BLOG POST
NEW SKILLS IN DEMAND VISA
As of 7 December 2024, the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa has
been replaced by the new Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa.
Key Updates to the SID Visa:
1. Reduced Work Experience Requirement
- Applicants now require one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time/casual work) within the last five years, replacing the previous two-year requirement under the TSS visa.
- This update offers greater flexibility, allowing for part-time roles, casual work, and employment gaps to be accommodated.
2. Work Experience in Place of Qualifications
- If an applicant lacks a relevant qualification, additional work experience can be used to meet eligibility. While this experience may fall outside the five-year window, at least 12 months of work must be within the past five years.
3. Revised English Language Requirements
- The English proficiency standard aligns with the TSS Medium-term stream, requiring an IELTS score of 5 overall (or equivalent), with no band score below 5.
4. Extended Visa Duration
- The SID visa offers a four-year validity period, regardless of the nominated occupation. This is an improvement over the previous two-year limit for the TSS Short-term stream.
These updates are designed to create a more accessible and flexible pathway for skilled
workers.
SUBCLASS 482
Skills in Demand (SID) visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa will replace the current Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
Key details include:
- The SID visa is designed to create a straightforward path to residency.
- It will have three Streams:
- Specialist Skills: For highly skilled migrants earning $135,000 + in non-trades roles. No occupation list
- Core Skills: Based on a new Core Skills Occupation List and Income Threshold.
- Labour Agreement: Renamed from the TSS Labour Agreement stream to the Skills in Demand Labour Agreement stream.
- The work experience required will decrease from two years to one year from November 23rd, 2024.
- The Department has announced that the new skill-in-demand visa should replace the current TSS visa before December 2024. We estimate it may happen in November, but no legislative instrument has yet been released.
SUBCLASS 858
National Innovation Visa (NIV)
Replacing the Global Talent visa, the National Innovation Visa (NIV) will focus on individuals with exceptional talent, including:
- Global researchers, thought leaders, innovative investors, established and merging entrepreneurs, and athletes/creatives particularly those representing Australia.
- The NIV provides direct access to residency.
- The application process will require an Expression of Interest (EOI) and invitations will be issued based on talent criteria.
- No age or occupation restrictions, with options for Functional English or a second Visa Application Charge instalment.