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Australia’s revamped skilled visa program introduces the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), featuring 456 high-demand occupations for 2025. Explore key changes, eligibility, and pathways to permanent residence.
On December 7, 2024, Australia unveiled significant reforms to its skilled migration program. The introduction of the Skills in Demand(SID) visa, replacing the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, aims to address Australia’s growing labour shortages while simplifying pathways to permanent residence for skilled migrants.
This guide covers the SID visa’s features, streams, eligibility criteria, application process, and details about the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes 456 in-demand jobs for 2025.
Overview of the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) is designed to meet targeted workforce needs by allowing Australian employers to hire skilled foreign workers. Key benefits of the SID visa include:
• Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Working with an approved employer contributes to eligibility for permanent residency.
• Simplified Work Experience Requirements: Only 1 year of relevant work experience is required.
• Streamlined Occupation Lists: The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) consolidates multiple previous lists to focus on current labour market needs.
• Sector-Specific Support: Covers industries like construction, cybersecurity, healthcare, and agriculture.
Streams of the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa offers three primary streams to accommodate varying workforce needs:
1. Core Skills Stream
This stream targets general workforce shortages and is applicable to occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
• Salary Requirement: Minimum AUD73,150.
• Eligibility: Occupation on the CSOL, 1 year of relevant work experience, and English proficiency unless exempt.
• Benefits:
o Work in Australia for up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
o Apply for permanent residence if eligible.
o Travel freely to and from Australia during the visa’s validity.
2. Specialist Skills Stream
This stream focuses on highly skilled workers in occupations listed under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 2022, excluding Major Groups 3, 7, and 8.
• Salary Requirement: Minimum AUD135,000, equivalent to Australian workers in the same roles.
• Eligibility: Specialized skills in recognized sectors and relevant work experience.
• Benefits:
o Drives innovation and high-value job creation.
o Provides a pathway to permanent residence.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This stream caters to workers nominated by employers with a labour agreement in place with the Australian government. It allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia.
• Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
• Eligibility: Agreement-specific requirements and occupation under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
• Future Replacement: This stream will transition into the Essential Skills stream, currently under development.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a modernized list identifying 456 in-demand occupations for 2025. It replaces the fragmented skilled occupation lists previously used for the TSS visa. Key highlights include:
• Industries Covered: Construction, cybersecurity, agriculture, healthcare, engineering, IT, and more.
• Purpose: Aligns with Australia’s labour market demands through analysis by Jobs and Skills Australia and consultations with stakeholders.
• Applications: Applies to the SID visa Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
The CSOL ensures streamlined eligibility and supports targeted migration to address Australia’s critical workforce gaps.
Application Process for the Skills in Demand Visa
The application process for the Skills in Demand visa involves employer nomination, document preparation, online submission with fees, tracking processing times, and beginning work upon visa approval.
1. Employer Nomination: Your employer must nominate you for a specific role that aligns with one of the Skills in Demand visa streams and meets all eligibility criteria.
2. Document Preparation: Prepare required documents, including skills assessments, proof of work experience, English proficiency test results (if applicable), and your employer’s nomination approval details.
3. Visa Application Submission: Complete and submit your visa application through the Department of Home Affairs portal. Ensure accuracy and pay the required fee, starting from AUD3,115.
4. Processing Time: Use the Department of Home Affairs visa processing time guide to check the estimated timeframe for your application’s review and decision.
5. Approval and Visa Grant: Once your visa is approved, you can start working under the specific conditions of your visa, including employer and role restrictions, if applicable.
Transitional Arrangements
1. For Existing TSS Visa Holders: TSS visa holders can continue under their existing visa conditions. For permanent residence pathways, refer to the Repealed Visas section on the Department of Home Affairs website.
2. Pending Applications: All TSS visa nominations and applications lodged before December 7, 2024, will be processed under the previous rules.
3. Unlodged Nominations: If an employer lodges a TSS nomination before the SID’s implementation and the visa application is submitted afterwards, the nomination will be deemed an SID nomination.
Conclusion
The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) signify a transformative shift in Australia’s approach to skilled migration. By simplifying processes, providing clear pathways to permanent residence, and targeting critical labour shortages, the SID visa positions Australia as a destination of choice for skilled professionals globally.
Source: https://travelobiz.com/australia-unveils-skills-in-demand-visa-new-pathway-to-permanent-residence/
