The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) is Australia’s primary temporary skilled work visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) as of December 7, 2024. This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas workers for occupations where local talent is insufficient. The SID Visa is divided into three streams: Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement. Each stream has unique eligibility requirements, occupation lists, and pathways to permanent residency (PR).
If you are considering applying for an Australia Work Visa, this guide will help you understand the key differences between the three streams and determine which one suits your qualifications and employment opportunities.
Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills Stream is designed for skilled workers who can fill job shortages across various industries. This stream replaces the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) with the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Key Features:
- Eligible Occupations: Jobs listed under the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), covering industries such as hospitality, construction, healthcare, trade services, etc.
- Work Experience Requirement: Minimum of 1 year of full-time relevant work experience (previously 2 years under the TSS visa). Different occupation might have different set of requirements.
- English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (with at least 5.0 in each component) or equivalent.
- Salary Threshold: Minimum annual salary of AUD $73,150 and/or equivalent to the market salary rate.
- Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
- Pathway to PR: Eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 2 years of continuous employment.
Additional Benefits:
- Faster processing times compared to other visa categories.
- Allows for dependent family members to join and work/study in Australia.
- A broader range of occupations makes it accessible to a wide pool of applicants.
Best For:
- Skilled workers with occupations in demand across multiple industries.
- Employers needing long-term workforce solutions with PR opportunities.
Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills Stream is tailored for high earning, skilled experts in non-traditional roles and/or in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, information technology, and finance.
Key Features:
- Eligible Occupations: All occupations listed under ANZSCO Major Group 1,2,4,5 or 6, where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.
- Work Experience Requirement: Minimum of 1 year of full-time relevant work experience.
- English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS score of 5.0 (with at least 5.0 in each component) or equivalent.
- Salary Threshold: Minimum annual salary of AUD $135,000.
- Visa Duration: Up to 4 years.
- Pathway to PR: Eligible for Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 2 years of continuous employment.
Additional Benefits:
- Faster approval for priority occupations under the Global Talent Initiative.
- Offers access to high-paying job opportunities in cutting-edge industries.
- Provides a direct pathway to PR for highly skilled professionals in shortage areas.
- Provides visa pathways for occupations not listed under CSOL.
Best For:
- Highly specialized professionals in fields with acute labour shortages.
- Skilled experts in non-traditional roles not listed under CSOL
- Employers requiring experienced, high-income professionals.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement Stream is for skilled workers sponsored by employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government. These agreements address unique labour shortages in specific industries or regional areas.
Key Features:
- Eligible Occupations: Defined within the individual Labour Agreement, covering niche and sector-specific roles, including agriculture, aged care, and manufacturing.
- Work Experience Requirement: Determined by the specific Labour Agreement, usually requiring at least 1 years of industry experience.
- English Language Requirement: Set by the Labour Agreement, potentially different from other streams.
- Salary Threshold: As specified in the Labour Agreement, ensuring fair compensation.
- Visa Duration: Depends on the Labour Agreement, might be valid up to 4 years.
- Pathway to PR: Defined by the terms of the Labour Agreement, often providing a direct route to PR after a specific employment period.
Additional Benefits:
- Allows flexibility in requirements, including Age, English, Work exemptions for certain industries.
- Tailored to address regional and industry-specific labour shortages.
- Offers access to sectors that might not be covered in other streams.
Best For:
- Employers with unique labour needs requiring customized sponsorship arrangements.
- Skilled professionals looking for PR Pathway but have passed the usual age threshold for other skilled visa (45 years old).
- Workers in industries with limited standard visa pathways.
Conclusion
The Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) offers three distinct pathways for skilled workers and employers to meet labour market demands. Whether you are a skilled professional seeking an Australian work visa or an employer looking to sponsor talent, understanding the differences between the Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement Streams will help you make an informed decision.
If you need assistance with your 482 visa application, NB Migration Law is here for a free consultation. Contact us today.