Australia has introduced the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa to attract skilled professionals in critical industries. This visa is designed to fill workforce shortages while offering migrants a clear pathway to permanent residency. Whether you’re a chef, teacher or civil Engineer etc., this visa could be your key to working and settling in Australia.
If you’re considering applying, this guide covers everything from eligibility criteria to the application process, benefits, and job opportunities.
What is the Skills in Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is a new initiative replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa. It provides a thorough understanding of the visa’s framework, eligibility criteria, and pathways for skilled professionals to contribute to Australia’s economic growth and address labour shortages by attracting qualified professionals to fill critical roles across various industries.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
On December 3, 2024, the Australian government released an updated CSOL, identifying 456 occupations deemed essential for the economy. This list includes roles in agriculture, cyber security, health, education, and certain trades.
** The CSOL is utilised in the Core Skills stream of the SID visa and applies to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
Skills in Demand Streams
This visa comes with three streams, each targeting different skill levels and industry needs:
- Specialist Skills Stream
- Core Skills Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
Let’s Look at more details of each stream:
Specialist Skills Pathway
This pathway acknowledges and recognises highly skilled migrants who are of a significant benefit to Australia’s national productivity, including through their support of critical sovereign capabilities and potential to grow the skills and expertise of the Australian workforce.
This pathway will be a new streamlined approach for highly skilled specialists, to ensure Australia can quickly and easily recruit those considered top talent in areas of need.
The applicant must be earning at least $135,000 per annum which is the Specialist Skills Threshold and no less than an equivalent Australian worker in the same occupation.
Core Skills Stream
For applicants with the core skills income threshold of $73,150 (in line with the current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for the TSS visa) in a Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Labour Agreement Stream
For lower-wage roles in essential sectors like aged care and hospitality – Transitioning to the Essential Skills Stream, which is currently under development.
Who is eligible for the skills in demand visa?
To qualify for this visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The Core Skills Occupation List – Your job must be on the government’s priority list
- Employer Sponsorship – You need a valid full-time job offer from an Australian employer
- Relevant Skills & Experience – You must meet work experience and qualification requirements
- English Language Proficiency – Certain roles require a minimum IELTS or equivalent score
- Health & Character Checks – Applicants must pass medical and police clearance checks
Each pathway offers different benefits and may lead to permanent residency, depending on occupation and employer sponsorship.
If your occupation does not fall under this visa, you can explore options such as the Skilled Visa, which also provides pathways for professionals seeking opportunities in Australia.
Benefits of the Skills in Demand Visa
This visa comes with several advantages for skilled migrants, including:
- Fast-Track Processing – Faster approvals compared to older work visas
- Job Security – Employers must meet labor market testing, ensuring genuine job offers
- Pathway to Permanent Residency – Certain streams offer a direct route to PR
- More Inclusive Opportunities – Includes lower-wage essential roles alongside high-skilled jobs
- Bring Family To Australia – Will also assist in bringing family to Australia
If your goal is long-term settlement, you may also consider family-sponsored options such as the Family Visa to bring loved ones with you.
Application process for the skills in demand visa
Applying for this visa involves the following steps:
- Check Eligibility – Ensure your job is on The Core Skills Occupation List
- Secure Employer Sponsorship – Have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you
- Prepare Documents – Include proof of experience, qualifications, and English proficiency
- Apply for the Visa – Lodge your application with supporting documents
- Wait for Approval – Processing times vary based on demand and occupation category
Cost of the skills in demand visa
The Visa Application Charge (VAC) for the SID:
- Base application charge – $3,115;
- Additional application charge for an application who is at least 18 – $3,115;
- Additional application charge for an applicant who is less than 18 – $780.
These figures are aligned with the amounts that currently apply to applicants for the Medium-term stream of the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa.
Employers sponsoring workers will also have to pay nomination fees and meet labour market testing requirements.
How This Visa Differs from Other Australian Work Visas
Unlike general work visas, the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is tailored to address Australia’s immediate workforce shortages. Compared to the Global Talent Visa, which focuses on highly specialised professionals, this visa covers a broader range of skill levels and industries.
For those looking to migrate temporarily for work or business meetings or visit their Australian family or friends for over 3 months the Visitor Visa may be more appropriate.
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is a game-changer for skilled workers seeking career opportunities in Australia. It offers a clearer pathway to permanent residency, faster processing, and better job security for those in high-demand fields.
Contact us today
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore your visa options and start your application today through our Visa Services page, or you can call us today at 0466 168 626 to discuss your relationship circumstances and get expert guidance on your partner visa application. Let us help you build your future together in Australia!
