What Is the Skill in Demand Visa (SID Visa)?

The Skill in Demand Visa also referred to as the 482 Visa, is a work visa designed to bring skilled professionals to Australia to fill critical roles. The SID Visa offers three distinct streams:

1. Specialist Skills Stream

This stream caters to highly skilled professionals with occupations listed in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, excluding trade workers, machinery operators, and laborers (Groups 3, 7, and 8). To qualify:

• Applicants must meet the specialist skills income threshold of $135,000 or more.
• Occupations under this stream are fast-tracked through streamlined processing.

Key Highlights:

• This stream is a new addition, not previously available under the TSS visa.
• It recognizes the significant economic contributions of highly skilled migrants, enabling employers to fill critical gaps efficiently.

2. Core Skills Stream

Designed for roles listed in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), this stream targets skilled workers meeting the core skills income threshold of $73,150, aligned with the TSMIT under the TSS visa.

3. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream retains the existing settings from the TSS visa. It provides continuity for applicants under employer-specific agreements with the Australian Government. The occupations and criteria are customized to the Labour Agreement, addressing the unique needs of industries.

Comparing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa and the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

Australia’s migration landscape has evolved with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa. This change, effective from December 7, 2024, aims to better address skill shortages while simplifying visa criteria. Let’s break down the differences between these two 482 Visa categories in key areas.

1. Work Experience Requirements

• TSS Visa: Applicants needed at least 2 years of work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field.
• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa: The requirement is more flexible, with applicants needing 12 months of work experience within the past 5 years, ensuring recent and relevant experience​.

2. Income Threshold

• TSS Visa: Minimum salary threshold of AUD 73,150 for both Short-term Stream and Medium-term Stream.

• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa:
  • Core Skills Stream: Minimum salary threshold of AUD 73,150.
  • Specialist Skills Stream: Threshold set at AUD 135,000.

3. Occupation List

The Migration (Specification of Occupations—Subclass 482 Visa) Instrument 2024 introduces the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) as part of the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) framework. This instrument consolidates the occupation lists under a single, streamlined list for the Core Skills stream, replacing the three separate occupation lists used under the TSS visa.

Key Changes: CSOL vs. Previous TSS Occupation Lists

1. Consolidated Occupation List

• The CSOL simplifies the system by combining all eligible occupations into a single list, improving clarity for both applicants and employers.

2. Occupation Numbers

• CSOL includes 456 occupations, a reduction of 125 occupations compared to the previous TSS visa lists.
• Despite this reduction, the CSOL expands opportunities for applicants with 189 additional occupations that now provide a direct pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

3. Updates for New Occupations

• The CSOL features 16 new or updated occupations to align with changes in the ANZSCO classification, ensuring relevance to Australia's current labor market needs.

4. English Language Requirements

• TSS Visa:
  • Short-term Stream: IELTS overall score of 5.0 with no less than 4.5 in each band.
  • Medium-term Stream: IELTS overall score of 5.0 with no less than 5.0 in each band.
• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa:
  • For both streams: IELTS overall score of 5.0, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band​.

5. Stay Period

• TSS Visa:
  • Short-term Stream: Stay up to 2 years.
  • Medium-term Stream: Stay up to 4 years.
• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa:
  • Both streams allow a stay of up to 4 years, offering consistency and longer-term stability​.

6. Genuine Entrant Requirement

• TSS Visa: Included a "Genuine Temporary Entrant" test to ensure applicants intended to stay temporarily. Factors such as immigration history and circumstances were considered.
• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa: This requirement has been removed. Instead, the focus is on the applicant’s genuine intention to perform the nominated role and the authenticity of the position.

7. Visa Fees

• TSS Visa:
  • Short-term Stream: AUD 1,495.
  • Medium-term Stream: AUD 3,115.
• Skill in Demand (SID) Visa:
  • A uniform visa fee of AUD 3,115 for all streams, simplifying the cost structure.

Transition from TSS Visa to Skill in Demand Visa

If you hold a TSS Visa, here’s what you need to know:

• Your TSS Visa remains valid until expiration.
• Applications submitted before December 7, 2024, will be assessed under TSS rules.
• Post-December 7, 2024, all applications will fall under the Skill in Demand Visa framework.

Why Work with a Registered Migration Agent?

Navigating the migration process can be overwhelming. Engaging a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) ensures that your application is professionally managed, increasing your chances of success while minimizing stress. Here’s why working with an RMA is a smart choice:

• Stay updated on the latest migration laws, policies, and changes, helping you to understand complex criteria such as income thresholds, occupation lists, and English language requirements.
• Assess your individual circumstances to determine your eligibility. And provide advice tailored to your specific visa type, such as the 482 visa, Skill in Demand (SID) visa, or permanent residency pathways.
• Identify potential issues in your application and address them proactively with clear strategies.
• Save time by managing the nomination and application process.
• Maximize your chances of approval.

Apply for the Skill in Demand Visa Today

The Skill in Demand Visa (SID) marks a significant improvement over the Temporary Work Visa (TSS), offering greater clarity, better salary benchmarks, and more flexibility. Whether you're an employer seeking skilled workers or a professional looking to advance your career in Australia, the 482 Visa could be the solution you're looking for.

Contact us today to speak with an experienced Registered Migration Agent and start your journey toward working in Australia.