Major Reforms to Australia’s Skilled Visa Program Effective 7 December 2024

The Australian Government has introduced significant changes to the skilled migration system with the implementation of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa and the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). These reforms are designed to modernize the migration program, streamline processes, and address critical workforce needs across key sectors.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):

• The CSOL consolidates multiple previous skilled occupation lists and includes over 450 occupations in sectors such as construction, cybersecurity, agriculture, and health.
• Developed by Jobs and Skills Australia, the list reflects insights from labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations.
• Applicable to both the SID Core Skills Stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Direct Entry Stream.

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa:

• The Subclass 482 SID Visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
• Key features include:
  • A stay of up to four years.
  • Simplified pathways to permanent residence.
  • Reduced work experience requirements (one year instead of two).
  • Consistent English language requirements with the previous TSS medium-term stream.

SID Visa Streams:

1. Core Skills Stream: For occupations on the CSOL, with a salary threshold of AUD 73,150+.
2. Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled professionals in ANZSCO 2022 occupations (excluding Major Groups 3, 7, and 8), earning at least AUD 135,000 annually.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: Transitioning to the Essential Skills Stream, which is currently under development.

Arrangements for Existing TSS Visa Holders:

• Current TSS visa holders retain their pathway to permanent residence, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024. Outstanding applications will be processed under prior arrangements.

These reforms reflect the Government’s commitment to aligning the skilled migration system with Australia’s economic priorities, addressing workforce shortages, and providing a more streamlined process for employers and skilled migrants.

Source: Important-changes-to-skilled-visa-program-begin.pdf