On the 7th of December 2024, Australia launched the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, a game-changer for addressing workforce shortages and enhancing the nation’s economic growth. This new visa framework replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, simplifying pathways for skilled migrants and providing employers with better access to essential talent.
What is the SID Visa?
The SID visa introduces three specialised streams to cater to varying skill levels and industry needs:
- Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled professionals in any ANZSCO occupation earning $135,000+ annually, excluding trade and manual labour roles.
- Core Skills Stream: For applicants in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), with a minimum salary threshold of $73,150.
- Labour Agreement Stream: Maintains existing settings for tailored agreements to meet specific industry demands.
These changes aim to provide faster processing times, increased flexibility, and better pathways to permanent residency.
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The CSOL replaces the older Skilled Occupation List (SOL) specifically for the Skills in Demand visa and focuses on roles critical to Australia’s economy. It includes 456 occupations, with key updates reflecting industry needs.
New Occupations Added to the CSOL
- Technology: Cyber Security Engineer, Data Scientist.
- Agriculture: Aquaculture Scientist, Animal Husbandry Technician.
- Trades: Fire Protection Plumber, Furniture Maker.
- Emerging Roles: Supply Chain Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Manager.
Occupations Removed
Some roles, such as Café Manager and Chiropractor, have been excluded. Please contact us to discuss alternative pathways for any occupation that has been removed from the CSOL.
Benefits for Migrants and Employers
The SID visa offers substantial advantages:
- For Employers: A streamlined process and a more targeted list of occupations to address workforce gaps.
- For Migrants: Clearer pathways to permanent residency, with reduced work experience requirements (only one year of relevant experience within the last five years).
Take the First Step
The SID visa represents a significant shift in Australia’s migration landscape, offering new opportunities for both employers and skilled workers. To ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the new framework, seek professional advice today.
At Regional Migration Australia, we provide tailored support to help you understand and succeed under the SID visa framework. Book your consultation now and take the first step toward securing your future in Australia.
Disclaimer – Content in these articles does not constitute immigration or legal advice, it is not intended as a substitute for such advice and must not be relied upon as such. This material is intended to offer general guidelines for informational purposes only. The information provided is accurate as of the time of publication. Please consult with our Australian MARN registered agents via our content forms on our website or call on 1800 567 663 to make an appointment.
MARN – 2217877 / 1068715
