Skills In Demand 482 Visa Australia 2024

Introduction

Overview of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa

The introduction of the Skills In Demand 482 Visa, aka “SID” is one of the major changes announced in the Migration Strategy, same as the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).   Core Skills Occupation List replaces TSS visa occupation lists.

In this article, we report on the latest Australian immigration updates including more details on the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which came into effect on 7 December 2024.

The SID visa has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa. Predicted changes in skills demand are influenced by various factors, including technological advancements, demographic shifts, and global economic conditions. We can expect a greater emphasis on digital skills as industries increasingly adopt automation and artificial intelligence.

Moreover, healthcare professionals will remain in high demand, driven by an aging population and evolving health care needs. Applicants with skills aligned with these trends will be well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities presented by the Skills in Demand 482 Visa program.

Replacement of the TSS 482 Visa

Transition from TSS 482 Visa to Skills in Demand 482 Visa

TSS visa applications that were not submitted before 7 December 2024, will need to be reassessed and submitted under the new SID visa requirements, which may extend visa preparation times and ultimately, impact start dates.

All nominations and visa applications for a TSS visa made before the commencement of the amendments will be processed using the requirements that were in force at the time that the application was made. 

Where there is a lodged position nomination application for a TSS visa that was not accompanied by a corresponding TSS visa application before the amendments commenced, this nomination can be ‘linked’ to a new SID visa application (provided the nomination is still valid). 

Approved TSS nominations may be linked to SIV visa applications until the nomination approval ceases, 12 months from the date of approval. Approved 186 nominations may be linked to the visa applications lodged on or after 7 December 2024 until the nomination approval ceases, 6 months from the date of approval.

Implications for Businesses and Professionals

Whilst certain occupations have been removed from the occupations list, the SID visa requirements overall provide greater flexibility to visa holders. However, as a result of the strengthened mobility provisions for visa holders and change to the Temporary Residence Transition stream qualifying period for permanent residence, employers will need to review their employee value proposition to retain sponsored visa holders in a competitive labour market given the investment involved in sponsoring foreign workers. 

Three Streams of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa

Effective from 7 December 2024, the SID visa includes three streams.

1. Specialist Skills
2. Core Skills
3. Labour Agreement

The three streams have the following common characteristics: 

• The visa can be granted for up to four years.
• The visa subclass will remain as ‘Subclass 482’.
• No change to market salary rate requirements.
• Reduction of work experience requirement: The minimum relevant work experience requirement for the SID visa has been reduced from two years full time at a skilled level to one year full time (or equivalent part time/casual) at a skilled level within the five years preceding the visa application.
• English-language requirement: The English requirements of the TSS medium-term stream will apply, which is an IELTS score (or equivalent) of level five (5) overall, with a minimum score of five (5) in each component. The approved English-language tests, the period of time in which the required test scores must be obtained, and the applicants that are exempt from the requirement to undertake English-language tests, are identical to the requirements that previously applied to the TSS visa.
• Children born in Australia to a SID visa holder, or current TSS visa holder, are automatically granted a SID visa by operation of law upon birth, if they do not acquire Australian citizenship through the other parent being an Australian citizen or permanent resident. However, the birth of the child will still need to be registered with the Department of Home Affairs.
• The Skilling Australians Fund Levy will continue to apply (fees remain unchanged).
• Existing TSS visa holders will have the ability to submit a new application with a new employer, if their current occupation is on the CSOL or the nomination meets the income threshold for the Specialist Skills stream. If the relevant occupation is not on the CSOL or does not qualify for the Specialist Skills stream, the applicant will not have a pathway to changing employer. 

Basic Criteria of the Skills in Demand Visa

Eligibility Requirements

SID Visa Cost and Pathway to PR

Skills in Demand Visa Fees

SID visa lodgement fees will align with the TSS fees under the medium-term stream:

• Main applicant: A$3,115;
• Per secondary applicant 18 and over: A$3,115;
• Per secondary applicant under 18: A$780. 

Pathway to Permanent Residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme 

The TSS visa has historically been a pathway to permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme and this will continue under the SID visa: 

• All SID visa holders have a pathway to permanent residence through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, after two years of employment in Australia in the three years immediately before the application. All periods of sponsored employment as a primary TSS/SID visa holder count towards this qualifying period. The two years can be with any employer (i.e., not just the sponsoring employer).
• Salary requirements for the Subclass 186 visa under both the Temporary Residence Transition stream and Direct Entry streams will be linked to the SID visa salary requirements. This allows the Subclass 186 visa to use the core skills income threshold (which will be indexed annually).
• Subclass 186 visa secondary applicants (family members) no longer need to be named in the nomination application as employers of Subclass 186 visa holders do not have any sponsorship obligations relating to family members.
• Current TSS visa holders who work in an occupation that is not on the CSOL will still have a pathway to permanent residence, subject to meeting relevant eligibility criteria, through the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Subclass 186 visa.
• Greater flexibility will apply for a member of the family unit who is aged 23 years old and above to be included in, and granted, the Subclass 186 visa with the primary applicant if at the time of the Subclass 186 visa application:

1. the family member is included in the application for the Subclass 186 visa application visa; and
2. the person holds a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa granted on the basis that the person was a member of the family unit of a person holding a visa of the same kind. 

The CSOL will apply to the Direct Entry stream of the Subclass 186 visa (permanent residence under the Employer Nomination Scheme). 

Conclusion

Importance of the Skills in Demand 482 Visa for Businesses and Professionals

The Skills in Demand 482 Visa plays a critical role in ensuring that Australia has a robust and diverse workforce. As the country continues to grow, businesses face increasing challenges in finding qualified candidates to fill crucial roles.

This visa program not only helps alleviate skill shortages but also promotes cultural diversity and innovation within the workforce, making it a pivotal element in Australia’s immigration strategy. Furthermore, attracting skilled migrants contributes significantly to the nation’s economy, fostering growth across various sectors.

In addition to economic benefits, the Skills in Demand Visa fosters a vibrant multicultural environment, enhancing social cohesion and understanding among different communities. Skilled migrants bring unique perspectives and experiences that can lead to innovative solutions and creative approaches in the workplace. This cultural exchange enriches the Australian way of life, creating a more inclusive society that values diversity and collaboration. As Australia continues to position itself as a global leader in various industries, the importance of attracting and retaining skilled professionals cannot be overstated.

The process to secure a Skills in Demand 482 Visa involves several steps that require preparation and attention to detail. Understanding these steps can significantly increase an applicant’s chances of approval.

If you are a prospective applicant or a business owner looking to sponsor an overseas worker and wish to discuss a Skills in Demand 482 Visa application with one of our immigration specialists, please reach out to us by sending us your inquiry here.