The Skills in Demand (SID) visa was introduced on 7 December 2024, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 visa. This significant change in Australia’s migration framework aims to address the country’s evolving labour market needs by streamlining skilled migration and providing enhanced pathways for highly skilled workers. Here’s a detailed look at the SID visa, its differences from the TSS 482 visa, and the main changes introduced.
What is the SID Visa?
The SID visa is designed to attract workers in occupations critical to Australia’s economic and social development. By focusing on high-demand skills, the SID visa streamlines the process for employers to sponsor skilled workers and provides greater job security and pathways to permanent residency for visa holders.
Three New Streams:
- Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled workers earning $135,000 or more in most ANZSCO occupations, excluding trades and labourers
- Core Skills Stream: For all occupations on the CSOL earning over $73,150 which is essentially the same as the TSS 482 visa
- Labour Agreement Stream: Continuation of existing Labour Agreement process, as this is still yet to change
Key Features of the SID Visa
- Single Occupation List: The CSOL replaces all other occupation lists under the TSS visa
- All Visas Now Up to 4 years: With the introduction of one occupation list, all SID visas can now be granted for up to four (4) years
- Permanent Residency Pathways: The SID visa offers permanent residence for all occupations on the CSOL
- Simplified Work Experience Requirements: 1 year instead of 2 years’ relevant experience noting if registration and licencing is still required for a particular occupation, the visa doesn’t trump external assessing requirements. Casual work, pro-rata, now considered towards meeting the one years’ experience as long as the experience was completed within the last five years
- English Language Requirement: is aligned with the 186 ENS; for example, IELTS score of 5 in each four components. Consistent requirements across both Specialist Skills and Core Skills stream
- Skills: Applicants will be assessed against the 2022 release of the ANZSCO and ANZSCO will remain the primary source of information on the level of qualification and/or the number of years of experience required to perform the nominated occupation.
Other Important Factors for Current TSS 482 Visa Holders
- TSS visa holders who are currently sponsored in occupations removed from the list will not be able to change employers or apply for a further TSS visa
- Annual Indexation of Income Thresholds for Specialist and Core pathways
Transitional Arrangements
Legacy TSS Applications
- Short-term and Medium-term streams of the TSS visa are now closed to new nomination and visa applications
- All TSS nomination and visa applications lodged on or before 6 December 2024 will be processed using the requirements in force at the time the application was lodged
Orphan Nominations
- TSS nominations lodged without an accompanying TSS visa can be linked to a SID visa for the period of approval of nomination
- If the TSS nomination meets Specialist Skills Stream eligibility criteria, the nomination can be linked to a SID visa in the Specialist Skills Stream
- All other TSS nominations can be linked to a SID visa in the Core Skills Stream, regardless of whether the occupation is on the CSOL
Changing Employers
- Post-SID implementation, if a TSS visa holder wishes to change employer, if the relevant occupation is on the CSOL or they qualify for the Specialist Skills stream, the applicant can change employers by lodging a new SID nomination
- If the TSS visa holders who do not have a pathway to change employers can utilise Condition 8607 provisions, which allow them to work for other employers up to 180 days at a time, or a maximum of 365 cumulative days across their visa grant period
What Hasn’t Changed
- Labour Market Testing – no change
- Skilled Australian Levy (SAF) – no change
Conclusion
The introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa represents a major overhaul of Australia’s skilled migration program. By replacing the TSS 482 visa, the SID visa better aligns with Australia’s current and future workforce needs, providing a more efficient and effective system for employers and skilled migrants alike. This forward-thinking approach not only addresses critical skill shortages but also strengthens Australia’s global competitiveness in attracting top talent.
For further assistance in navigating the complexities of the SID visa or determining your eligibility, reach out to one of the experienced Registered Migration Agents here at Migration Downunder. Our team is dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalised support to help you achieve your migration goals. Contact us today to get started!
