Skills In Demand Visa

Skills in Demand Visa: Transforming Australia’s Skilled Migration

The Australian government is revolutionizing skilled migration with the Skills in Demand Visa, effective 7 December 2024. This innovative visa addresses workforce shortages with a clear focus on flexibility, efficiency, and pathways to permanent residency. Replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa, it introduces a three-tiered system tailored to applicants’ occupations and earnings.

A woman store worker smiles. Retail store, grocery, bakery, pharmacy. Lady with an apron working in the market.

Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa

  1. Specialist Skills Pathway
  • Annual Salary Requirement: Minimum of $135,000, indexed annually.
  • Eligibility: No occupation list, but excludes trades, machine operators, drivers, and labourers.
  • Processing: Fast-tracked 7-day median processing time.
  • Quota: Capped at 3,000 places annually.
  • Visa Duration: Valid for 4 years, with clear pathways to permanent residency.
  1. Core Skills Pathway
  • Eligibility: Occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), developed and regularly updated by Jobs and Skills Australia.
  • Annual Salary Requirement: $73,150 minimum, indexed annually.
  • Focus: Designed to accommodate the majority of skilled workers.
  • Pathway Advantages: Direct entry for skilled migrants in high-demand roles.
  1. Essential Skills Pathway
  • Eligibility: Designed for critical sectors such as aged care and disability support, focusing on roles earning under $73,150 annually.
  • Development: Under review for sector-specific guidelines, including union oversight and stronger regulatory standards.

Enhanced Flexibility for Workers and Employers

The new visa system offers significant flexibility to skilled migrants:

  • Change of Sponsors: Visa holders have 180 days to find a new sponsor if employment ends.
  • Public Register of Sponsors: Facilitates seamless transitions between employers.
  • Permanent Residency Options:
    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Requires two years of continuous work under a TSS or SID visa.
    • Direct Entry Stream: Available for occupations listed on the CSOL, with a positive skills assessment and three years of relevant experience.

Labour Market Testing (LMT) Simplified

Labour market testing will be modernized, relying on data-driven insights from Jobs and Skills Australia.

  • Current Changes:
    • Workforce Australia advertising is no longer required.
    • Advertisement validity extended from 4 to 6 months.
  • Future Plans: LMT will gradually phase out as data improves, replaced by real-time skills shortage analysis.

Financial and Application Requirements

  • Visa Fees:
    • Primary applicant: $3,115.
    • Dependents aged 18+: $3,115 each.
    • Dependents under 18: $780 each.
  • Work Experience: Minimum of 12 months full-time work in the past 5 years.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 or equivalent across all components.

Salary Rates: Sponsors must meet Australian Market Salary Rates (AMSR) for the duration of employment.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)

To ensure flexibility, SAF contributions may transition to monthly or quarterly installments, aligning with the increased mobility of skilled workers.

Permanent Residency Pathways

  1. Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
    • Temporary Residence Transition Stream: Requires 2 years of work in the nominated role.
    • Direct Entry Stream: For occupations on the CSOL with advanced qualifications.
    • Self-Nomination Pathways
      • Allows independent applications for permanent residency without employer sponsorship.

Why Choose Aussie Migration Solutions?

Navigating the complexities of Australia’s migration reforms can be challenging. At Aussie Migration Solutions, our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne are equipped with the latest knowledge to guide you through the new visa process.

  • Expert advice on selecting the best visa pathway for your situation.
  • Guidance on documentation, eligibility, and compliance with changing regulations.
  • Support in securing permanent residency and ensuring a smooth transition to life in Australia.

Book Your Consultation Today!

Take the first step toward your future in Australia. Schedule a commitment-free meeting with our migration experts and explore the opportunities available under the Skills in Demand Visa. Together, we’ll help you turn your dreams into reality.