Skills in Demand Visa Information

Posted by Rebecca Berkovic on
skills-in-demand-visa

With the Skills in Demand visa on the verge of replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)(subclass 482) visa program potentially before the end of 2024, more details have become available regarding the new Australian work visa program.

The main change to the Australian work visa program will be the introduction of the new three-tiered visa system which will divide applicants based on their annual earnings and occupations. The new Skills in Demand visa is intended to address labour skills shortages in Australia whilst also introducing greater flexibility for temporary overseas workers to find another sponsor if their employment ceases or change sponsors and provides a clear pathway to Australian permanent residency for visa holders.

The three visa streams of the Skill in Demand visa program are intended to contain the following requirements:

Stream 1: Specialist Skills Pathway  

Stream 2: Core Skills Pathway

 

 Stream 3: Essential Skills Pathway
 

  • No skilled occupation list will be provided however it seems that trade workers, machine operators, drivers and labourers will be excluded.
  • Guaranteed annual earnings of over AU$135,000 will be required which is intended to be indexed on an annual basis.
  • Priority processing will be given to this stream with the Australian Government stating that a 7-day median processing time is intended.

 

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  • Jobs and Skills Australia is intended to provide a regularly updated ‘Core Skills Occupation List’ (CSOL). Visa applicants will be required to meet the definition of an occupation on the CSOL.
  • Guaranteed annual earnings of over AU$73,150 will be required which is to be indexed on an annual basis.
  

  • This stream will apply to occupations where annual earnings are under AU$73,150 but working in ‘essential skill occupations.’
  • This pathway is still under assessment and likely to be sector-specific and include a stronger regulatory framework as well as potentially being capped and with minimum standards introduced.

 

 

 

The Skills in Demand visa set to replace the TSS subclass 482 visa, is intended to be granted for a four year period. The exact requirements will be announced by the Australian Government once the new visa comes into effect. It is intended that all three tiers- the Specialist Skills, Core Skills and Essential Skills streams will act as a pathway to Australian permanent residency.

We will keep you updated with new developments regarding the introduction of the Skills in Demand visa and will advise when it replaces the TSS subclass 482 visa program.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.