The SID visa is coming this weekend!
So who or what is the SID? This is the new Skills In Demand visa set to replace the existing Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage visa framework.
What we know
The SID will have three application streams:
- Specialist Skills Stream – for highly skilled migrants earning at least $135,000 in any occupation except for trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourer
- Core Skills Stream – for the majority of skilled migrants who earn between $73,150 (TSMIT) and $135,000, and the trades workers excluded from the Specialist stream. Eligible occupations will appear on a Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Essential Skills Stream – for lower income earners with essential skills. Further details on salary and occupations are to be released.
Immigration has today announced that the SID will be in place from 7 December 2024. This means no new 482 TSS applications for primary visa holders under the current framework can be lodged after this date.
It should be noted that existing 482 TSS visa holders and those with applications lodged prior to 7 December will not be affected. Subsequent Entrant 482 visas will still be available.
In addition, the occupation list (CSOL) that applies to the Core Skills stream has been published. The CSOL will also apply to applications for a Direct Entry Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
An analysis by our team shows a number of newer occupations now available, as well as the removal of some more commonly-used occupations.
New occupations (as per latest ANZSCO) include roles such as Regulatory Affairs Manager; Licensed Club Manager; Data Analyst and Scientist; Supply Chain Analyst; Entomologist; Cyber Security specialists; Aquaculture and Fisheries Specialists and Technicians; and Content Creator (Marketing).
Removed occupations include: Café or Restaurant Manager; Conference and Event Organiser; Child Care Centre Manager; a range of Farming specializations; most sportspersons, instructors, and coaches; Customer Service Manager; Graphic Designer; Medical Laboratory Scientist; Welfare Worker; and Microbiologist.
Applicants hoping to apply for a visa nominating a removed occupation either need to be able to meet the Specialist Skills Stream requirements or ensure a 482 application is lodged before COB on Friday 6 December.
What we don’t know… yet
At this stage no actual legislation for the SID visa has been released. This means that AVIE cannot advise on specific eligibility requirements.
Fees are expected to be aligned due to the removal of the 482 STSOL pathway (which had a lower Visa application charge); however, no costs have been released.
No caveats have been announced, making it unclear if these will apply under the SID program. Caveats added additional ‘restrictions’ to certain occupations, requiring that a certain level of company turnover, staff numbers, or salary be met in order to nominate.
Further information will be released on our website and social media as it becomes available. Please note again that AVIE cannot provide an assessment on eligibility for the SID visa until after legislation has been released.