In December 2024, Australia announced the introduction of a new Skills in Demand visa - a special permit that simplifies the movement of skilled professionals to the country. Learn about the main conditions and current requirements for obtaining a permanent residence permit in Australia

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On December 7, 2024, Australia announced a reform of its skilled worker migration program. In particular, a new Skills in Demand (SID) permit was introduced to replace the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. The main purpose of the new permit is to solve the problem of the growing shortage of labor in Australia, as well as to simplify the path to a residence permit for skilled migrants.

Everything that is currently known about the new Skills in Demand visa is described further in this article.

What is a Skills in Demand visa in Australia?

The Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) is a new work permit in Australia, which is designed to meet targeted labor needs. This visa allows Australian employers to hire skilled foreign workers.

Advantages of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa in Australia

- Longer period of stay: up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).

- Permanent residency: Working with an approved employer helps you qualify for permanent residency.

- Simplified work experience requirements: Only 1 year of relevant work experience is required to apply for a visa.

- Streamlined occupation lists: The approved Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) consolidates several previous lists to focus on current labour market needs.

- Industry-specific employment: You can get a work visa to work in one of the following industries: construction, cybersecurity, healthcare and agriculture.

- The right to travel freely within Australia for the duration of your stay.

Ways to obtain a Skills in Demand (SID) visa in Australia

To migrate to Australia on the basis of a Skills in Demand (SID) visa, applicants can use one of the following ways:

Way 1 – Core Skills Stream

This way is aimed at a general shortage of labor and applies to occupations that are added to the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). To obtain a permit, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

- Have a job with an appropriate salary level – at least 73,150 Australian dollars (46,620 US dollars).

- Professional experience – the chosen job must be included in the CSOL list. The applicant must also have at least 1 year of relevant work experience.

- Confirm English language proficiency, unless the applicant is exempt from this.

Route 2 – Specialist Skilled Worker Stream

This permit is available to expats who hold an occupation listed in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) 2022, excluding major groups 3, 7 and 8. The main requirements for the applicant are as follows:

- A salary level of at least A$135,000 (US$86,000), which is equivalent to Australian workers in the same positions.

- The presence of specialist skills in recognized sectors and relevant work experience.

Route 3 – Employment Contract Stream

This stream applies to workers nominated by employers who have an employment contract with the Australian Government. This visa is the basis for skilled workers to live and work in Australia.

However, this permit is distinguished by specific contract requirements, and the occupation must also be in major groups 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6 of the ANZSCO.

What professionals are eligible for a Skills in Demand (SID) visa?

Another new feature of Australian migration legislation this year is the approval of the Core Skills List (CSOL), a modernized list of 456 in-demand occupations for 2025.

It replaces the fragmented lists of skilled occupations previously used for TSS visas.

- The most in-demand industries and professions in Australia for 2025

1. Construction - project manager, electrician, plumber

2. Healthcare - registered nurse, aged care worker.

3. Cybersecurity - analyst, software engineer.

4. Education - special educator, teacher.

You can find a detailed list of shortage occupations for employment in Australia on the Jobs and Skills Australia portal.

CSOL provides simplified compliance and supports targeted migration to address critical labour shortages in Australia.

You will need health insurance to safely move and find employment in a new country. You can issue an extended policy on our website using the link.

Expat Requirements for Skills in Demand Visa

To be eligible for a Skills in Demand Visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Have a job offer in a position listed in the relevant occupation list for the chosen stream.

- Have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the proposed occupation or related field.

- Provide a valid skills assessment (if required by the occupation).

- Demonstrate an appropriate level of English language proficiency.

- Be in receipt of a salary that meets the minimum thresholds: AUD$73,150 for Core Skills stream applicants and AUD$135,000 for Specialist Skills applicants.

- Be working exclusively for a sponsoring employer.

How do I apply for a Skills in Demand visa?

The Skills in Demand visa application process involves the following steps:

1. Receive a job offer from your employer – your employer must offer you a specific position that is eligible for one of the Skills in Demand visa streams and meets all eligibility criteria.

2. Prepare the appropriate documentation package, including a skills assessment, proof of work experience, English language test results (if applicable) and details of your employer’s approval of the appointment.

3. Submit your visa application – complete and submit your visa application via the Department of Home Affairs portal and pay the required application processing fee.

4. Visa approval and issuance: Once your visa is approved, you can begin working subject to the specific terms of your visa, including employer and role restrictions where applicable.

The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa is changing Australia’s approach to skilled migration. By simplifying processes, providing clear pathways to permanent residence and addressing the acute shortage of workers, the SID visa is positioning Australia as a destination for skilled workers around the world.

Let's remind you! Hundreds of thousands of students from all over the world dream of studying in Australia, because it is in this country that you can get the education you want and learn English perfectly. We have already told you how to enter a higher education institution in Australia in 2025, what are the requirements and conditions for obtaining a visa.

Igor Usyk - Head of Migration department at VisitWorld

To ensure a safe move to a new country, I advise you to consult a specialist. My colleagues, qualified specialists with a legal education, will help you avoid unpleasant situations during migration.