Australia Unveils New Skilled Visa Program Changes to Address Workforce Shortages

Australia has introduced significant changes to its skilled visa program, effective December 7, 2024

Australia Unveils New Skilled Visa Program Changes

Australia has introduced significant changes to its skilled visa program, effective December 7, 2024, aimed at attracting and retaining skilled workers to address critical workforce shortages across various sectors. The new program, which includes a modernized skilled occupation list and a new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for eligible migrants.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The centrepiece of the reforms is the introduction of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which replaces multiple existing skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The CSOL encompasses over 450 occupations across sectors such as construction, cybersecurity, agriculture, and healthcare. This list has been carefully curated based on rigorous labor market analysis and extensive consultations with industry stakeholders by Jobs and Skills Australia.

It's important to note that the CSOL will primarily apply to the SID Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) Direct Entry stream.

Also read- How to apply for Australia Immigration from India?

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa

The new Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, providing a more flexible and efficient pathway for skilled workers. Key features of the SID visa include:

• Extended Stay Duration: SID visa holders can now stay in Australia for up to 4 years.
• Streamlined Process: The visa offers a simplified process for both migrants and employers, facilitating the recruitment of skilled workers.
• Clear Pathway to Permanent Residency: The SID visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency, offering certainty to both migrants and employers.
• Reduced Work Experience Requirement: SID visa applicants need only one year of work experience in their nominated occupation or a related field, which is one year less than the previous requirement.
• Maintained English Language Requirement: The English language requirement remains the same as the medium-term stream of the TSS visa.

The SID visa is divided into three streams:

1. Core Skills Stream: This stream is designed to address targeted workforce needs and is expected to be the most commonly used stream. It prioritizes occupations listed on the CSOL and requires a minimum salary of AUD 73,150.
2. Specialist Skills Stream: This stream caters to highly skilled migrants who can contribute to national productivity. It is open to applicants in any occupation on the ANZSCO 2022 list, except for certain lower-skilled occupations, and requires a minimum salary of AUD 135,000.
3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream, which is currently under development.

Transition for Existing TSS Visa Holders

Existing TSS visa holders will still have a pathway to permanent residency, provided they meet all the relevant eligibility criteria.

These significant changes to Australia's skilled visa program are expected to attract and retain skilled workers, bolstering the country's economy and addressing critical workforce shortages.

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- Rajneesh Kumar