Everything You Need to Know About the New Skills in Demand Visa

Visa Info • Published on December 24

The New Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Explained

On July 7, 2024, the Australian government introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). This new visa aims to address Australia’s labor market needs more effectively, offering a streamlined approach for skilled workers and their employers. Let’s explore the changes, eligibility, and benefits of this updated visa framework.

Key Changes from the TSS Visa to the SID Visa

The Skills in Demand visa introduces several improvements over the TSS visa:

  1. Three Pathway System: The Skills in Demand visa includes three distinct streams based on annual earnings and occupations:
  • Specialist Skills Pathway: For high earners ($135,000+ annually) in specialized occupations.
  • Core Skills Pathway: For essential roles with salaries of at least $73,150.
  • Essential Skills Pathway: For occupations with salaries below $73,150.
  1. Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Applicants now need only one year of relevant full-time work experience within the last five years, a significant reduction from the previous requirement of two years.
  2. Increased Flexibility for Employees: Visa holders now have 180 days (up from 60 days) to find a new sponsor if their employment ends, improving job security and mobility.
  3. Enhanced Pathways to Permanent Residency: Skills in Demand visa holders can transition to permanent residency after two years of continuous employment under the visa.
  4. Streamlined Labor Market Testing (LMT): LMT requirements are being simplified, including removing the need for advertisements on Workforce Australia and extending the advertising validity to six months.

Who Can Apply for the SID Visa?

The Skills in Demand visa is designed for skilled workers whose occupations align with Australia’s economic needs. Eligibility varies based on the pathway:

1. Specialist Skills Pathway

  • Minimum salary: $135,000 (indexed annually).
  • Occupations: Highly specialized roles (excluding trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers).
  • Processing time: 7 days.

2. Core Skills Pathway

  • Minimum salary: $73,150 (indexed annually).
  • Occupations: Listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes trades, healthcare, ICT, and engineering roles.
  • Processing time: 21 days (proposed).

3. Essential Skills Pathway

  • Salary: Below $73,150.
  • Occupations: Essential roles in sectors such as aged care and disability services. Specific details are pending further government assessment.
  • Processing time: 21 days (proposed).

General Requirements

To apply for the Skills in Demand visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Work Experience: At least one year of relevant full-time experience within the last five years.
  2. English Proficiency: IELTS score of at least 5.0 in each component or an equivalent test score.
  3. Sponsorship: A valid job offer and sponsorship from an approved Australian employer.
  4. Salary Threshold: Meet the minimum salary requirements for the chosen pathway.

Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa

The Skills in Demand visa offers numerous advantages for skilled workers and Australian employers:

  1. Longer Stay: Visa holders can remain in Australia for up to four years.
  2. Job Flexibility: The 180-day grace period allows workers more time to find a new sponsor if their employment ends.
  3. Clear Pathways to Permanent Residency: After two years of employment under the SID visa, applicants can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186 TRT).
  4. Fast Processing Times: Specialist Skills Pathway applications are processed within seven days, while other pathways are estimated to take around 21 days.
  5. In-Demand Occupations: Focus on addressing critical skill shortages in various sectors, including healthcare, ICT, engineering, and trades.


Candidate Process for the SID Visa

The application process for the Skills in Demand visa involves the following steps. Some employers may be willing to wait for the candidate to complete stages 1 and 2 after they offer a job but a lot will expect the candidate to be document ready at the time of the job offer.

  1. Pre-Eligibility Assessment:
  2. Confirm eligibility based on occupation, pathway, and salary requirements.
  3. Document Preparation:
  4. Compile necessary documentation, including proof of work experience, skills assessment, and employer sponsorship details.
  5. Job Offer:
  6. Secure a job offer from an approved Australian employer.
  7. Application Submission:
  8. Lodge the application with the Department of Home Affairs.
  9. Ongoing Liaison:
  10. Employers and applicants may need to provide additional information during processing.
  11. Visa Grant:
  • Successful applicants receive their visa and can commence employment in Australia.

FAQs about the Skills in Demand Visa

1. What is the difference between the SID visa and the old TSS visa?

The Skills in Demand visa introduces a more streamlined three-pathway system instead of different occupations lists with different lengths, costs, and requirements. The work experience requirement has been reduced to one year, and enhanced job flexibility.

2. Can SID visa holders apply for permanent residency?

Yes, after two years of continuous employment under the SID visa, holders can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186 TRT).

3. What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

The CSOL is a regularly updated list of in-demand occupations eligible for the Core Skills Pathway. It includes roles in trades, ICT, healthcare, and more.

4. How long does it take to process a SID visa application?

Processing times vary:

  • Specialist Skills Pathway: 7 days.
  • Core and Essential Skills Pathways: 21 days (proposed).

5. Can I switch employers under the SID visa?

Yes, visa holders can switch employers and have 180 days to secure a new sponsor if their current employment ends.

6. Are there specific sectors targeted by the Essential Skills Pathway?

Yes, the Essential Skills Pathway focuses on critical sectors, such as aged care and disability services. More details are expected as the program develops.

7. What are the fees for the SID visa?

Application fees are as follows:

  • Primary applicant: $3,115.
  • Dependents aged 18+: $3,115 each.
  • Dependents under 18: $780 each.

Conclusion

The Skills in Demand visa represents a significant shift in Australia’s skilled migration strategy. With its streamlined processes and clear pathways to permanent residency, the SID visa is set to attract top talent and address critical skill shortages across the country.

If you are interested in the Skills in Demand visa and need to find jobs that offer 482 visa sponsorship, why not check out our job board. We only post jobs offering visa sponsorship, saving you hours of searching online.

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