Australia has updated its skilled visa program with the introduction of the new Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). These changes, effective from 7 December 2024, aim to address critical workforce shortages while offering greater certainty and pathways for skilled visa holders.
What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?
The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) consolidates multiple skilled occupation lists into one comprehensive list, featuring over 450 occupations across vital industries, including:
Developed by Jobs and Skills Australia with input from industry and employers, the CSOL is applies to visa applications in the Subclass 482 Skills In Demand Visa Core Skills Stream and the Subclass 186 Direct Entry Stream Permanent Residency Employer Sponsored visa.
Introducing the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
The Subclass 482 visa was previously known as the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa and has been updated and renamed the Skills in Demand Visa. The Skills in Demand Visa provides options for employers seeking to sponsor workers in hard to staff industries and locations across Australia.
Some of the visa changes include:
SID Visa Streams
The SID visa offers three tailored streams to meet workforce and employer requirements as well as Australian government priorities:
1. Core Skills Stream:
2. Specialist Skills Stream:
3. Labour Agreement Stream:
Transitioning from the TSS Visa
Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024, but existing TSS visa holders still retain pathways to permanent residence, provided they meet eligibility criteria.
How Does the SID Visa Benefit Visa Holders and Employers?
The SID visa aims to be a win-win environment for visa holders and employers. Employers can access a broader talent pool to meet business needs, while skilled visa holders enjoy faster, simpler pathways to settle in Australia and obtain permanent residency if eligible.
If you're a skilled professional seeking opportunities in Australia or an employer looking to address workforce gaps, the SID visa might be the perfect solution for you.
Take the Next Step
Navigating work visa options can be complex, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. At Port Migration our MARA-registered migration agents are here to guide you through the process, ensuring your application is smooth and successful.
Book a free consultation today to learn more about the Skills in Demand visa and other pathways to living and working in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Skills in Demand Visa and Core Skills Occupation List
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) is a new visa introduced on 7 December 2024 to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. It allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for up to four years while providing a streamlined pathway to permanent residence. This visa is designed to help employers fill critical skill shortages across various industries.
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is a consolidated list of over 450 in-demand occupations in sectors like construction, cybersecurity, health, and agriculture. It replaces the multiple skilled occupation lists previously used and applies to:
- The SID Core Skills stream
- The Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream)
The SID visa has three streams to meet different workforce needs:
1. Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the CSOL, with a minimum salary of $73,150AUD.
2. Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled visa holders earning at least $135,000AUD in eligible occupations.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: Soon to be replaced by the Essential Skills stream, currently under development.The SID visa offers several advantages over the TSS visa, including:
- A shortened work experience requirement (1 year instead of 2).
- A streamlined application process for employers and visa holders.
- Enhanced pathways to permanent residence, with all work under an approved employer counting towards residency eligibility.
Applicants for the Core Skills Stream must:
- Have an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Meet a minimum salary threshold of $73,150AUD.
- Satisfy general eligibility requirements, including English language standards and work experience.
The Specialist Skills Stream supports innovation and productivity in Australia’s workforce and targets highly skilled visa holders who:
- Earn at least $135,000AUD per year.
- Work in any eligible occupation listed under ANZSCO 2022 (excluding trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers).
The SID visa provides a clear pathway to permanent residence. Work completed with an approved employer under the SID visa counts towards meeting the residency criteria.
Current TSS visa holders will retain their pathway to permanent residence, provided they meet all relevant eligibility criteria. Applications lodged before 6 December 2024 will be processed under the existing TSS framework.
Applicants for the SID visa need one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field. This is one year less than the TSS visa requirement.
