Skills in Demand Visa (SID)
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Overview: Simplified and Improved Pathways for Skilled Workers
The Australian Government has launched the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa as part of a major update to the country's skilled migration system. This visa stream replaces the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) Visa and brings several improvements. It aims to streamline processes, create clearer pathways to permanent residency, and update eligibility requirements to better address Australia’s labour shortages, boost key industries, and attract global talent.
Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa
Simplified Visa Streams: The SID Visa introduces three distinct streams to target specific labour market needs:
Specialist Skills Stream: For high-income earners (AUD 135,000+) in skilled professional roles (except trades and machinery-related jobs).
Core Skills Stream: For mid-level income earners (AUD 73,150+) in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes critical sectors like healthcare, construction, and IT.
Labour Agreement Stream: For jobs covered by agreements between employers and the government, particularly in niche or hard-to-fill roles.
Streamlined Work Experience Requirements: Applicants now need just one year of relevant full-time work experience in the past five years, reduced from the previous two years.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Time spent on the SID Visa, or the previous TSS Visa, will count towards the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme for permanent residency.
Increased Mobility: Visa holders can switch employers with fewer restrictions:
- Up to 180 days between jobs without affecting visa status.
- Up to 365 days in total during the visa period to find a new employer or apply for another visa.
New Occupation List: The CSOL has been updated to include 456 occupations, adding 70 new roles in high-demand sectors like healthcare, cybersecurity, and construction.
Income Thresholds: Income thresholds are reviewed annually based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), ensuring the system reflects current market conditions.
Language Requirements: Applicants must meet a minimum IELTS score of 5 in all bands (or an equivalent standard).
Breakdown of the Three Visa Streams
Specialist Skills Stream:
Purpose: To attract highly skilled professionals earning above AUD 135,000 in sectors critical to Australia's economic growth.
Eligibility:
Income: At least AUD 135,000 annually.
Occupations: Roles in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 (managers, professionals, clerical roles, etc.).
Exclusions: Trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers (ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7, and 8).
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
Benefits: Fast-track processing: 7-day target.
Greater flexibility for high-income earners with no occupation-specific restrictions (except excluded roles).
Core Skills Stream:
Purpose: To address national skill shortages in key mid-level roles.
Eligibility: Income: At least AUD 73,150 annually.
Occupations: Roles listed in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent.
Benefits: Focused on addressing current labour shortages in sectors like healthcare, early childhood education, construction, and cybersecurity.
Labour Agreement Stream:
Purpose: For niche roles outside the CSOL, where employers have agreements with the government.
Eligibility:
Occupations: Defined in a Labour Agreement between the employer and the government.
Salary: Must meet the salary requirements in the agreement.
Language: IELTS 5 or equivalent, unless otherwise stated in the agreement.
Benefits: Customised for industries facing specific labour shortages (e.g., agriculture, remote healthcare).
Eligibility Requirements
For Employers:
Labour Market Test: Prove no suitably skilled Australian workers are available for the role.
Financial Capability: Demonstrate the ability to pay the nominated salaries without inflating wages.
Compliance: Meet updated sponsorship obligations, including monitoring and reporting requirements.
For Applicants:
Income Threshold: Must meet the income requirement for their specific stream.
Work Experience: Provide evidence of at least one year of relevant full-time work experience in the past five years.
English Language: Must meet the required English language proficiency.
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Frequently Asked Question
Addressing your top concerns about Education, Visa & Migration
What services does Danfe Consulting offer in Melbourne and Sydney?
Danfe provides education counselling, student visa support, migration services, PR guidance, college transfers, GTE/SOP preparation, OSHC, and skills assessments.
Why is Danfe Consulting considered the best migration agent in Melbourne?
We are MARA-registered, community-trusted, and have helped over 10,000 students and migrants achieve visa and PR success.
How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?
We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.
Do I need a registered migration agent to apply for a visa in Australia?
