Australia’s New Temporary Skills Visa: Your Pathway to Opportunity

The Australian government has introduced a new visa program aimed at addressing skills shortages and modernizing the country’s migration system. Here’s an in-depth look at the recently launched Skills in Demand (SID) Visa and related changes.

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, effective from 7 December, replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482). This initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to:

• Attract and retain skilled workers.

• Address workforce gaps in critical sectors.

• Simplify processes for employers and skilled migrants.

  
  

The SID Visa offers a streamlined pathway for skilled workers to contribute to Australia’s economy while fostering greater worker mobility.

• Eligibility: Employers can sponsor eligible skilled workers to fill roles where no suitably skilled Australian workers are available.

  
  

• Duration: The visa allows a stay of up to four years, with Hong Kong passport holders eligible for up to five years.

• Cost:

  • Main applicant: AUD 3,115.

  • Dependents aged 18 years and over: AUD 3,115 each.

  • Dependents under 18 years: AUD 780 each.

  • Additional expenses may apply, including English language tests, health assessments, and police checks.

• Targeted Streams:

  1. Core Skills Stream: Focused on mid-income roles addressing identified skills shortages. Applicants must:

     • Work in an occupation listed on the updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

     • Meet the Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD 73,150 (subject to annual indexing).

     • Occupations span sectors like construction, agriculture, cybersecurity, health, and education.

  2. Specialist Skills Stream: Designed for highly skilled migrants in higher-income roles. Eligibility requires:

     • Occupations from major groups of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (excluding trades).

     • A minimum salary of AUD 135,000.

  3. Labour Agreement Stream: For workers nominated under a labour agreement for specified occupations. The current TSS Labour Agreement Stream will transition to an ‘Essential Skills’ Stream following further stakeholder consultations.

The government has also introduced significant changes to other visa programs:

National Innovation Visa

Replacing the Global Talent Visa, the National Innovation Visa is an invitation-only program for highly skilled migrants who:

• Possess international recognition in fields such as critical technologies, renewable energy, and health.

• Can make a substantial contribution to Australia’s strategic sectors.

• Are eligible for permanent residency under this new visa.

The government emphasizes the global competition for top science and technology talent, with this visa positioning Australia as a destination for the world’s best innovators and researchers.

The Department of Home Affairs has clarified that:

• TSS visa nominations and applications submitted before 7 December will be processed under the requirements valid at the time of submission.

• Employers and workers transitioning to the SID Visa can expect updated guidelines to facilitate the process.

The introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa marks a pivotal step in Australia’s efforts to address workforce shortages and attract global talent. With its streamlined processes and targeted streams, the visa is set to play a key role in shaping Australia’s economic and innovation landscape.