New 'Skills in Demand' Visa Helps Employers Fill Skill Gaps and Grow

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers to Australia for up to 4 years, with a simplified process for migrants and employers.

What is SID - Skills in Demand Visa

Based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultation, from 7 December 2024, the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID - subclass 482) visa.

Most SID visa holders are now allowed to stay in Australia for up to 4 years, meaning businesses have a longer period to expand with staff. The visa provides a streamlined process for employers and international skilled workers to grow their businesses. SID visa holders have a clear pathway to permanent residency.

SID visa streams:

• Core Skills Stream: Most Australian businesses will use this stream to meet targeted workforce needs. Applicants must have a role under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identified as being in short supply.

Will receive a salary equal to or above the new Essential Skills Income Threshold of AUD73,150.

• Specialized Skills Stream: This stream recognises that highly skilled migrants boost national productivity. It is for candidates who meet the general eligibility requirements in any occupation on the ANZSCO 2022except ANZSCO Major Group levels 3, 7 and 8 (trades workers, machinery operators, and drivers and labourers).

Visa holders must earn at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD135,000 and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.

• Labor Agreement Stream: This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream (under development).

SID visa specifications

• Employees with SID visas will have a pathway to permanent residency, with any work with an approved employer counting towards permanent residency.
• Employers can now hire international applicants with at least one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or related field (one year less than the previous TSS) to be eligible for SID.
• Employees are required to have English language as the TSS medium-term stream.

Why is this visa important to business? 

The lack of skilled professionals is a reality in Australia, which goes against the growing opportunities in the national and international market scenario. With the new Skills in Demand visa, employers will have the flexibility to work on business development with the employee hired for 4 years granted a visa, and a clear path to permanent residency.

The one-year work experience is also a great opportunity for new talent to enter the market bringing innovation, while the team and the company grow together.

The Skills in Demand visa gives companies more planning autonomy to build their business in the medium and long term.