While not compulsory, using a registered agent like Danfe ensures your application is accurate, compliant, and has a higher success rate.
Is Danfe Consulting registered with MARA?
Yes, our migration agents are MARA-registered and fully compliant.
Can Danfe assist with GTE and SOP writing?
Yes, we craft genuine, high-quality statements aligned with DHA guidelines.
What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?
You need a valid CoE, financials, English proficiency, OSHC, and GTE documentation.
How do I change my course or education provider with Danfe’s help?
We assess your eligibility and guide you through the new enrolment and visa update process.
How can Danfe assist with the points test for PR?
We calculate your points and help boost them with experience, study, NAATI, and partner skills.
What is a skills assessment and who needs it?
It’s an evaluation by an assessing authority confirming your qualification and experience match your occupation.
Which occupations are in demand for skilled migration in 2025?
IT, engineering, nursing, trades, social work, early childhood education, and community services.
How do I apply for a 190 visa with state nomination?
We guide you through occupation selection, ROI/EOI submission, and application with the sponsoring state.
Can I apply for the 491 visa while living in a metropolitan area?
Generally no, unless you’ve studied or worked in a designated regional area or meet specific state criteria.
Does Danfe help with Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions?
Yes, we prepare and lodge EOIs and monitor invitations for skilled visas.
Who pays for the SAF levy in a 482 sponsorship?
The employer must pay the SAF levy by law.
What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?
Study in-demand courses, gain skilled experience, and apply through 189, 190, or 491 pathways.
Which PR pathway is best for international students?
It depends on your background. Most use 485 → skills assessment → 190/491 nomination → PR.
Can I apply for PR after 2 years of study in Australia?
Not directly. You need work experience, skills assessment, and to meet visa points.
Does Danfe help with state nomination applications?
Yes, we prepare and lodge all required documents and guide your ROI and EOI process.
What makes Danfe Consulting different from other migration agencies?
We provide culturally inclusive support with a focus on long-term success, not just visa approvals.
Can Danfe help me transition from a student visa to PR?
Yes, we specialize in student-to-PR planning, including skill assessment, EOI, and state nomination.
How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?
We assist with admissions, student visa applications, visa extensions, course changes, and PR pathway planning.
Does Danfe offer online consultations for interstate and offshore clients?
Absolutely! We offer virtual consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.
What languages does the Danfe Consulting team speak?
Our team can communicate in English, Nepali, Hindi, Tagalog, and more.
How can Danfe help with my student visa application?
We guide you through course selection, GTE writing, document prep, and visa lodgement.
What is the Temporary Graduate Visa (485) and who is eligible?
It allows recent graduates to live, work, and study in Australia temporarily after completing a CRICOS course.
Can Danfe help me apply for the 485 visa after graduation?
Yes, we assist with application preparation, skills assessment, and future PR planning.
What documents are needed for the 485 visa application?
Passport, transcript, IELTS/PTE, AFP clearance, health check, insurance, and skills assessment if applicable.
What are the differences between the 189, 190, and 491 visas?
189 is independent, 190 is state-nominated PR, and 491 is regional (5-year visa with PR pathway).
What is a 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa and who can apply?
It allows skilled workers to work for an approved sponsor in Australia. Requires job offer and relevant skills.
Can Danfe help find employers willing to sponsor 482 or 186 visas?
We assist with preparing documents and guidance, though job search is the applicant’s responsibility.
What are the costs involved in applying for a 482 visa?
Employer pays sponsorship/nomination fees and SAF levy; applicant pays visa fee and optional agent fee.
How do I transition from 482 to PR through a 186 visa?
After 2+ years with the employer, you may apply for a 186 TRT stream PR with skills, English, and age criteria.
What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?
It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.
What is the PR points calculator and how is it used?
It determines your eligibility for skilled visas based on age, English, education, experience, and more.
How can I increase my chances of getting PR in 2025?
Improve English scores, gain work experience, study in-demand courses, and lodge early.
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