The Australian Government introduced a new “Skills in Demand Visa” on 7 December last year. This visa replaces TSS (temporary shortage skills visa). Overall, three visa streams have been introduced under subclass 482 which are as follows:
- Core Skills stream
- Specialist Skills stream
- Essential Skills stream
As per the Australia Home Office announcement, the core skills stream will help to bring the targeted workforce needed in the country. Most of the applicants will use this stream under SID. On the other hand, the specialist skills stream will help the country drive more innovation and job creation. The specialist skills stream is still under development.
All visa streams provide a chance to its bearer to stay in Australia for 4 years minimum with a possibility of permanent residence as well. Applicants can also sponsor their family members to live with them in Australia.
Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
Skilled workers can benefit from a streamlined pathway to permanent residence when employed by an approved employer through a SID visa. Here’s how the SID process works:
Counts Every Approved Job Towards Residency
Any work undertaken with an approved employer contributes to meeting the requirements for permanent residency.
Reduced Work Experience Requirement
Applicants under the Skilled Independent Direct (SID) program need only one year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field—one year less than the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) program.
Simplified English Language Standards
The English language proficiency requirement remains consistent with the TSS medium-term stream, ensuring clarity and simplicity for applicants. This means an overall score of 5.0 through IELTS will be enough to apply for these visa programs.
What is the Specialist Skills Stream?
The “Specialist Skills Stream” acknowledges the vital role of highly skilled migrants in driving national productivity. This stream is designed for applicants who meet general eligibility requirements and fulfill the following criteria:
- Occupational Eligibility: Applicants must work in an occupation listed in the ANZSCO 2022 framework, excluding Major Group levels 3, 7, and 8, which cover:
- Trades workers
- Machinery operators
- Drivers and laborers
- Income Threshold: To qualify, applicants must earn at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD 135,000 annually. Additionally, their income must not be less than that of Australian workers performing the same role.
The overall requirements summary is as follows:
Requirement | Details |
Nominated Occupation | Be nominated to work in an occupation listed under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. |
Income Threshold | Earn a salary that meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (AUD 135,000 annually). |
Relevant Work Experience | Have at least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field. |
Skills Assessment | Possess a valid skills assessment if required for the nominated occupation. |
Employer-Specific Employment | Work exclusively for the sponsoring employer or an associated entity unless exempt from this requirement. |
English Language Proficiency | Meet minimum standards of English language proficiency (this means an overall score of 5.0 in IELTS) unless exempt from providing evidence of this. |
This stream is tailored to attract top talent, ensuring that high-performing individuals contribute to Australia’s economic growth and competitiveness.
What is the Core Skills Stream?
The “Core Skills Stream” is designed to fill critical gaps in the workforce by attracting skilled professionals worldwide. Applicants must meet general eligibility requirements and satisfy the following criteria:
- Occupations in Demand: Candidates must work in an occupation listed on the Core Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) that has been identified as experiencing a shortage. This also includes occupations covered under international trade agreements where Australia has committed to providing labor market access.
- Competitive Salary Threshold: Applicants must receive a salary at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold, set at AUD 73,150 per year.
The overall summary of the major requirements for this visa is as follows:
Requirement | Details |
Nominated Occupation | Must be nominated to work in an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). |
Relevant Work Experience | At least one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field. |
Skills Assessment | A valid skills assessment is required, if applicable for the nominated occupation. |
Employer-Specific Employment | Must work exclusively for the sponsoring employer or associated entity unless exempt. |
English Language Proficiency | Must meet minimum English proficiency standards unless exempt from this requirement. For all visa categories, it has been set at a confident level which is for example IELTS 5.0 score. |
This stream ensures Australia continues to meet labor demands while maintaining competitive employment standards for skilled workers.