The Australian skilled visa program has undergone significant updates as of 7 December 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes and their implications:

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

• What is CSOL?

  • A consolidated list replacing multiple skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
  • Contains over 450 occupations across critical sectors, including construction, cyber security, agriculture, and health.
  • Developed through labour market analysis and stakeholder input by Jobs and Skills Australia.

• Applications:

  • Applies to:
    • Skills in Demand (SID) visa (Core Skills stream).
    • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa (Direct Entry stream).

• Access the full CSOL: Core Skills Occupation List

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482

• Overview:

  • Replaces the TSS visa.
  • Allows stays of up to 4 years with a streamlined application process.
  • Provides a clear pathway to permanent residency.

• Streams:

  1. Core Skills Stream:
     • For occupations listed on the CSOL and identified as being in shortage.
     • Requires a salary of at least AUD73,150 (Core Skills Income Threshold).
  2. Specialist Skills Stream:
     • Targets highly skilled migrants in occupations listed under ANZSCO 2022, excluding trades, machinery operators, and labourers.
     • Requires a salary of AUD135,000 or higher.
  3. Labour Agreement Stream:
     • To be replaced by an Essential Skills Stream (under development).

• Key Benefits:

  • Reduced work experience requirement: 1 year (compared to 2 years for the TSS).
  • Same English language standards as the TSS medium-term stream.

SID Visa Advantages

• Clear pathway to permanent residence:
  • All work done with an approved employer counts toward eligibility.
• Supports employers in addressing workforce shortages.
• Simplified process for faster approvals.

Existing TSS Visa Holders

• Applications for the TSS visa closed on 6 December 2024.
• Outstanding TSS applications will be processed under the old rules.
• Current TSS holders still retain pathways to permanent residence, subject to meeting eligibility.

Salary Thresholds

• Core Skills Income Threshold: AUD 73,150.
• Specialist Skills Income Threshold: AUD 135,000.

This reform aims to address Australia’s evolving labour market needs, providing greater certainty for both migrants and employers while targeting critical skill shortages. For further details or to apply, consult the Department of Home Affairs or visit the updated visa guidelines.