ANNOUNCEMENT: This Subclass 482 Skills in Demand (SID) Visa has replaced the Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa from 7 Dec 2024!

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The Skills in Demand Visa is set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 Visa on December 7, 2024, as part of Australia's strategy to streamline skilled migration pathways and address critical labour shortages in key industries. This new visa aims to not only attract skilled workers but also provide clearer, faster routes to permanent residency. Here’s a breakdown of the new Skills in Demand Visa and how it differs from the current Subclass 482 visa.

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Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa

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The Skills in Demand Visa will consist of three distinct pathways, each targeting a specific group of skilled workers:

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1. Specialist Skills Pathway

   • For highly skilled professionals with niche expertise.

   • Requires a minimum salary of $135,000 per year.

   • Fast-tracked processing with a 7-day turnaround.

   • Does not rely on occupation lists.

2. Core Skills Pathway

   • Targets workers in occupations facing significant demand.

   • Applicants must earn at least $70,000 annually.

   • Occupation list updates regularly to reflect evolving industry needs.

3. Essential Skills Pathway

   • Designed for lower-paid workers in critical sectors.

   • Details of the pathway will be refined throughout 2024.

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Eligibility Criteria for the Skills in Demand Visa

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• Work Experience: At least 12 months of relevant work experience is required (specifics may vary by stream).

• English Proficiency: Applicants must meet competent English requirements or hold a passport from a relevant country.

• Skills Assessment: In some cases, a skills assessment will be required to verify that the applicant’s qualifications and experience match the job.

• Police Checks: Applicants may need to provide police certificates for every country they have lived in for over 12 months in the past decade.

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Sponsorship Requirements

• Employer Sponsorship: A sponsor, typically an Australian business, must demonstrate the necessity of the role and show that they have faced challenges in recruiting locally (unless exempted by international trade agreements).

• Approved Sponsors: Employers will be part of a public register that applicants can access to find potential sponsors.

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Pathways to Permanent Residency

• All Skills in Demand Visas are valid for 4 years.

• After 2 years of continuous work with an approved sponsor, visa holders may apply for Permanent Residency.

• Time spent with approved employers counts towards this eligibility, even if the visa holder changes sponsors.

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Changes to Labour Market Testing (LMT)

• The new visa system removes the need for advertising on platforms like Workforce Australia, easing the process for employers.

• Labour market testing will shift to an independent verification process instead of employer-conducted assessments.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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1. What is the Skills in Demand Visa, and how does it differ from the Subclass 482 Visa?
The Skills in Demand Visa will replace the Subclass 482 Visa on December 7, 2024. It offers three pathways to attract skilled workers at various levels, with streamlined processes and a direct path to permanent residency for all applicants.

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2. What are the three pathways under the Skills in Demand Visa?
The visa has three pathways:

• Specialist Skills Pathway for highly skilled workers with a salary of at least $135,000.

• Core Skills Pathway for occupations facing high demand, with a salary of $70,000.

• Essential Skills Pathway for lower-paid workers, details to be confirmed later.

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3. How long will the Skills in Demand Visa be valid?
The visa is valid for 4 years, with applicants eligible to apply for Permanent Residency after 2 years of work with an approved sponsor.

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4. Do applicants need a skills assessment?
A skills assessment may be required depending on the pathway and the applicant’s occupation. It will verify that the applicant's qualifications and experience meet Australian standards.

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5. How will employer sponsorship work under the new visa?
Employers will need to justify the role's necessity and demonstrate recruitment challenges. Approved sponsors will be listed in a public register that applicants can use to find job opportunities.

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Act Now to Secure Your Subclass 482 SID Visa

As the Skills in Demand Visa will soon replace the Subclass 482 Visa, it is essential to stay ahead of these changes. Ensure your application is submitted in time to take advantage of the new opportunities. Don’t miss out on the chance to navigate the transition seamlessly—contact us today to start your application process with expert guidance and advice. Let us help you secure your future in Australia!