The Skills in Demand (SID) visa, introduced on December 7, 2024, replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482). This change aimed to refine the skilled migration process, ensuring it meets Australia’s evolving labor market demands while providing a streamlined path to permanent residency.
Introduced on March 18, 2018, the TSS visa addressed workforce shortages by enabling employers to hire skilled foreign workers when no local talent was available. It offered a temporary stay of up to four years and required applicants’ occupations to align with the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). With labor market needs evolving, the SID visa now serves as its successor.
The SID visa operates through three main sub-streams, leveraging the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) of over 456 occupations spanning sectors like health, agriculture, construction, and cybersecurity. This modernized structure simplifies the application process by lowering work experience thresholds while maintaining TSS’s English language criteria. However, occupations excluded from the CSOL may qualify under the Specialist Skills or Labour Agreement streams or pursue other visa pathways.
On December 3, 2024, the Australian Government introduced the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), bringing important changes to the skilled migration system. The CSOL replaces outdated and complicated occupation lists with a simpler and more flexible way to identify skill shortages in the labor market. Created through research by Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and input from various stakeholders, the list includes 456 occupations across key industries. It is also used for the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
For TSS visa holders, existing visas remain valid until expiration. Transitioning to SID depends on occupation eligibility under the CSOL or meeting income criteria for the Specialist Skills stream. Enhanced mobility provisions may allow these individuals to explore other opportunities, apply for new visas, or seek career changes.
SID Visa Sub-Streams and Criteria
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa includes three sub-streams designed to fill workforce gaps across various industries in Australia. The Core Skills Stream targets occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to address urgent labor shortages. Applicants must meet an income threshold of at least AUD 73,150 annually, aligning with the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). Additionally, they must have a minimum of one year of relevant work experience in the nominated role or a related field within the past five years. English proficiency is a requirement unless exempted. This stream offers a visa for up to four years, with an extension to five years for Hong Kong passport holders. Meeting the salary and work experience criteria provides a clear route to permanent residency, offering long-term security for both applicants and employers.
The Specialist Skilled Stream focuses on occupations in specific areas defined by ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6. This sub-stream is designed for skilled professionals with specialized expertise in their field. Applicants must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold, ensuring the salary matches the skill requirements of the job. Like the Core Skills Stream, applicants must have at least one year of relevant work experience, which can include internships or apprenticeships. This stream also provides a clear pathway to permanent residency once applicants fulfill the salary and work experience requirements. It is aimed at attracting professionals who can contribute to Australia’s economic growth by filling specialized roles in key sectors.
The Labour Agreement Stream is designed for workers nominated by employers who hold a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. This stream is for employers needing to fill specific roles that are not covered by other visa pathways. The terms of employment, including salary, duties, and duration of stay, are determined by the Labour Agreement. Applicants must work exclusively for the sponsoring employer, adhering to the conditions of the agreement. However, they can transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) once they meet the necessary requirements. This sub-stream offers a tailored solution for sectors experiencing unique labor shortages, helping both workers and employers fill these gaps.
