As part of the Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations, the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa officially replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa on 7 December 2024.
Here’s everything you need to know
Skills in Demand Visa
The SID Visa provides a streamlined framework to address critical skill shortages in Australia. It enables employers to sponsor skilled individuals for roles where appropriately qualified Australian workers are unavailable.
In addition to supporting employers, this temporary visa offers skilled migrants a clear and structured pathway to permanent residency. Here are some key benefits of the SID Visa
- Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Applicants need only 1 year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field to be eligible for a SID visa, compared to the 2-year requirement under the previous TSS Visa framework.
- 4-Year Stay: Most SID visa holders can remain in Australia for up to 4 years, allowing ample time to build their careers and apply for permanent residency.
- Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency: All pathways under the SID Visa lead directly to eligibility for the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa, offering a path to permanent residency.
Visa Pathways
The SID Visa offers three distinct pathways:
Specialist Skills Stream: Designed for high-income earners (AUD 135,000+ annually) working in skilled sectors under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, excluding roles classified in Major Groups 3, 7, or 8 (trades and machinery occupations).
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- Learn more about the eligibility criteria for Specialist Skills Stream here
Core Skills Stream: Designed for workers earning at least the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), currently set at AUD 73,150 (indexed annually), and employed in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
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- Learn more about the eligibility criteria for Core Skills Stream here
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Labour Agreement Stream: Designed for skilled workers nominated by employers with a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream (currently under development).
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- Learn more about the eligibility criteria for the Labour Agreement Stream here.
How can I get Permanent Residency in Australia with the SID Visa?
All Skills in Demand (SID) Visa holders will have a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186—Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream.
Subclass 186 – TRT allows skilled workers employed full-time for at least 2 years under a subclass 457 or TSS visa and nominated by an Australian employer to apply for permanent residency.
To facilitate this pathway, applicants are provided with the following benefits.
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- Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Applicants need only 2 years of work experience to qualify for the Subclass 186 – TRT visa, a reduction from the 3-year requirement under the previous TSS Visa framework.
- Flexibility in Work Experience: All periods of sponsored employment (i.e., periods of employment in a sponsored visa such as subclass 457 or 482) under the SID Visa count toward the 2-year requirement, even if the applicant has worked for multiple employers during this time.
- For instance, if you worked under a subclass 482 visa for one year with Employer A and then switched to Employer B under a SID Visa, both periods of employment will count toward the 2-year requirement for your 186 visa application.
Transition to TSS Applications
If your employer lodged a TSS nomination before the SID Visa came into effect on 7 December 2024, here’s how the transition works:
- Applications Lodged Before the Change: Any TSS nominations and visa applications submitted before 7 December 2024 will be processed under the requirements at the time of submission.
Applications Lodged After the Change: If your employer has lodged a TSS nomination but you haven’t submitted your TSS visa application by this date, the newer provisions will apply. Approved nominations will automatically transition to SID nominations, enabling you to apply for the SID Visa instead.
Understanding the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Alongside introducing the new SID pathway, the Department has replaced the previous Skilled Occupation List with the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). The CSOL is a consolidated list of 456 occupations that replaces the multiple skilled occupation lists previously used under the TSS visa framework.
The CSOL applies exclusively to two visa pathways:
- The SID Core Skills Stream -Targeting workers earning above the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT).
- The Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream provides a pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled workers in these occupations.
To be eligible for the above visas, applicants must have an occupation listed on the CSOL.
You can review the full Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) here.
What Does This Mean for You?
The SID Visa provides a faster, more flexible pathway to achieving your career and residency goals in Australia. By reducing work experience requirements and offering clear, adaptable routes to permanent residency, it’s never been easier to take advantage of the visa opportunities available in Australia.
Whether you’re an applicant or an employer looking to address skill shortages, the SID Visa simplifies the process while ensuring high standards.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today to learn how you can benefit from the Skills in Demand Visa and secure your future in Australia!
