A modernised skilled occupation list and a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa are included in changes to Australia’s skilled visa program begin on 7 December 2024.
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The CSOL replaces existing multiple skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS visa). The CSOL has more than 450 occupations in sectors such as:
- construction
- cyber security
- agriculture
- health.
The list is based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultations by Jobs and Skills Australia. It will only apply to the SID Core Skills stream and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream).
Read the full CSOL at New Core Skills Occupation List to target the skills Australia needs.
Skills in Demand (SID) visa
The Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The SID allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. It offers a streamlined process for both migrants and employers needing more skilled workers to grow their businesses.
SID visa holders have a clear pathway to permanent residence. This will give certainty to both migrants and employers.
The SID visa has 3 streams:
- Core Skills stream to meet targeted workforce needs. Most SID visa holders will use this stream.
- Specialist Skills stream. This stream will help drive innovation and job creation.
- Labour Agreement stream. This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream (under development).
With a SID visa, you:
- have a pathway to permanent residence. Any work with an approved employer counts towards permanent residence.
- benefit from a work experience requirement that is one year less than the TSS. SID applicants must have one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or related field.
- have the same English language requirement as the TSS medium-term stream.
SID visa Specialist Skills stream
This stream recognises that highly skilled migrants lift national productivity. It is for applicants who meet general eligibility requirements and are:
- in any occupation on the ANZSCO 2022 except ANZSCO Major Group levels 3, 7 and 8:
- trades workers
- machinery operators
- drivers and labourers
- earning at least the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD135,000 and no less than Australian workers in the same occupation.
SID visa Core Skills stream
This stream is for applicants who meet general eligibility requirements and:
- have an occupation on the CSOL that has been identified as being in shortage. This also applies where we have committed to giving access to our labour market through international trade agreements
- will be paid a salary at or above the new Core Skills Income Threshold of AUD73,150.
Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024. We will process all outstanding applications lodged before then in line with existing arrangements.