Understanding the New Skills in Demand Visa: A Shift From the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

Dreaming of a new life down under? If so, you may have heard about the introduction of the new Skills in Demand Visa, which replaces the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. Australia’s immigration policy is always adapting, and this marks one of the most significant recent changes yet.

This new visa aims to address critical skills shortages while providing greater flexibility and opportunities for both employers and skilled workers. Here, we’re going to explore the key differences between the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and the new Skills in Demand Visa, and more importantly what this means for prospective migrants and Australian businesses.

Background on the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

The 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, also known as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), was introduced to help Australian employers fill labour shortages with skilled workers from overseas when qualified locals were not available. It offered temporary work visas for up to four years, depending on the occupation and the worker’s qualifications.

While the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa served its purpose in addressing immediate labour needs, it also faced criticism for being too rigid and making permanent residency too challenging. That’s exactly what the new Skills in Demand Visa looks to address.

Overview of the New Skills in Demand Visa

The newly introduced Skills in Demand Visa represents a significant shift from the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. Here are the key features that you should know about:

• Four-Year Work Visa: The Skills in Demand Visa provides a four-year work visa, giving visa holders stability and the opportunity to build their careers in Australia over an extended period.
• Flexibility to Move Between Sponsors: One of the most notable changes is the ability for visa holders to move between employers while maintaining their visa status. Visa holders are granted 180 days to find a new sponsor if they choose to change employers, giving greater job security and flexibility.
• Time with Employers Counts Toward Permanent Residency: Unlike the 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, where changing employers could reset the clock on the path to permanent residency, the time spent working for an approved employer under the new Skills in Demand Visa will count toward the residency requirements. This change offers a clear and uninterrupted pathway to permanent residency.
• Clear Path to Permanent Residency: All streams within the Skills in Demand Visa—Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills—are designed with a transparent pathway to permanent residency. This feature hopes to attract skilled workers looking to lay down long-term roots in Australia.
• Public Register of Sponsors: To make it easier for individuals to find new work opportunities, the Australian government will maintain a public register of sponsors. This resource aims to simplify the job search process for visa holders, meaning they can continue contributing to the Australian economy without delays.

The Three Pathways of the Skills in Demand Visa

Specialist Skills Pathway

The Specialist Skills Pathway is tailored for highly specialised professionals who possess critical expertise that can significantly improve the skills within the country. This pathway is open to individuals nominated by an approved employer through an employee sponsorship visa—providing they meet health and character requirements of course. The visa is available for a wide range of occupations, although it excludes trade workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate earnings of at least AU$135,000 per year. The application process is designed for speed and most visas are expected to be processed within a week.

Core Skills Pathway

The Core Skills Pathway will be what most skilled migrants use. It is designed to address current and future labour shortages across a broad spectrum of industries. Eligible occupations include registered nurses, tradespeople, and certain machinery operators, as listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List.

Applicants must secure a salary at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT), currently set at AU$73,150 per year. The processing time for this pathway is fast, with applications typically finalised within 21 days.

Essential Skills Pathway

The Essential Skills Pathway is focused on attracting workers who play a crucial role in Australia’s care and support sectors. This pathway recognises the importance of lower-paid workers who provide essential services that are foundational to the nation’s wellbeing. Unlike the other pathways, this visa is far more focused on contributions and may be available to individuals earning below the TSMIT.

While the exact processing times are still unannounced, this pathway is expected to align closely with the current Labour Agreement visas.

What This Means for Employers and the Australian Economy

The new Skills in Demand Visa is expected to have a positive impact on Australian employers by making it easier to attract and retain skilled workers. The ability for employees to move between sponsors without losing their visa status will encourage more competitive and dynamic workplaces.

As well as this, the clear pathway to permanent residency will help fill long-term skill gaps in critical sectors, with the overall goal of contributing to the overall growth and stability of the Australian economy.

Get the Support You Need With Your Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

The introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa marks a significant improvement over the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482), offering more flexibility, security, and pathways to permanent residency.

If you’re considering applying for the new Skills in Demand Visa or need guidance on navigating Australia’s immigration system, Nexor Group is here to help. Contact us today for personalised consultations and expert assistance with the latest visa changes. Take the stress out of your Australian migration and get the guidance you need.