December 2024 Update (Updated 7th of December 2024)
Australia’s immigration landscape is evolving to better align with the nation’s economic priorities and workforce demands. One of the most anticipated developments is the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Here's what you need to know about this transformative program.
Why the Skills in Demand Visa?
The SID visa was introduced as part of the government’s Migration Strategy: Getting Migration Working for the Nation. This strategy aims to address key skill shortages while supporting economic growth, innovation, and equity across industries. The SID visa also responds to feedback from various stakeholders advocating for better alignment of migration policies with labour market realities.
Next Steps for Employers and Workers:
We have received correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs stating that the changes will occur on the 7th of December 2024.
This means that if your occupation has been removed from the skills list, you will need to have your 482 visa lodged by Friday.
To find out if your occupation has been removed from the Core CSOL skills list, please visit our blog post outlining these changes.
Summary of the key Features of the SID Visa
The SID visa includes three distinct streams to cater to varying skill levels and economic needs:
- Designed for highly skilled professionals earning above $135,000 annually.
- Open to occupations that drive innovation and job creation, excluding trades, machinery operators, and general labourers. (Please note, this may be amended as of the 7th of December)
- Offers expedited processing times (targeted at 7 days) to attract top global talent quickly.
- Targets workers in occupations listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Requires salaries at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at $73,150 per year. (Excluding Superannuation)
- Focuses on addressing critical shortages in industries like healthcare, education, and engineering.
- The full CSOL list can be found via our other blog post
Essential Skills Stream: (Yet to be released as of 7th of December 2024)
- Designed for lower-paid workers with essential skills, particularly in the care and support sectors.
- Features sector-specific caps and robust regulatory oversight to prevent exploitation.
- Includes pathways aligned with aged care agreements and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) schemes.
Enhanced Oversight and Transparency
To build trust in the new system and protect migrant workers:
- A public register of approved sponsors will be introduced, ensuring transparency in hiring practices.
- The register would show the ABN of the entity sponsoring, the number of employees nominated and the location of the business.
- The labour market testing period will increase from 4 to 6 months, improving verification of local labour shortages.
Who Benefits from the SID Visa?
- Employers: Gain access to a streamlined process for hiring skilled workers in critical roles.
- Workers: Enjoy clearer pathways to permanent residency and greater mobility within the labour market.
- Industries: Benefit from targeted strategies to attract talent, ensuring Australia's competitiveness in the global economy.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, graduates, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 482 Work Visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal/financial advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional.