Skills in Demand Visa: Work in Australia
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The Skills in Demand Visa Australia is a temporary visa program that lets an employer sponsor a suitably skilled worker to fill a position when they can’t find a suitably skilled Australian to fill. This visa is aimed at addressing the nation's labour market needs by providing skilled workers with clearer pathways to temporary and permanent residency. Replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa, this new system introduces a tiered approach that aligns visa options with the applicant’s occupation and annual earnings.
What is the Skills in Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand Visa in Australia is a visa program designed to tackle labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker. This system provides a more organised, tiered framework for skilled migration, targeting a range of professions and salary brackets.
This visa is part of Australia's broader migration strategy to fill critical skills gaps in key industries, from healthcare and engineering to social services. It is divided into three streams—Specialist Skills Stream, Core Skills Stream, and Labour Agreement Stream. Each pathway provides skilled migrants an opportunity to live and work in Australia, with many of the visa streams offering a pathway to permanent residency.
Overview of the Skills in Demand Visa System
The Australian Skills in Demand Visa is divided into three tiers based on the worker's earnings and occupation type. Each tier has specific requirements designed to help address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker..
Tier 1: Specialist Skills Stream
The Specialist Skills Stream is for skilled migrants whose expertise significantly contributes to Australia’s national productivity. These individuals play a vital role in advancing critical capabilities and enhancing the skills of the local workforce. This Australian Skills in Demand pathway is intended for top professionals across industries, excluding certain sectors like trades and machinery operations.
Stay length:
Up to 4 years. (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).
Cost:
From AUD3,115.00
Criteria:
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Applicants must meet both health and character requirements.
- Open to all occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
- Applicants must have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last 5 years.The period of work does not need to be continuous.
- Applicants must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (AUD135,000 for applications lodged on and between 7 December 2024 to 30 June 2025).
Tier 2: Core Skills Stream
The Core Skills Stream is to accommodate the majority of skilled migrants entering Australia. This Skills in Demand Visa stream is essential for filling immediate and future gaps in the workforce, particularly in sectors critical to the ongoing strength of the Australian economy. It focuses on a broad range of occupations, from registered nurses to tradespeople, ensuring businesses have access to the skills they need to thrive.
Stay:
Up to 4 years. (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).
Cost:
From AUD3,115.00
Criteria:
- Available for occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes positions such as registered nurses, skilled trades, and certain machinery operators.
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Applicants must meet both health and character requirements.
- Applicants must meet the Core Skill Income Threshold (CSIT), currently set at AU$73,150 per year.
- Applicants must have at least 1 year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last 5 years. The period of work does not need to be continuous.
Tier 3: Labour Agreement Stream
This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement.
Stay:
Up to a maximum of 4 years, depending on the terms in the labour agreement. (Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years).
Cost:
From AUD3,115.00
Criteria:
- Be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a Labour Agreement.
- Unless otherwise specified in the Labour Agreement, applicants must have at least 1 year relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field within the last 5 years.
- Must be nominated by an approved Australian employer.
- Applicants must meet both health and character requirements.
Which Skills in Demand Visa is Right for You?
Choosing the appropriate Skills in Demand Visa Australia largely depends on your occupation and salary . Each pathway under the Skills in Demand Visa system caters to different types of skilled workers, offering specific advantages based on your professional background and earnings.
Specialist Skills Stream:
If your role offers a salary of AU$135,000 or more, the Specialist Skills Pathway is likely the best option for you. This visa is designed for professionals in high-level positions where their specialised expertise is crucial to Australia’s productivity and growth. It's open to a broad range of occupations listed in ANZSCO Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6 with a salary that meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold. It excludes trades workers, machine operators, drivers, and labourers. In most cases, professionals in leadership roles, niche industries, or highly technical fields will qualify for this pathway.
If your salary meets the threshold and your skills are in demand, this pathway offers swift processing and an efficient route to residency in Australia.
Core Skills Stream:
For most skilled professionals with a salary between AU$73,150 and AU$135,000, the Core Skills Pathway is the appropriate option. This visa is tailored for occupations crucial to Australia’s economy.
The Core Skills stream will draw from the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which is regularly updated to reflect the country's labour market needs. If your profession is listed and you meet the salary requirements, this visa offers a more direct and practical route to securing work in Australia.
Labour Agreement Stream:
The Labour Agreement Stream is designed to fill skills shortages in critical sectors like aged care, disability support, and other community services.
The Labour Agreement Stream ensures that workers in critical fields, where pay may not meet higher thresholds, still have the opportunity to contribute to Australia’s workforce while benefiting from visa support and protection.
Regardless of which pathway you choose, all streams of Skills in Demand Visa follow strict regulations to protect both Australian employers and skilled workers. The government closely monitors labour market conditions to ensure that the visa program fills necessary positions without exploitation or abuse of foreign workers.
Each pathway will offer a clear route to permanent residency, providing long-term stability for both the worker and their family. Whether you're a high-earning specialist or a dedicated worker in a critical field, the Skills in Demand Visa Australia offers tailored solutions to help you live and work in Australia.
For further guidance on choosing the right pathway, you can consult with one of our visa consultants in Melbourne who can assess your situation and help you navigate the application process effectively.
How Can our Visa Consultants in Melbourne Assist with the Skills in Demand Visa?
Applying for a visa can be complex, particularly with new processes and regulations being introduced. Our professional visa consultants in Melbourne can help you navigate the details of the Skills in Demand Visa, assuring you meet all eligibility requirements and submit the necessary documentation. With their guidance, you can improve your chances of a successful application.
Plan Your Future with the Skills in Demand Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa Australia presents an exciting opportunity for skilled professionals to live and work in Australia while filling key labour shortages. Whether you’re aiming for temporary work or permanent residency, this visa provides a streamlined path to success.
For more information on how to apply or to start the application process, consult with our expert visa consultants in Melbourne today. Take the first step towards securing your future in Australia.
FAQs About the Skills in Demand Visa Australia
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