Australia’s migration landscape shifted dramatically in late 2024. The Skills in Demand (SID) visa has officially replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, introducing new streams, fairer pathways to permanent residency, and updated compliance standards.
For skilled professionals and employers, the opportunities are significant, but the margin for error is smaller than ever. This guide breaks down the core requirements, the application process, and the critical mistakes that often lead to refusals.
The New 3-Tiered Stream System
The most significant change to the 482 visa program is the introduction of three distinct pathways designed to target specific labour market needs.
- Specialist Skills Pathway This stream is designed for highly skilled specialists earning a guaranteed annual income of at least $135,000 (indexed annually). It offers priority processing (often under 7 days) and is available to almost any occupation, excluding trades workers, machinery operators, and labourers.
- Core Skills Pathway This is the primary route for most skilled migrants. To qualify, your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and you must earn at least the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), which sits at $73,150 (as of mid-2024 data, subject to indexation).
- Essential Skills Pathway Targeting lower-paid workers in critical sectors like aged care and health, this stream relies on labour agreements to fill vital shortages where Australian workers are unavailable.
Critical Eligibility Requirements
Success with a Skills in Demand application relies on meeting specific, non-negotiable criteria.
- Reduced Work Experience: In a major win for applicants, the mandatory work experience requirement has been reduced from two years to just one year of full-time, relevant experience.
- Mobility Provisions: Visa holders now have 180 days to find a new sponsor if they cease employment, a significant increase from the previous 60-day limit.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: All streams now offer a clear trajectory to permanent residency, typically after two years of sponsorship.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Overview
Securing a 482 visa involves three distinct stages that must be approved sequentially.
- Stage 1: Sponsorship The employer must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor. This verifies the business is lawfully operating and financially viable to support overseas workers.
- Stage 2: Nomination The employer nominates a specific position for the applicant. This stage requires proof that the role is genuine, meets salary thresholds, and often requires Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove no local worker could fill the role.
- Stage 3: Visa Application The applicant submits their personal documents, including skills assessments, English language test results, and health and character checks.
Common Pitfalls That Lead to Refusals
Even with the streamlined rules, refusals remain common due to technical errors. Avoiding these pitfalls is essential for a smooth approval.
- Failure to Meet the “Genuine Position” Criteria The Department of Home Affairs scrutinises whether a role is genuinely needed or created solely to facilitate a visa. Using generic job descriptions that do not match the business’s actual activities is a frequent cause of refusal.
- Incorrect Salary Calculations Employers often fail to factor in the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). You cannot simply pay the minimum TSMIT threshold if an Australian worker in an equivalent role earns more. The nominee must be paid the market rate or the threshold, whichever is higher.
- Occupation List Mismatches Selecting an occupation code that strictly matches the CSOL is vital. A job title on a contract is not enough; the actual duties performed must align perfectly with the ANZSCO definition of that occupation.
- Missing the 180-Day Window While the new 180-day grace period for finding a new sponsor is generous, failing to lodge a new nomination within this timeframe will lead to visa cancellation and potential exclusion periods.
Secure Your Future in Australia
The Skills in Demand visa offers a robust pathway for global talent, but the regulatory framework is complex. Errors in the nomination stage can be costly and time-consuming to rectify.
Contact NB Migration Law today to ensure your application is strategy-led, compliant, and poised for success.