New – Skills in Demand visa
The old Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced from 7 December 2024. Anyone with an existing application for a TSS visa will still be considered, but no new applications are possible.
Existing sponsorship and nomination rules have remained stable.
The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa commenced 7 December 2024. SID has 3 streams. In this post I will address the stream likely to get the most use – the Core Skills stream.
Headlines
- Sponsorship and Nomination by an employer is required.
- Visa Duration – up to 4 years
- Permanent Residence – eligibility after 2 years (employer sponsored). Accordingly, there is no ‘Genuine Temporary Entrant’ rule for SID.
- Minimum salary $73,150 (indexed annually on 1 July)
- New job list – There are 456 jobs on the new Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL). Immigration have not put a user-friendly version on their website yet, but can see the list here: https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01620/latest/text Changing jobs or getting another visa could be tricky for people whose occupation is no longer on the list.
- English – IELTS 5,5,5,5 or equivalent. Exemptions include passport holders of Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, UK & USA. See also https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2024L01617/asmade/text
- Recent work experience – 1 year of FT work (or equivalent) within the last 5 years
- Proof of Skill – broadly speaking, professionals will need a university degree or a total of 5 years’ experience, others a diploma/trade certificate or a total of 3 years’ experience. Qualifications and experience must be relevant.
- Government charge – $3115/adult, plus $780/child. Additional $700/person if applying onshore from a temporary visa that you applied for in Australia. Online lodgement surcharge is about 1%.
- No age limit – but there are age limits when applying for Permanent Residence.
I am expecting more changes over the next 6 to 12 months.
I am also expecting new policy documents to be issued, providing more details of government expectations. Lodging an application soon after changes risks being surprised by government policy announcements.
I recommend that anyone considering a SID application get legal advice on their individual circumstances.
