Australia's Transition to New 'Skills in Demand' Visa

The SID visa introduces several favourable changes while maintaining the core benefits of the current 482 visa system. Most notably, the work experience requirement has been reduced from two years to one year, making it more accessible for early-career professionals. The new visa also provides enhanced flexibility with a 180-day period for finding new sponsors, compared to the more limited timeframe under the current system.

Three-Tiered Pathway Structure

The SID visa implements a clearly defined three-tier system:

Specialist Skills Pathway

• Salary threshold: $135,000+ per annum
• No occupation list restrictions (excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers)

Core Skills Pathway

• Salary requirement: $73,150+ annually
• Based on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Clear pathway to permanent residency

Essential Skills Pathway

• Designed for essential workers below the $73,150 threshold
• Focused on critical sectors like aged care and disability services
• Additional regulatory framework being developed

Continuity for Current Applicants

For those currently in the process of applying for a 482 visa or planning to do so before December 7, 2024, the transition should not create any obvious disadvantages, unless there are changes in occupation names, ANZSCO codes or descriptions. Applications submitted before the implementation date will continue to be processed under current requirements. However, after December 7, all new applications will need to align with the SID visa format.

Impact on Specific Occupations

The government has maintained continuity in occupation listings, with many current roles remaining on the Core Skills Occupation List. This ensures minimal disruption for employers and applicants in these fields. The CSOL's comprehensive coverage of 456 occupations demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing diverse workforce needs.

The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) represents a comprehensive classification of skilled occupations in Australia, organized through the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) coding system. The list encompasses 12 major professional categories:

1. Executive and Management roles form the leadership tier, including corporate executives, departmental managers, and specialised facility managers across various sectors.
2. Agricultural and Farming occupations cover diverse areas of primary production, from livestock and aquaculture to specialised farming like apiculture.
3. Healthcare professions represent one of the largest categories, encompassing medical practitioners, nursing professionals, and allied health workers across numerous specializations.
4. Technology and ICT positions reflect the modern digital economy, including software development, cybersecurity, systems administration, and digital media roles.
5. Engineering occupations span traditional and emerging fields, from civil and mechanical engineering to specialized disciplines like biomedical and environmental engineering.
6. Education professionals include teaching staff across all levels of education, from primary to tertiary, including specialised educators and support roles.
7. Trades and Technical occupations cover essential skilled trades across construction, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing sectors.
8. Creative and Media roles encompass various creative professions, from designers and technical production specialists to visual artists.
9. Scientific and Research positions include specialized roles across life sciences, physical sciences, earth sciences, and agricultural research.
10. Legal and Compliance professionals range from legal practitioners to support staff and compliance specialists.
11. Service Industry workers include hospitality, personal services, tourism, and aviation service professionals.
12. Community and Social Services roles focus on community support, childcare, counseling, and social work positions.

Each category reflects Australia's current skills needs and contributes to the country's economic and social development through a diverse range of professional expertise.

While the transition to the SID visa involves new application forms and procedures, these changes are primarily administrative rather than substantive. The core purpose of facilitating skilled migration remains unchanged, with improvements focused on:

1. Streamlined processing times
2. Clearer pathways to permanent residency
3. More flexible employer-changing provisions
4. Simplified labor market testing requirements

The government is expected to release additional details about both the SID visa and the National Innovation visa in the coming weeks. In the meantime, visa applications continue to be processed normally, with provisions in place for converting applications to the new system after December 7.

Practical Considerations for Employers

With the recent migration changes, employers need to carefully consider several key aspects. The new salary thresholds and benchmarks require attention to updated TSMIT requirements and market salary rate compliance, potentially increasing the cost of sponsoring overseas workers. Labor market testing has also evolved, with revised advertising requirements and documentation needed to demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit locally.

Processing priorities have shifted, affecting how employers manage time-critical positions and workforce planning. This means understanding which occupations are prioritised and developing strategies to address potential gaps in staffing. Sponsor obligations have also been updated, particularly around monitoring requirements and commitments to training local staff.

The changes to skills assessment criteria mean employers must understand new qualification standards and industry-specific requirements, including how overseas qualifications are recognised. Additionally, transition arrangements require careful management of existing sponsored workers and understanding how to navigate between different visa streams while maintaining compliance with new conditions.

Practical Considerations for Applicants

It's important to assess applications against the new salary thresholds and pathway requirements, particularly noting occupation description changes and the reduced work experience criteria when planning submissions. We recommend staying updated on implementation details as further announcements are made.

The transition to the Skills in Demand visa represents a positive evolution in Australia's skilled migration framework. By maintaining existing benefits while introducing improvements in processing times, flexibility, and pathways to permanent residency, the new system aims to better serve both employers and skilled migrants. As the December 7 implementation date approaches, stakeholders can proceed with confidence, knowing that the changes enhance rather than disrupt the current system.

With years of experience and a commitment to excellence, Kin Migration offers personalised guidance through every step, from assessing your qualifications to preparing documentation that meets the latest requirements, including recommendations on relevant up-skilling so as to ensure alignment with the new CSOL. Ready to explore the latest migration opportunities? Contact us to book a confidential strategy session. We will help you prepare effectively for these new pathways and benefit from these exciting new changes.