A Guide to the Skills in Demand (SID) 482 Visa

Navigating Australia’s immigration system can feel complex, and with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, many skilled professionals are asking the same questions: “What is the SID visa?“, “How is it different from the TSS 482 visa?”, and “Which stream is right for me?”.

Which SID Visa Stream is for You? A Quick Assessment

The most significant change with the Skills in Demand visa Australia is its targeted approach. Your profession, salary, and the nature of your employment will determine your path. Answer these simple questions to get a preliminary idea of which stream you might be eligible for:

Is your guaranteed annual salary in Australia AUD $135,000 or higher?

• Yes: You could be on the fast track with the Specialist Skills Stream.
• No: Proceed to the next question.

Is your occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?

• Yes: The Core Skills Stream is likely your primary pathway.
• No: Your situation might require a more tailored approach; see the next question.

Has your employer identified a unique or critical skill shortage and negotiated directly with the Australian government?

• Yes: You are likely a candidate for the Labour Agreement Stream.

This quick assessment is your first step.

The Specialist Skills Stream

The Specialist Skills Stream is the most exciting innovation in Australia’s skilled migration program. It’s designed to attract the world’s top talent by removing traditional barriers and offering unprecedented processing speed.

• Who It’s For: This stream is not defined by a list of occupations but by a high salary threshold. It targets elite professionals, senior executives, and leading researchers who are at the top of their field. If you are a high-earning individual, your economic contribution is the primary measure of your eligibility.
• Key Benefit: The government has committed to a median visa processing time of just 7 days. This makes it one of the fastest work visa pathways in the world.
• The Bottom Line: If you are a high-income earner, the Specialist Skills stream offers a streamlined, rapid process to bring your talents to Australia.

The Core Skills Stream

For the majority of skilled professionals, the Core Skills Stream will be the main pathway to working in Australia. This stream is designed to address the persistent skill shortages in the Australian economy and provides a clear and structured route to permanent residency.

• Who It’s For: This stream is for skilled workers whose occupations are listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). This list is actively managed by Jobs and Skills Australia to ensure it reflects the genuine needs of the economy. If you’ve been searching for the “SID visa Australia occupation list,” this is the stream you need to watch closely.
• Key Requirement: Applicants must meet the Core Skills Threshold, which is currently set at AUD $73,150 and will be indexed annually to keep pace with wage growth.
• Pathway to PR: A major advantage of the Core Skills stream is its clear and transparent pathway to permanent residency, providing long-term certainty for you and your family.

The Labour Agreement Stream

The Labour Agreement Stream is a special pathway for employers to address critical skill shortages that are not covered by the other two streams. It is an employer-led process and serves as a crucial safety valve for the immigration system.

• How It Works: An employer must demonstrate a specific need and negotiate a bespoke labour agreement with the Australian government. This agreement outlines the specific roles, the number of workers, and any concessions to standard visa requirements.
• Common Use Cases: This stream is often used for major infrastructure projects, or to address workforce shortages in critical sectors like aged care, hospitality, and agriculture. If your employer has a labour agreement in place, this will be your designated pathway.

Don’t Forget the Family: Bringing Your Loved Ones with You

This is Australia understands that migrating is a family affair. The SID visa framework includes a clear and supportive pathway for your family members to join you in Australia through the “Subsequent Entrant” application.

Who is eligible?

• Spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children of a primary SID visa holder.

What are the benefits?

• Family members are typically granted the same work and study rights as the primary visa holder, allowing your partner to build their career and your children to attend Australian schools. This provision is essential for making your move to Australia a successful and enriching experience for the whole family.

Your Next Step on Your Australian Journey

The Skills in Demand visa is a significant step forward in Australia’s migration policy. It offers clear, targeted pathways for skilled professionals and their families. Whether you are a high-earning specialist, a professional with skills on the Core Skills Occupation List, or an individual with a specific job offer under a labour agreement, there is a stream designed for you.

Ready to find your stream? Contact This is Australia today for a personalised assessment and let us guide you on your journey to working in Australia.