Published on 29 January 2025

 



Buenaventura-Law-Whats-New-in-SID-Visa-Subclass-482


Key Takeaways


    

  • The SID visa replaces the TSS visa subclass 482 with updated streams and benefits.
    • 

  • Three streams introduced: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Labour Agreement.
    • 

  • Reduced work experience requirement: 1 year instead of 2 years.
    • 

  • Updated salary thresholds: AUD 135,000 (Specialist Skills) and AUD 73,150 (Core Skills).
    • 

  • Consolidated occupation lists into the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with 456 eligible occupations.
    • 

  • Enhanced pathways to permanent residency through ENS subclass 186 after 2 years.
    • 

  • Greater labour mobility for visa holders, with up to 180 days of employment flexibility.
    • 

  • Streamlined processing for high-earning specialists.
    • 



In December 2024, the Australian Government introduced significant reforms to its skilled migration program by replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 with the Skills in Demand (SID) visa subclass 482. These updates aim to better align with the evolving needs of Australia’s labour market while offering more flexibility and opportunities for skilled workers. Below, we outline the key changes and benefits of the new SID visa.


Key Changes from TSS Visa to SID Visa


    

  1.  Introduction of New Visa Streams
    2. 



The SID visa is designed with three distinct streams to cater to various skill levels and industries:


    

  • Specialist Skills Stream: Focused on highly skilled professionals earning AUD 135,000 or more annually. This stream does not include roles like trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, or labourers.
    • 

  • Core Skills Stream: Tailored for skilled workers in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) with a salary threshold starting at AUD 73,150.
    • 

  • Labour Agreement Stream: Reserved for roles under specific labour agreements established between employers and the Department of Home Affairs.
    • 



    

  1.  Consolidation of Occupation Lists
    2. 



The previous occupation lists, such as the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), have been merged into a single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes 456 eligible occupations. This simplifies the process for applicants and employers.


    

  1.  Reduced Work Experience Requirements
    2. 



Applicants for the SID visa now need just one year of full-time relevant work experience (or equivalent part-time or casual work) within the past five years. This marks a significant reduction from the two-year requirement under the TSS visa.


    

  1.  Updated Salary Thresholds
    2. 



The new Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) aligns with market conditions:


    

  • Specialist Skills Stream: Minimum annual salary of AUD 135,000.
    • 

  • Core Skills Stream: Minimum annual salary of AUD 73,150.
    • 



    

  • The CSIT will also apply to Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) nominations lodged between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025.
    • 



    

  1.  Enhanced Pathways to Permanent Residency
    2. 



Holders of the SID visa now have a clearer pathway to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa subclass 186. Eligibility is achieved after completing two years of full-time sponsored employment, even if the worker changes employers during this period.


    

  1.  Improved Labour Mobility
    2. 



Visa holders under the SID framework are allowed to cease employment for up to 180 consecutive days or 365 days total across their visa duration. This provides flexibility to seek new sponsorship or explore other visa options without breaching visa conditions.


    

  1.  Streamlined Processing for High-Earning Specialists
    2. 



Applications for the Specialist Skills Stream are processed more quickly for those meeting the high salary threshold, helping businesses attract and onboard global talent efficiently.


    

  1.  Transition Provisions for Current TSS Visa Holders
    2. 



Current TSS visa holders will remain under their existing visa conditions until their visas expire. However, they may transition to the SID visa framework upon renewal or once they meet eligibility criteria.


Benefits of the SID Visa for Employers and Workers


The SID visa simplifies the process for addressing labour shortages while offering visa holders greater flexibility and career opportunities. Employers gain access to a more comprehensive pool of skilled workers, while employees benefit from pathways to residency, lower work experience requirements, and mobility options.


FAQ: Your Questions Answered


    

  1.  What steps are involved in applying for the SID visa?
    2. 



The SID visa application process consists of three stages:


    

  • Employer Sponsorship:

      

    • Employers must apply to become approved sponsors.
      • 

    • Compliance with Australian workplace laws and training benchmarks is required.
      • 

    

    • 

  • Nomination by the Employer:

      

    • The nominated position must meet salary thresholds and align with market rates.
      • 

    • Labour market testing may be required to confirm no local worker can fill the role.
      • 

    

    • 

  • Visa Application by the Employee:

      

    • Applicants must submit relevant qualifications and work experience evidence.
      • 

    • Additional requirements include health and character checks and, in some cases, skills assessments and proof of English proficiency.
      • 

    

    • 



    

  1.  What benefits does the SID visa offer?
    2. 



    

  • Work rights in the nominated occupation.
    • 

  • Flexibility to change employers by securing a new nomination.
    • 

  • Up to 180 days to find new sponsorship if leaving a job.
    • 

  • All full-time sponsored work contributes to permanent residency eligibility.
    • 

  • Freedom to travel to and from Australia.
    • 

  • Family members can join, with work and study rights.
    • 

  • Access to permanent residency through the ENS subclass 186 pathway.
    • 



    

  1.  How does the SID visa improve flexibility for workers?
    2. 



SID visa holders can pause their employment with a sponsor for up to 180 consecutive days or 365 days total during their visa period. This ensures they have time to find a new sponsor or apply for another visa without breaching conditions.


    

  1. What happens to existing TSS visa holders?
    2. 



TSS visa holders can continue using their visas until expiration. They can also transition to the SID visa system, benefiting from improved mobility and retaining their full-time sponsored employment towards permanent residency eligibility. Unlike the previous system, changing employers no longer resets the time counted towards residency.


    

  1.  How can SID visa holders achieve permanent residency?
    2. 



Holders are eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS subclass 186) after completing two years of full-time sponsored work in Australia, even if they change employers during that time.


Compliance with Australian Law


Employers and workers must adhere to all Australian migration and workplace regulations, including salary and sponsorship requirements, to maintain compliance with the SID visa framework.


Final Insights


The Skills in Demand (SID) visa subclass 482 offers a modernised approach to skilled migration in Australia. With streamlined processes, updated eligibility criteria, and enhanced pathways to permanent residency, it supports both the nation’s labour needs and the aspirations of skilled professionals worldwide.


For official updates and further information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.


Book an appointment today to learn how these changes may impact your business or migration plans. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.