Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Subclass 482)

There are three visa pathways:

Specialist Skills Pathway (SSP)

This pathway is for highly skilled workers earning at least $135,000 annually. This figure is indexed and subject to change each year.

The SSP stream is open to all occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream is open to eligible applicants with occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Guaranteed earnings of $73,150 are required. This figure is indexed annually.

Essential Skills Pathway

The Essential Skills Pathway is designed for skilled migrants earning under $70,000 annually and working in a ‘shortage occupation’, such as the aged care sector.

Both the Temporary Skill Shortage visa and the Skills in Demand visa have the same subclass number (subclass 482).

Eligibility

• To be eligible for the Core Skills Stream, you generally must meet the following criteria:
• Be nominated for a position listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
• Have at least one year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
• Obtain a relevant skills assessment, if required for your occupation
• Work exclusively for your sponsor or an associated entity unless an exemption applies
• Meet the minimum English language proficiency standards unless exempted

With a Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, you can generally:

• Work in Australia for up to four years, or up to five years if you hold a Hong Kong passport
• Enjoy unlimited travel to and from Australia while your visa remains valid
• If eligible, apply for permanent residency.

Difference between Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)

There are a number of key differences between the SID visa and Subclass 482 visa.

• There are self-nominated independent pathways under the SID scheme.
• The Government is exploring ways to make it easier for employers to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy associated with sponsorship. Rather than paying the levy upfront, employers may be able to opt for quarterly or monthly instalments.
• The Government is considering the introduction of a public ‘sponsor register’ which might include information such as the number of employees being sponsored and what their occupations are.
• Visa processing times are likely to be faster for SID visa applicants. Applications for the Specialist Skills Pathway could be processed within seven days.
• Under the 482 visa scheme, employers are required to conduct labour market testing; however, it is likely that demand for occupations will be independently verified under the SID scheme. This could remove the need for employers to advertise positions before overseas workers can be sponsored.
• The SID visa will be valid for up to four years. Under the 482 scheme, visas are valid or up to two years or up to four years, depending on the visa stream you’re applying under. For Hong Kong passport holders, they’re valid for up to five years.
• With the SID visa, it will be easier for employees to qualify for permanent residency. Under the 482 scheme, workers must complete a set period of employment with a sponsor in order to meet the criteria. SID visa holders will be able to count any period of employment. This means it will be easier for employees to move between sponsors without the worry of ‘re-setting the permanent residency clock’.