AUSTRALIA – New Skills in Demand visa program is a game-changer.

December 9, 2024


Rachael Adolphe

By: Rachael Adolphe, Immigration Manager, Newland Chase Australia  

Australia is taking a significant step forward in aligning its immigration system with evolving workforce demands. On December 7, 2024, the Australian Government unveiled its newly reformed Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. These changes promise to streamline migration pathways, enhance flexibility for workers and employers, and bolster Australia’s global competitiveness.

What’s changing within Australia’s immigration system?

The SID visa inherits the TSS subclass (482) but offers up to four years of stay and streamlined pathways to permanent residency.

The new visa offers three tailored streams:

  • Core skills stream: For mid-range occupations with salaries between AUD 73,150 and AUD 135,000.
  • Specialist skills stream: For high-income earners (AUD 135,000+).
  • Essential skills stream: Focused on lower-income earners in critical roles (details forthcoming).

Key updates for Australia work visa applicants.

Application fees.

Visa application charges (VACs) remain consistent with prior TSS rates:

  • Primary applicants: AUD 3,115.
  • Secondary applicants over 18: AUD 3,115.
  • Secondary applicants under 18: AUD 780.

Occupation list overhaul.

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaces the previous framework, focusing on targeted roles and reducing caveats from 26 to 14. This list will apply across SID visa applications and permanent residency pathways, such as the Subclass 186 visa.

Simplified English language requirements.

Applicants must meet the English proficiency standards of the previous medium-term TSS stream (IELTS 5 overall, with no band below 5). The exemption for inter-company transfers with salaries over AUD 96,400 remains intact.

Reduced work experience threshold.

The work experience requirement has been reduced from two years to one year for all SID visa applicants. Work Experience must have been obtained through one year of full-time work, or an equivalent period of part-time or casual work in the five years prior to the application date. If a relevant qualification is not held, further work experience will be needed in lieu of a qualification.

Enhanced pathways to permanent residency.

The changes also allow all sponsored employment to count towards the Subclass 186 visa TRT stream work experience requirements. There is also greater flexibility for changes in occupation to be considered, including promotions, working in a related field, or where changes to the classification of the occupation are made through updates to the ANZSCO.

Employer obligations.

Key sponsorship requirements are shifting. The sponsorship obligation to ensure that a primary sponsored person continues to work in the nominated position will now end when the individual ceases work with their sponsor, rather than upon finding a new sponsor.

Stay compliant with Newland Chase.

The SID visa is a clear step towards modernizing Australia’s migration framework. These reforms, however, come with new regulations and nuances. At Newland Chase, we provide expert guidance to ensure businesses and individuals navigate these changes effectively.

Learn more on our exclusive webinar.

Join us for an in-depth webinar where our experts will discuss the SID visa in detail and answer your questions. Register now to stay ahead of these transformative changes.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.