Planning to work in Australia in 2025? You’re in luck! Australia has completely transformed its skilled migration system with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaced the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa on December 7, 2024. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the new Australia skilled worker visa requirements, application process, and pathways to permanent residency.
What is the Skills in Demand Visa?
The Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is Australia’s new flagship employer-sponsored visa designed to address critical workforce shortages across various industries. Unlike its predecessor, this visa offers greater flexibility, faster processing times, and clearer pathways to permanent residence.
Key benefits include:
- Stay and work in Australia for up to 4 years
- Change employers with 180 days to find new sponsorship
- Pathway to permanent residency after just 2 years of employment
- Reduced work experience requirement from 2 years to 1 year
- Streamlined application process with faster processing times
Three Visa Streams Explained
Core Skills Stream
This stream targets the majority of skilled workers and addresses specific workforce shortages. Your occupation must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes 456 occupations across industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction.
Requirements:
- Minimum salary: AUD 76,515 annually (for applications lodged between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026)
- Occupation must be on the CSOL
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience
- Processing time: approximately 21 days
Specialist Skills Stream
Designed for highly skilled professionals earning substantial salaries, this stream offers the fastest processing and greatest flexibility.
Requirements:
- Minimum salary: AUD 141,210 annually
- Available for most occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, and laborers
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience
- Processing time: 7 days
Essential Skills Stream
Currently under development with unions, government, and industry stakeholders, this stream will cater to essential workers in specific sectors with lower salary thresholds but critical importance to Australia’s economy.
Skills in Demand Visa Schemes Comparison
| Stream | Minimum Salary (AUD) | Processing Time | Occupation Requirements | Pathway to PR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills | 76,515 (2025-2026) | 21 days | Must be on CSOL | After 2 years employment |
| Specialist Skills | 141,210 | 7 days | Most occupations (excluding trades/laborers) | After 2 years employment |
Eligibility Requirements for All Streams
Before applying for any Australia skilled worker visa, ensure you meet these fundamental requirements:
Personal Requirements:
- Valid passport and be outside Australia when applying (unless holding specific visa types)
- Meet health and character requirements
- Have adequate health insurance
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation
Employer Requirements:
- Secure sponsorship from an approved Australian employer
- Employer must demonstrate Labor Market Testing (LMT) efforts
- Job offer must meet minimum salary thresholds
- Position must be genuine and ongoing
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Start by confirming your occupation is eligible for your chosen stream. For Core Skills, check the CSOL. For Specialist Skills, verify your role isn’t in excluded categories (trades, machinery operators, laborers).
Step 2: Secure Employer Sponsorship
Find an Australian employer willing to sponsor you. They must hold approved sponsor status and demonstrate they’ve tested the local labor market before offering you the position.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
Essential documents include:
- Valid passport and recent photos
- Educational qualifications and transcripts
- Employment references and experience letters
- English language test results (IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL)
- Skills assessment (if required for your occupation)
- Health examinations
- Police clearance certificates
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Create an ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs website and submit your complete application with all supporting documents. Pay the visa fee of AUD 3,210 for the main applicant.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by stream – 7 days for Specialist Skills and 21 days for Core Skills. Use this time to prepare for your move to Australia.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
One of the most attractive features of the Skills in Demand visa is its clear pathway to permanent residency. After working for 2 years in Australia (which can be with different employers), you may be eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa.
Permanent Residency Requirements:
- 2 years of full-time employment in Australia on SID visa
- Under 45 years of age
- Meet English language requirements (IELTS 6.0 in each band or equivalent)
- Occupation must remain on eligible lists
- Continue to meet health and character requirements
What Makes 2025 Different?
Several significant changes make 2025 an excellent time to apply for an Australia skilled worker visa:
Enhanced Worker Mobility: You now have 180 days (instead of 60) to find new employment if your job ends, providing much greater security.
Streamlined Lists: The confusing multiple occupation lists have been consolidated into the simpler CSOL for Core Skills stream.
Faster Processing: Both streams offer significantly faster processing times compared to the old TSS visa.
Continuous Employment Credit: All sponsored employment counts toward permanent residency eligibility, even when changing employers.
Cost Considerations
Visa Application Fees:
- Main applicant: AUD 3,210
- Each dependent 18 and over: AUD 3,210
- Each dependent under 18: AUD 805
Additional Costs:
- Skills assessment: AUD 300-1,500 (varies by profession)
- English language tests: AUD 375-450
- Health examinations: AUD 300-500
- Document translation and certification: AUD 100-500
Tips for a Successful Application
Start Early: Begin gathering documents well before applying, as some requirements (like police checks) can take weeks to obtain.
Choose the Right Stream: Ensure you apply for the stream that best matches your qualifications and salary level.
Professional Help: Consider engaging a registered migration agent, especially for complex cases or if you’re unfamiliar with Australian immigration processes.
Stay Updated: Immigration rules can change, so always check the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I include my family in my Skills in Demand visa application?
A: Yes, you can include your spouse/partner and dependent children in your application. They’ll receive the same visa validity period as you.
Q: What happens if I lose my job while on the Skills in Demand visa?
A: You have 180 days to find a new employer to sponsor you, apply for a different visa, or leave Australia.
Q: Is the Skills in Demand visa better than the old TSS visa?
A: Yes, it offers faster processing, greater job mobility, reduced work experience requirements, and clearer permanent residency pathways.
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