Melbourne – Australia has launched a series of significant reforms to its skilled migration program, starting December 7, 2024, aimed at addressing critical workforce shortages and providing a more direct route to permanent residency for skilled migrants.
The newly introduced Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, streamlining the process for employers and workers. The SID visa introduces three key streams – Core Skills, Specialist Skills, and Labour Agreement – each targeting high-demand sectors such as construction, agriculture, health, and cyber security.
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) has been modernised to reflect current labour market needs and will guide the selection of eligible occupations for the SID visa and the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, which also underwent revisions. These changes ensure that Australia continues to attract and retain the talent needed to drive economic growth, providing a clearer path to permanent residency for skilled workers.
One of the most significant shifts is the inclusion of more flexible work experience requirements for applicants, especially for those applying through the ENS Temporary Residence Transition stream. Migrants can now count their experience even if employed outside their sponsoring company, offering a broader range of work history to meet eligibility criteria. Additionally, the introduction of the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), set at AUD 73,150, aligns with Australia’s strategic focus on high-skill sectors.
For those in high-demand occupations, the reforms signal a more predictable future, providing better opportunities for permanent settlement in Australia. Skilled migrants in sectors like cyber security, agriculture, and health will be directly aligned with national workforce needs, ensuring that their contributions support both economic and social growth in the country.
With these changes, Australia not only strengthens its immigration strategy but also opens up new possibilities for skilled workers to contribute to the country’s future prosperity.
