On December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa under the subclass 482.
What is the Skills in Demand visa?
The Skills in Demand visa is temporary visa that allows an employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill.
It offers a streamlined process for both migrants and employers needing more skilled workers to grow their businesses.
The Skills in Demand visa introduces three distinct streams:
1. Specialist Skills Stream
This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Designed for occupations within ANZSCO major groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6.
Minimum salary threshold: $135,000.
2. Core Skills Stream
This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Applicable for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Minimum salary threshold: $73,150, indexed annually in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.
This stream remains unchanged under the SID visa framework.
"The Skills in Demand (SID) 482 visa benefits employees, businesses, and the Australian economy by addressing worker exploitation, offering a clearer path to permanent residency, and enhancing worker mobility. Additionally, it helps Australia retain talent trained in local institutions who join the workforce after graduation, complementing the existing General Skilled Migration pathway."
– Alice Guan (MARA 1909953) IDP’s registered Migration Agent
Basic eligibility
You must:
be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor
have the right skills to do the job
meet the relevant English language requirements
What IELTS score do you need to apply for the Skills in Demand visa?
To apply for the Skills in Demand visa, the English requirements of the previous TSS (Temporary Skills Shortage) Medium-term stream will apply, which is an IELTS score of 5.0 overall, with a minimum score of 5.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Book an IELTS test for your visa
Eligibility requirements for each stream
Specialist Skills Stream
Be nominated to work in an ANZCO occupation listed in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6 with a salary that meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
The minimum salary threshold is $135,000.
Have at least 1-year relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or in a related field.
Have a relevant skills assessment (if this is required for your occupation).
Work only for your sponsor or associated entity (unless you are exempt).
Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency (unless you are exempt).
Core Skills Stream
Be nominated to work in an occupation on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Applicants must be paid a salary at or above the new Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD73,150.
Have at least 1-year relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field.
Have a relevant skills assessment (if this is required for your occupation).
Work only for your sponsor or associated entity (unless you are exempt).
Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency (unless you are exempt).
For medical practitioners:
If the nominated occupation is a medical practitioner, you must have your qualifications recognised by the relevant authority in Australia for the registration of medical practitioners as entitling you to practise as a medical practitioner.
Labour Agreement Stream
Be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement.
Unless otherwise specified in the Labour Agreement, have gained at least 12 months relevant full-time work experience, or equivalent, within the last 5 years.
Work carried out on a part-time or casual basis must be equivalent to at least 12 months full-time work.
Have a relevant skills assessment (if this is required for your occupation).
Work only for your sponsor.
Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency (unless you are exempt).
Cost
Each stream’s application costs start from $3,115.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
All Skills in Demand visa holders have a pathway to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme.
Your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence after you have worked for at least 2 years full time.
Need migration advice? Talk to one of our friendly migration agents at IDP!
Immigration and the law
Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in Australian student visas, work visas, or looking to migrate permanently, you need to lodge an application with the Australian Government. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.
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IELTS is the world's most popular English test for a reason. Why choose IELTS?
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