Dec 2024 immigration updates and sid visa introduction
Introduction to the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa and the abolishment of Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)visa
What a way to conclude the year! Christmas has definitely come early for some skilled workers and their employers in the skilled immigration world. Why?
The long-awaited TSS visa revamp officially took effect from 7 December 2024, marking a major shift in Australia’s skilled migration framework with the introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) subclass 482 Visa. These changes are designed to better align skilled migration with labour market needs, benefiting both employers and skilled visa holders.
This newsletter highlights how these changes will impact SMEs and enhance their ability to attract and retain top international talent, as well as outlining the impact on existing TSS visa holders, or skilled workers considering to move to Australia on an employer-sponsored visa.
As your trusted immigration partner, we’re here to help you navigate these updates and build a strong, high-performing workforce.
Introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
The Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024 replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa with the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, designed to attract high-demand talent across diverse sectors.
SID Visa Streams
Specialist Skills Stream:
Minimum salary: $135,000+
Occupations: Select high-skill roles (excluding ANZSCO Groups 3, 7, 8)
Core Skills Stream:
Minimum salary: $73,150+
Occupations: Listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
Labour Agreement Stream:
Follows existing Labour Agreement Stream settings, transitioning to the Essential Skills Stream, which is currently in progress
Highlights
The CSOL now lists 456 occupations under the Core Skills stream, 125 fewer than the previous TSS lists but 189 more offering a direct pathway to permanent residence under the Sc 186 TRT stream. It also includes 16 new or updated ANZSCO occupations.
Key Improvements
A stay of up to four years.
Reduced Work Experience Requirement: Only one year of relevant work experience at the appropriate skills level required (down from two).
Consistent English language requirements with the previous TSS medium-term stream.
Simplified pathways to permanent residence.
Impact on Employers & Visa Holders
With the introduction of the Specialist Skills stream, SMEs now have greater flexibility to hire skilled workers from an expanded list of occupations through a more efficient process.
SMEs gain easier access to global talent due to reduced work experience criteria, faster processing time under specialist skills stream, and a great certainty in terms of pathway to permanent residency.
Skilled workers can enter the Australian job market faster and transition to permanent residency more smoothly.
TSS subclass 482 visa application lodged before 7 December will still be processed in accordance with the TSS rules.
Existing TSS visa holders maintain their eligibility for permanent residence, as long as they fulfill the required criteria, but will not be able to change employers on the existing TSS visa if their occupation is no longer in the CSOL list.
Amendments to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) Visa
Recent legislative changes have introduced critical updates to the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa, ensuring alignment with the new Skills in Demand (SID) Visa framework. These changes provide greater flexibility for employers and skilled workers pursuing permanent residency (PR).
Updated Nomination Rules:
PR Pathways for All SID Visa Streams
SID visa holders in all streams—Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement—now have a direct pathway to PR through the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. This replaces the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa framework.
Streamlined Work Experience Rules
Work Experience Counting Rules Updated:
Full-time sponsored employment in Australia now counts toward Subclass 186 visa eligibility, even when changing employers.
Previously, the work experience “clock” reset if the visa holder changed employers (except for specific roles).
New Occupation Consistency Rule:
The nominated occupation must match the 6-digit ANZSCO code of the applicant's most recent visa (Subclass 457, 482, or SID).
This replaces the previous 4-digit ANZSCO unit code requirement, ensuring smoother processing amid future ANZSCO updates.
Certain TSS visa holders whose occupation was on the Short-Term occupation list under the TSS framework which is also on the COSL list, may be eligible for the subclass 186 Direct Entry (DE) stream, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Impact
Employers can retain valuable staff without restarting the visa process, if employee is eligible for TRT stream due to the changes.
Visa holders experience greater job mobility and stability.
Enhanced work experience requirements, benefiting skilled migrants with diverse career paths or professional advancements.
Looking Ahead
The recent changes to the SID visa and subclass 186 visa align Australia’s migration framework with national economic priorities by streamlining visa categories, expanding the occupation list, and enhancing eligibility criteria. These reforms aim to address skill shortages, attract global talent, and support high-demand sectors like healthcare, construction, and regional medical services. Further updates will be shared as policy developments continue.
Sarah Quinn
Managing Director
Duet Immigration
The Australian immigration system is complex and constantly changing, if you would like to discuss how you may take advantage of these opportunities in the immigration space, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team.