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The Australian government is set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) subclass 482 visa with a new Skills in Demand Visa on December 7, 2024. This visa will feature a three-tiered system designed to address labor shortages, streamline processes, and create clearer pathways for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency. Here’s an in-depth look at what this means for applicants and employers.
The Skills in Demand Visa introduces three distinct pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills. Each tier has its unique eligibility criteria based on annual earnings and occupation, ensuring that Australia’s workforce needs are met effectively.
👉 Eligibility: Open to high-earning professionals with guaranteed annual earnings of at least $135,000, indexed annually.
👉 Occupations Excluded: Trades workers, machine operators, drivers, and laborers.
👉 Benefits:
➡️ No occupational list applies.
➡️ Priority visa processing with a 7-day median turnaround.
➡️ 3,000 spots allocated annually.
👉 Purpose: Designed for top-tier professionals who can contribute significantly to Australia’s economy.
👉 Eligibility: For skilled workers earning between $73,150 and $135,000 annually, with earnings indexed annually.
👉 Occupations: Requires a simpler and regularly updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) managed by Jobs and Skills Australia.
👉 Benefits:
➡️ Majority of visas under this program will fall into this category.
➡️ Addresses skill shortages across multiple industries.
👉 Purpose: A balanced approach to filling labor gaps in essential sectors.
👉 Eligibility: Targeted at occupations earning less than $73,150 per year.
👉 Sector-Specific Focus: Likely to cater to areas like aged care and disability services.
👉 Features:
➡️ Union oversight and stronger regulatory frameworks.
➡️ Capped visa numbers and government assessments.
👉 Purpose: Ensures the availability of workers in crucial service sectors.
The new visa program introduces several features aimed at providing flexibility and simplifying processes for both employers and employees:
Visa holders will have 180 days to find a new sponsor if their employment ends, up from the current shorter periods.
👉 Time spent with any approved employer will count towards permanent residency requirements.
👉 Self-nominated independent permanent pathways will be available alongside employer-sponsored options.
All streams of the Skills in Demand Visa will allow for a four-year stay, giving workers more stability.
👉 The requirement to advertise on Workforce Australia has been removed.
👉 The validity of job advertisements will increase from 4 to 6 months.
👉 Over time, LMT will be phased out and replaced with skills data from Jobs and Skills Australia.
Median visa processing times are expected to improve, with a goal of 21 days across all streams. Priority pathways, like the Specialist Skills, will be processed even faster.
To reflect the increased mobility of visa holders, the government is considering changes to the Skilling Australians Fund payment model. Employers may soon be allowed to make monthly or quarterly contributions instead of lump-sum payments, easing the financial burden.
The shift to the Skills in Demand Visa comes as part of Australia’s broader Migration Strategy, which focuses on long-term reforms to the country’s immigration system. Key objectives include:
👉 Simplifying immigration processes.
👉 Developing a robust and dynamic skills shortage assessment system.
👉 Ensuring equitable access to permanent residency for skilled workers.
👉 Aligning migration policies with Australia’s economic and social goals.
Employers will benefit from a more dynamic and flexible system designed to attract and retain skilled workers. Key takeaways include:
👉 Public Register of Sponsors: A publicly available list will make it easier for visa holders to switch employers.
👉 Reduced Red Tape: Streamlined processes, like the abolition of Workforce Australia advertising requirements, will save time and resources.
👉 Incentives to Retain Talent: Clearer pathways to residency and extended job transition periods encourage employers to invest in skilled migrants.
For those planning to apply under the new Skills in Demand Visa or employers looking to sponsor skilled workers, here are some actionable steps:
👉 Stay Updated: Keep an eye on announcements regarding the final details of the Essential Skills Pathway and other program adjustments.
👉 Assess Eligibility: Determine which tier best suits your skills, occupation, or needs as an employer.
👉 Consult Migration Experts: Seek advice from registered migration agents to navigate the new system and maximize your opportunities.
Book a meeting for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find more about your visa options.
