Australia Overhauls Skilled Visa Program with New Occupation List and SID Visa

December 7, 2024 — Australia’s skilled visa program undergoes a significant transformation today with the introduction of a modernized Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the launch of the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. These changes aim to address critical workforce shortages and simplify pathways to permanent residence for skilled migrants.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL consolidates and replaces multiple existing skilled occupation lists, streamlining eligibility criteria for skilled visas. The list includes over 450 occupations in key sectors such as construction, cyber security, agriculture, and health. Developed by Jobs and Skills Australia through labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations, the CSOL will apply to the SID Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream).

For the complete CSOL, visit the New Core Skills Occupation List page.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, introduces a more streamlined process for both migrants and employers. Most SID visa holders can stay in Australia for up to four years and have access to a clear pathway to permanent residency, offering stability for migrants and their employers.

The SID visa features three streams:

1. Core Skills Stream – Focused on workforce needs, most SID applicants will fall under this category.
2. Specialist Skills Stream – Designed to support innovation and high-value job creation.
3. Labour Agreement Stream – Set to transition to the new Essential Skills Stream, currently under development.

Benefits of the SID visa include:

• A pathway to permanent residence with work experience from an approved employer counting toward eligibility.
• Reduced work experience requirements, with applicants needing only one year in their nominated occupation.
• Maintained English language standards consistent with the TSS medium-term stream.

Highlights of the Specialist and Core Skills Streams

• Specialist Skills Stream: Targets high-income earners earning at least AUD 135,000, excluding occupations in ANZSCO Major Group levels 3, 7, and 8 (trades workers, machinery operators, and labourers).
• Core Skills Stream: Addresses occupations on the CSOL identified as in shortage, with a minimum income threshold of AUD 73,150.

Transition for TSS Visa Holders

Applications for the TSS visa closed on December 6, 2024, with pending applications processed under previous arrangements. Existing TSS visa holders retain access to permanent residency pathways, subject to meeting the updated eligibility criteria.

These updates signal Australia’s commitment to attracting skilled migrants while addressing its evolving labour market needs.