Australia is dramatically changing its skilled migration strategy. The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa. Officially, this change will start on December 7, 2024. The new visa provides a tiered structure to meet the labor market's needs better.

A Three-Tier System to Address Market Needs

The SID visa introduces three different routes. Occupation criteria and wages determine these levels.

Pathway for Specialist Skills

This tier is intended for highly qualified people earning at least 135,000 AUD annually. The salary threshold will be modified annually to account for inflation.

In contrast to other routes, it does not include occupations such as laborers, drivers, machinery operators, and tradespeople. With a seven-day response time promised, applications in this category will be handled quickly. There are only 3,000 slots available annually.

Pathway for Core Skills

This pathway will serve positions on Jobs and Skills Australia's Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). A minimum salary of $73,150 annually, adjusted annually, is required. This tier is anticipated to cover the majority of visas granted under the SID program.

Pathway for Essential Skills

This track focuses on professions that pay less than $73,150 annually and require basic abilities. Sectors like aged care and disability services will probably be given priority. Stringent standards and union control will govern this layer.

Simplified Rules and Pathways to Residency

The SID visa offers more flexibility to temporary workers. If their employment ends, visa holders may take up to 180 days to locate a new sponsor. Additionally, it offers straightforward paths to permanent residence.

Applicants may apply for permanent residency through the Direct Entry Stream or the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). The amount of time spent working on the SID visa will impact residency requirements.

Other Key Changes

The government has also simplified labor market testing (LMT). Employers are no longer required to advertise on Workforce Australia, and the six-month validity period for job advertisements has been extended. The CSOL will eventually replace the conventional LMT criteria.

A new public registry of sponsors will also help visa holders by facilitating employment changes. The possible installment payment option for the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy is a noteworthy improvement.

With these modifications, Australia's stance on skilled migration has significantly transformed. The SID visa seeks to increase the nation's workforce by meeting labor market demands while streamlining the application procedure for candidates.

FAQS

Which areas are given priority in the Essential Skills Pathway

Aged care, disability services, and other low-wage, high-need sectors are the emphasis of the Essential Skills Pathway. Employers must follow strict labor laws and union supervision in these industries.

What language proficiency requirements exist for the SID visa?

As with most Australian skilled visas, candidates are anticipated to fulfill conventional English proficiency levels, even though not all grades have specific language requirements.