher (private tuition) (249211)
- Dance Teacher (private tuition) (249212)
- Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages (249311)
Sports & Recreation:
- Gymnastics Coach or Instructor (452312)
- Horse Riding Coach or Instructor (452313)
- Snowsport Instructor (452314)
- Swimming Coach or Instructor (452315)
- Tennis Coach (452316)
- Footballer (452411)
Technology
- ICT Trainer (223211)
- ICT Security Specialist (262112)
- ICT Support Engineer (263212)
- Telecommunications Engineer (263311)
Management and Professional Services
- Public Relations Manager (131114)
- Post Office Manager (142115)
- Amusement Centre Manager (149111)
- Sports Centre Manager (149113)
- Customer Service Manager (149212)
- Conference and Event Organiser (149311)
- Facilities Manager (149913)
- Fashion Designer (232311)
- Industrial Designer (232312)
- Graphic Designer (232411)
- Real Estate Representative (612115)
Technical and Trades
- Metal Fitters and Machinists (nec) (323299)
- Wood Machinists and Other Wood Trades Workers (nec) (394299)
- Animal Attendants and Trainers (nec) (361199)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
Occupations Added
Agriculture and Science
- Agricultural Research Scientist (234114)
- Agronomist (234115)
- Aquaculture or Fisheries Scientist (234116)
- Agricultural and Agritech Technician (311112)
- Animal Husbandry Technician (311114)
- Aquaculture or Fisheries Technician (311115)
- Irrigation Designer (311115)
- Tree Worker (362512)
- Irrigation Technician (362712)
- Entomologist (234521)
Technology and Data
- Data Analyst (224114)
- Data Scientist (224115)
- Cyber Security Engineer (261315)
- DevOps Engineer (261316)
- Penetration Tester (261317)
- Cyber Governance Risk and Compliance Specialist (262114)
- Cyber Security Advice and Assessment Specialist (262115)
- Cyber Security Analyst (262116)
- Cyber Security Architect (262117)
- Cyber Security Operations Coordinator (262118)
Healthcare and Medical
- Respiratory Scientist (234612)
- Respiratory Technician (311217)
- Fire Protection Plumber (334117)
Business and Management
- Retail Manager (General) (142111)
- Licensed Club Manager (141411)
- Equipment Hire Manager (149915)
- Content Creator (Marketing) (225114)
- Supply Chain Analyst (224714)
- Office Manager (512111)
- Fleet Manager (149411)
Trade and Technical
- Engineering Patternmaker (323411)
- Screen Printer (392112)
- Graphic Pre-press Trades Worker (392211)
- Shoemaker (393114)
- Furniture Maker (394113)
- Picture Framer (394212)
- Chemical Plant Operator (399211)
- Light Technician (399513)
- Optical Dispenser/Dispensing Optician (399913)
- Optical Mechanic (399914)
- Plastics Technician (399916)
- Fire Protection Equipment Technician (399918)
- Other Draftsperson (312914)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
Service Industry
- Out of School Hours Care Worker (421114)
- Hotel Service Manager (431411)
- Beauty Therapist (451111)
- Tour Guide (451412)
- Travel Consultant (451612)
- Child Care Worker (421111)
- Boarding Kennel or Cattery Operator (149911)
- Travel Agency Manager (142116)
- Equipment Hire Manager (149915)
Legal and Administrative
- Legal Secretary (521212)
- Conveyancer (599111)
- Clerk of Court (599211)
Media and Communications
- Radio Journalist (212414)
- Radio Communications Technician (313211)
How Does this Effect the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme
The CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry pathway of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). It will not affect the 186 Temporary Transition Stream.
What’s Next?
Applications lodged before 7 December will be assessed under the current framework. Any employer or applicant planning to lodge for a soon-to-be-removed occupation must act promptly to meet this deadline.
We’ll continue to monitor developments closely and share updates as further details emerge.
Professional Assistance
With the skilled migration program evolving more rapidly than ever, seeking professional guidance is essential. For personalised advice and support in navigating these changes, reach out to us at Migration Downunder. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you through important developments in Australia’s migration system.