Skills in Demand Visa: Your Golden Ticket in Australia this 2025
The Australian immigration landscape is evolving, bringing exciting opportunities for individuals and businesses. Recent changes, including the Skills in Demand Visa, reflect a shift toward attracting top talent and filling critical skills gaps. Here’s a closer look at how these updates can benefit you.
A brief overview of the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa program has replaced the Temporary Skilled Shortage (subclass 482) Visa. This visa has three streams, the qualifications of which will mainly be based on the applicant’s annual earnings.
Specialist Skills Stream
This is for highly skilled migrants who are beneficial to Australia’s national productivity with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 135,000
Core Skills Stream
This is for skilled migrants whose occupation is on a new Core Skills Occupation list with guaranteed annual earnings of at least AUD 70,000
Essential Skills Stream
This will be for workers paid below AUD 70,000 with essential skills. Most of these workers are sponsored through labour agreements.
Common characteristics of the three streams
Visa duration: The visa can be granted for up to four years.
Subclass number: The visa subclass will remain as ‘Subclass 482’.
Reduction of work experience requirement: The minimum relevant work experience requirement for the SID visa has been reduced from two years full-time at a skilled level to one year full-time (or equivalent part-time/casual) at a skilled level within the five years preceding the visa application.
Caveats: 14 occupational caveats apply. Whilst the caveats are listed in the CSOL, they apply to all streams under the SID visa.
Children of SID visa holders: Children born in Australia to a SID visa holder, or current TSS visa holder, are automatically granted a SID visa by operation of law upon birth if they do not acquire Australian citizenship through the other parent being an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, the birth of the child will still need to be registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
Employer flexibility: Existing TSS visa holders will have the ability to submit a new application with a new employer if their current occupation is on the CSOL or the nomination meets the income threshold for the Specialist Skills stream. If the relevant occupation is not on the CSOL or does not qualify for the Specialist Skills stream, the applicant will not have a pathway to changing employers.
English proficiency: The English requirements of the TSS medium-term stream will apply, which is an IELTS score (or equivalent) of level five (5) overall, with a minimum score of five (5) in each component.
Skills in Demand Visas: Streamlining Critical Occupations
The SID visa program addresses Australia’s critical skill shortages by offering faster processing times for high-demand occupations. Key updates include:
Eligibility for Pre-December Lodgements: Applications lodged before December 7, 2024, remain valid under the previous legislation, ensuring continuity for those already in the process.
Nomination Transfers: Flexible options are available for TSS 482 visa holders who are changing employers within the same occupation.
Streamlined Processing: Specialist Skills stream applications aim for a turnaround of 7 days, while Core Skills stream decisions average 21 days, provided applications are “decision-ready.”
Supporting Employers and Skilled Workers Alike
For employers, attracting international talent is vital to maintaining a competitive edge, while for skilled professionals, Australia offers a wealth of career opportunities. However, navigating the intricacies of these visas—whether under SID, TSS, or other work visa categories—requires a deep understanding of current regulations and industry-specific caveats.
How We Can Help:
Tailored Solutions: We work closely with businesses to streamline sponsorship processes and ensure compliance with Department of Home Affairs requirements.
Expert Guidance: From nomination transfers to transitioning to permanent residency via the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, our team is here to support your journey.
Australia’s updated work visa programs offer unparalleled opportunities for skilled professionals and businesses. Don’t let complexity hold you back—our dedicated team is ready to simplify the process and help you achieve your goals.
