Important Updates
Important Updates
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
August 22, 2025 | JordanJordan: Vietnamese Nationals Can Now Obtain E-Visas, Visas-on-Arrival
August 22, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Parent Boost Visitor Visa Forthcoming
August 22, 2025 | United StatesPartners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists
August 22, 2025 | United StatesThe Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law
August 21, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationAustralian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand Visa

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMedia
  • Insights

Australia: New Skills In Demand Visa and Other Changes Introduced

December 16, 2024

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • As of December 7, 2024, the Australian government has officially launched the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which has now formally replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.
  • The government has also implemented changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme visa under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, allowing individuals to qualify for permanent residence after working for two years with any employer in Australia under certain visa types (i.e., Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457, TSS, or SID visa).

The situation

As previously announced, the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa has been replaced with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which incorporates the updated Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) for the Core Skills stream and introduces a Specialist Skills stream for high-earning applicants. Additionally, changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa now allow individuals to apply for permanent residence after working for two years with any employer in Australia under specific visa types.

A closer look

DETAILS ANALYSIS AND IMPACT

SID visa details.

  • The SID, which retains its Subclass 482 designation, can now be granted for up to four years across all streams in 12-month increments.
  • New streams. The Short-term and Medium-term streams under the TSS program have been replaced by two new streams under the Skills in Demand visa:
    • Specialist Skills Stream. This is designed for roles with annual earnings of at least AUD 135,000 and applies to occupations listed under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6. Roles in this stream must also meet any occupational caveats outlined in the CSOL. ANZSCO Major Groups 3 (Technicians and Trades Workers), 7 (Machinery Operators and Drivers) and 8 (Labourers) are excluded from this stream.
    • Core Skills Stream. This applies to roles with annual earnings of at least AUD 73,150, and is restricted to occupations listed on the CSOL.
  • Key changes. The key changes to the SID visa include the following:
    • Employers must demonstrate financial capacity to employ and pay market salary rates.
    • Labour Market Testing requirements are unchanged, but could be extended from four to six months if the proposed legislation is approved in February 2025.
    • Work experience requirements have been reduced to one year of full-time work within the past five years, with part-time and casual experience also considered.
    • English language requirements now align with an overall
      International English Language Testing System score of 5, with a minimum score of 5 in each component.
    • Sponsorship obligations have been updated, to ensure sponsors are not in breach once a visa holder has ceased employment and the sponsorship arrangement has ended.
  • Fees. The government fees for the Skills in Demand visa are set as follows:
    • AUD 3,115 for the main applicant;
    • AUD 3,115 for each additional applicant aged 18 or over; and
    • AUD 780 for each additional applicant under 18.

These fees are the same as the TSS medium-term stream.

  • The changes to the SID visa framework may impact applicants by introducing stricter eligibility criteria for a business to nominate a candidate.
  • The lack of additional concessions for labour market testing could also limit flexibility, making it harder for some applicants to secure sponsorship.
  • For existing sponsored employees, the application of the CSOL without transitional provisions may create uncertainty and necessitate strategic adjustments to maintain eligibility or continue in their roles. These changes highlight the importance of careful planning for employment and sponsorship strategies to meet the updated criteria.

ENS visa details.

  • Path to permanent residency. Under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream, individuals may now qualify for permanent residence after working for two years (within the last three years) with any employer in Australia under certain visa types (i.e., Temporary Work (Skilled) Subclass 457, TSS, or SID visa). Previously, only employment with the applicant’s sponsor could be counted towards this requirement. This ensures eligibility is not impacted by changes in employers or nominated occupations.
  • Age restriction. The age exemption for individuals earning at least the Fair Work Income Threshold (currently AUD 175,000) has been updated to allow work with any employer to qualify for the exemption. No new age exemptions have been introduced.
  • Direct Entry stream. The new CSOL, including occupational caveats, applies to the Direct Entry (DE) Stream, which allows eligible applicants to apply for permanent residency if they have at least three years of relevant experience and obtain a positive skills assessment from an industry body. The CSOL features 456 occupations, significantly expanding the number of occupations which can be nominated under this stream.
  • Changes to ENS requirements provide a faster pathway to permanent residency under the TRT Stream for sponsored visa holders who change sponsors or occupations, while expanding DE eligibility to the full CSOL allows more skilled workers to apply regardless of time in Australia.
  • However, employers may struggle to retain skilled staff pursuing permanent residency, especially in highly competitive industries.

Background

These reforms aim to address skill shortages, enhance worker mobility, reshape permanent skilled migration to foster long-term economic growth, and streamline the migration system.

Looking ahead

Fragomen anticipates further policy guidance from the Department in the coming weeks and will report on related developments.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Blog post

Talent & Policy: Navigating Career Beginnings and Hiring Challenges in Singapore

Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Learn more

Blog post

Global Mobility Support and Visa Services: Fragomen’s Outbound Solutions from Germany

Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.

Learn more

Blog post

Lifting the Curtain: Saudi Arabia Demands Full Disclosure of Real Company Owners

Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.