Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Overview: Simplified and Improved Pathways for Skilled Workers
The Australian Government has launched the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa as part of a major update to the country's skilled migration system. This visa stream replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Visa and brings several improvements. It aims to streamline processes, create clearer pathways to permanent residency, and update eligibility requirements to better address Australia’s labour shortages, boost key industries, and attract global talent.
Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa
Simplified Visa Streams: The SID Visa introduces three distinct streams to target specific labour market needs:
Specialist Skills Stream: For high-income earners (AUD 135,000+) in skilled professional roles (except trades and machinery-related jobs).
Core Skills Stream: For mid-level income earners (AUD 73,150+) in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes critical sectors like healthcare, construction, and IT.
Labour Agreement Stream: For jobs covered by agreements between employers and the government, particularly in niche or hard-to-fill roles.
Streamlined Work Experience Requirements: Applicants now need just one year of relevant full-time work experience in the past five years, reduced from the previous two years.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Time spent on the SID Visa, or the previous TSS Visa, will count towards the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme for permanent residency.
Increased Mobility: Visa holders can switch employers with fewer restrictions:
- Up to 180 days between jobs without affecting visa status.
- Up to 365 days in total during the visa period to find a new employer or apply for another visa.
New Occupation List: The CSOL has been updated to include 456 occupations, adding 70 new roles in high-demand sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and construction.
Income Thresholds: Income thresholds are reviewed annually based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), ensuring the system reflects current market conditions.
Language Requirements: Applicants must meet a minimum IELTS score of 5 in all bands (or an equivalent standard).
Breakdown of the Three Visa Streams
Specialist Skills Stream:
Purpose: To attract highly skilled professionals earning above AUD 135,000 in sectors critical to Australia's economic growth.
Eligibility:
Income: At least AUD 135,000 annually.
Occupations: Roles in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (managers, professionals, clerical roles, etc.).
Exclusions: Trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers (ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7, and 8).
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
Benefits: Fast-track processing: 7-day target.
Greater flexibility for high-income earners with no occupation-specific restrictions (except excluded roles).
Core Skills Stream:
Purpose: To address national skill shortages in key mid-level roles.
Eligibility: Income: At least AUD 73,150 annually.
Occupations: Roles listed in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
Benefits: Focused on addressing current labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, early childhood education, construction, and cybersecurity.
Labour Agreement Stream:
Purpose: For niche roles outside the CSOL, where employers have agreements with the government.
Eligibility:
Occupations: Defined in a Labour Agreement between the employer and the government.
Salary: Must meet the salary requirements in the agreement.
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent, unless otherwise stated in the agreement.
Benefits: Customised for industries facing specific labour shortages (e.g., agriculture, remote healthcare).
Eligibility Requirements
For Employers:
Labour Market Test: Prove no suitably skilled Australian workers are available for the role.
Financial Capability: Demonstrate the ability to pay the nominated salaries without inflating wages.
Compliance: Meet updated sponsorship obligations, including monitoring and reporting requirements.
For Applicants:
Income Threshold: Must meet the income requirement for their specific stream.
Work Experience: Provide evidence of at least one year of relevant full-time work experience in the past five years.
English Language: Must meet the required English language proficiency.
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