Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 Visa

The Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 visa enables Australian employers to address labor shortages by hiring genuinely skilled overseas workers when appropriately skilled Australians are unavailable. This visa ensures that Australian workers are prioritised while addressing temporary skill gaps.

Introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
On December 7, 2024, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa was renamed the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. This change was implemented under the *Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024*, which also updated requirements for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) and aligned sponsorship obligations.

Key updates under the SID visa include:
1. Reduced Work Experience Requirement: The minimum work experience required for all streams has been reduced to one year (full-time or equivalent) within the five years preceding the visa application.
2. Income Threshold Indexation: The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) and Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will be indexed annually on July 1. Updated thresholds will be published on the Department of Home Affairs website.
3. Stream Revisions: The previous Short-term and Medium-term streams have been replaced by the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams, respectively.
4. Language Proficiency: Language requirements for the Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams remain the same as those for the Medium-term stream under the TSS visa (IELTS 5 overall, with no band below 5).

 SID Visa Streams
The SID visa allows skilled individuals to work in Australia for up to four years under three streams:

1. Core Skills Stream
– Suitable for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
– Maximum employment period: Four years.
– Minimum work experience: One year in the nominated occupation or related field.
– Applicants must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), set at AUD 73,150 for applications lodged between December 7, 2024, and June 30, 2025.
– Certain occupations previously included under the TSS visa may no longer be eligible for this stream.

Important Note: Existing TSS visa holders will have the ability to change to a new employer, if their current occupation is on the CSOL or the nomination meets the income qualification for a Specialist Skills stream visa.If the relevant occupation is not on the CSOL or does not qualify for the Specialist Skills stream, the applicant will not have a pathway to change employer. These individuals will be able to utilise the strengthened mobility provisions to find work in a new occupation, apply for another visa or depart Australia.

2. Specialist Skills Stream
– Available for occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6, with a minimum salary meeting the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), set at AUD $135,000 for the same period.
– Excludes occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7, and 8 (trades, machinery operators, drivers, and laborers).
– Aims to attract highly skilled migrants for economic benefits, with streamlined processing.

3. Labour Agreement Stream
– For employers with a labor agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
– Tailored for occupations not covered by standard SID visa streams.

Application Process
The SID visa application involves three steps:

1. Standard Business Sponsorship
– Employers must become approved sponsors, demonstrating lawful operations, commitment to training Australians, and compliance with Australian laws.

2. Nomination
– Employers nominate a full-time position for an overseas worker, substantiating the role’s necessity with labor market testing conducted within the previous 12 months. Employers must also pass a non-discriminatory workforce test.

3. Visa Application
– Applicants must meet skill, health, character, and English language requirements. There is no age limit for the SID visa, and applicants must hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa (A, B, or C) if applying onshore.

Employer Obligations
Employers must contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) instead of meeting Training Benchmark A or B requirements:
– Small businesses (turnover < AUD 10M): AUD $1,200 per nominee per year.
– Large businesses: AUD $1,800 per nominee per year.

Benefits for Visa Holders
– Primary Visa Holders: Can work full-time in their nominated occupation for the sponsoring employer.
– Family Members: Can work and study in Australia.

Assistance with Applications
Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services offer comprehensive support for SID visa applications and employer sponsorships. Contact them at 0490 324 416 or email [email protected] for expert advice and assistance.