Australia Introduces New Skills in Demand Visa

On December 7, 2024, the Australian Government released the new Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. This visa category will replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa.

What is the new Skills in Demand Visa?

The Skills in Demand Visa allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. This creates a clear pathway to permanent residence and gives certainty to migrants and employers.

The new Skills in Demand Visa comes with key changes. A core Skills Occupation List has been introduced. The list will guide eligibility for the Core Skills Stream of the Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) visa.

The SID visa introduces three (03) distinct streams:

The Core Stream:

·       Applicable for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

·       Minimum salary threshold: $73,150, indexed annually in line with Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings.

Specialist Skills Stream:

·       Designed to drive innovation and job creation.

·       Minimum salary threshold: $135,000.

The Labour Agreement stream:  Will be replaced by the Essential Skills Stream