Learn about Australia’s updated Core Skills Occupation List, major changes, new Skills in Demand and National Innovation Visas, and permanent residency pathways.

As of December 2024, a number of new laws have been passed to establish the National Innovation Visa and the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa. These visas give skilled migrants new possibilities to work and support the Australian economy. We list the essential features, prerequisites, and updates you should be aware of below.

1. Skills in Demand Visa: Key Features

The Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa has been formally superseded by the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, which still has the Subclass 482 visa category number. It provides a route to permanent residency under specific circumstances and is intended to address skills shortages in a number of industries.

Visa Streams

The SID Visa includes three streams:

1. Specialist Skills Stream:

Applicants who make $135,000 or more a year may apply (subject to annual indexation). Jobs like machinery operators and trade workers are not included in this stream.

2. Core Skills Stream:

For candidates with yearly indexing who make $73,150 or more. The new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which combines the earlier TSS occupation listings, is where occupations must be recorded.

3. Labor Agreement Stream:

Retains the TSS Visa’s current provisions while waiting for more information about the Essential Skills Stream.

Work Experience Requirements

The former two-year requirement has been lowered to require applicants to have at least one year of full-time, relevant job experience within the last five years.

Permanent Residency Pathways

After two years of full-time, paid work in the same occupation, holders of SID Visas may apply for permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream of the Subclass 186 Visa.

Sponsorship Obligations

The sponsorship requirements for the SID Visa are identical to those for the TSS Visa. Nonetheless, it now gives visa holders more freedom to switch jobs and more time to locate a new sponsor—up to 180 days at a time and 365 days during the visa period.

2. The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The new CSOL, which combines earlier occupation lists and identifies which occupations are eligible for the Core Skills Stream, is a crucial part of the SID Visa.

Occupations Added & Removed

– Added Occupations:

The CSOL now includes roles in aggrotech, beauty therapy, cyber security, and some health and social welfare professions.

– Removed Occupations:

Numerous professions have been eliminated, such as those pertaining to agriculture, the arts, and health. Notably, the Core Skills Stream no longer covers jobs like raising beef cattle, planning events, and working in several healthcare facilities.

Caveats for Specific Occupations

Certain jobs are subject to the CSOL’s caveats. For instance, certain professions might only be suitable for specific work environments or might be governed by international trade regulations.

3. Existing TSS Visa Holders: What’s Changing?

If a TSS Visa holder’s occupation is listed on the CSOL and they match the required income requirements, they can now switch to the SID Visa in order to shift employers. Those whose occupation is not on the list, however, might have to look into other visa possibilities or stay with their existing company.

4. The National Innovation Visa

The Global Talent Visa has been superseded by the National Innovation Visa, which aims to draw in highly qualified workers to spur innovation in vital areas of the Australian economy.

Key Changes

– Invitation Requirement:

The Minister must now extend an invitation to applicants prior to their visa application.

– Exceptional Achievement:

Both during the invitation and application phases, candidates must exhibit accomplishments that are acknowledged globally.

– No Need for Endorsement:

It is no longer necessary to obtain approval from the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business Talent.

– Impact on Global Talent Visa Applicants

While new candidates will use the revamped procedure, those who applied for a Global Talent Visa before December 6, 2024, will still be evaluated using the old standards.

5. Strategic Immigration for Business

Significant opportunities are presented by these new immigration schemes for both corporations and qualified workers. It’s critical to keep up with the most recent changes for companies seeking to sponsor qualified employees or for applicants.

Professional assistance is available if you need it regarding how these changes can impact your business sponsorship or visa application. For specialized assistance, get in touch with migration agents.

Keep abreast of additional advancements by keeping up with industry news or making connections with experts in the sector. For individuals who contribute to Australia’s workforce and economy, the Skills in Demand and National Innovation Visas present exciting opportunities.