From TSS to SID: How the New Visa Will Revolutionize Your Career in Australia

On December 7, 2024, Australia will launch a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, replacing the current Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This revamped visa offers more flexibility for skilled workers and employers and provides a clearer path to permanent residency. Here's a simplified breakdown of the key changes

The Government has declared the launch of a fresh four-year temporary skilled worker visa named the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which will replace the current Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa from December 7, 2024. This updated visa offers sponsored workers enhanced options to switch employers and a straightforward route to permanent residency.

The SID visa signifies a pivotal transformation of Australia's migration framework, intended to better synchronize the nation's workforce needs with skilled foreign labor.

 

Key Features of the SID Visa

1. 4-Year Visa Validity
   All occupations, regardless of their stream, will now enjoy a standard four-year visa period.
2. Clear Pathways to Permanent Residency
   SID visa holders in all streams (Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement) can transition to permanent residency via the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
3. Work Experience Reduction
   • 1 year of relevant work experience is now sufficient (reduced from the previous 2 years).
   • This can include full-time, part-time, or casual work within the 5 years before applying.
4. Improved Worker Mobility
   • Visa holders can change employers more easily.
   • If employment ends, they have 180 days to secure a new sponsor and are allowed to work during this time.
5. Salary Threshold
   • The Core Skills stream requires a minimum salary of $73,150, while the Specialist Skills stream requires at least $135,000 annually.
6. Faster Visa Processing
   • Specialist Skills Stream: 7 days (median processing time).
   • Core Skills Stream: 21 days (median processing time).
7. Employer-Friendly Fees
   Employers can now pay trailing fees (monthly/quarterly) instead of upfront costs, making the system more accessible, particularly for small businesses.

 

Introduction of a New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

 

The Government has also unveiled the creation of a new targeted Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

The CSOL is a consolidated list granting access to temporary skilled migration across 456 occupations, including sectors like construction, agriculture, cyber security, health, and education.

The CSOL will be applicable to the Core Skills stream of the new Skills in Demand visa, which will take over from the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa on December 7, 2024.

Additionally, the CSOL will also apply to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.

 

New Occupations Added:
Occupations like Beauty Therapist, Cyber Security Specialist, Tour Guide, Child Care Worker, and Dental Prosthetist have been included.

Occupations Removed:
Roles like Cafe Manager, Dance Teacher, and Chiropractor have been removed.
Full details are available on the CSOL PDF.

Three Targeted Streams of the SID Visa

The SID visa offers three streams to cater to different categories of skilled workers:

1. Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled professionals earning at least $135,000. This stream doesn’t require a specific occupation on the Skilled Occupation List, but does require a sponsor and meeting health and character criteria.
2. Core Skills Stream: For skilled workers filling skills shortages identified by Jobs and Skills Australia. It includes roles in demand across various industries, and the salary must be at least $73,150.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: For employers with a Labor agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.

Key Features of the Specialist Skills Stream

Specialist Skills Stream

• Designed for top talent who are highly skilled and earn $135,000 or more.
• No occupation list requirements, but excludes trades workers and labourers.
• No age limit and no cap on the number of visas issued.
• Processing time: 7 days for quick approval.

Core Skills Stream

• For most applicants in skilled jobs listed on the CSOL.
• Salary must meet the average market rate or at least $73,150 (for applications until June 30, 2025).
• Trades workers, machinery operators, and drivers can apply here too if listed.
• Processing time: 21 days for approval

 

More Benefits of the SID Visa   

• Pathway to Permanent Residency: SID visa holders have better access to permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Subclass 186 visa.
• More Time to Find a New Job: If you lose your sponsor, under visa condition 8607, SID visa holders who leave their sponsor have extended time to find another sponsor, apply for a new visa, or leave Australia. They have up to 180 days at any one time, or 365 days across the visa period, to secure new employment
• Ongoing Employer Fees: Employers now pay fees regularly instead of upfront, making it easier for small businesses to participate.
• Faster Visa Processing: Visa approval times are 7 days for the Specialist Skills stream and 21 days for the Core Skills stream.
• Public Register of Sponsors: A new register of approved sponsors helps workers find trustworthy employers and find new job opportunities.

 

Comparison of Occupations Removed and Added to the New CSOL:

Removed Occupations:
• Acupuncturist
• Amusement Centre Manager
• Animal Attendants and Trainers (nec)
• Many other roles removed from previous lists like STSOL, ROL, MLTSSL

Added Occupations:
• Agricultural and Agritech Technician
• Agronomist
• Air Transport Professionals nec
• Along with several specialized roles such as Cyber Security Analysts, Education Reviewers, and Hospitality Managers

Gratitude is extended to the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) for providing this analysis of updates to the CSOL.

 

For More Information:
• Contact us to book a consultation for more details and to assess your eligibility for the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.

Australia's migration laws are complex and unique to each case. We recommend seeking professional advice to ensure the best chance of success. For up-to-date guidance on your eligibility for an Australian skilled visa, including a Subclass 482 SID visa, reach out to Bansal Lawyers.