The government has updated the migration laws to introduce a new visa called the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which takes the place of the old Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa starting December 7, 2024. Here’s what you need to know:

About the SID Visa

• New Visa: The SID visa (subclass 482) is now in place of the TSS visa. All the rules that used to apply to the TSS visa now apply to the SID visa.
• Three Streams:
  1. Specialist Skills Stream: This is for people with high-paying jobs (at least $135,000 per year), but not for trades, machinery operators, or laborers. It’s designed to quickly bring in experts who can significantly boost Australia’s economy.
  2. Core Skills Stream: For those earning at least $73,150 in jobs listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Some jobs from the old TSS visa aren’t on this list, so check if your job qualifies.
  3. Labor Agreement Stream: Continues the setup from the TSS visa, with more details to come on the Essential Skills stream.
• Work Experience: You now only need one year of relevant work experience in the last five years, not two like before.
• Income Thresholds: The salary limits for both Specialist and Core Skills streams will go up each year, starting July 1.
• Visa Application Fees:
  • Primary applicant: $3,115
  • Additional adult: $3,115
  • Additional child under 18: $780

Changes for Permanent Residency

• Path to PR: Everyone on an SID visa can now aim for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Sc 186).
• Work Experience for PR: All your full-time work in Australia under sponsorship now counts towards getting PR, not just time with one employer.
• Job Consistency: Your job for PR must match your last job under the SID, TSS, or 457 visa.
• Salary for PR: The salary you need for PR is now linked to the SID visa’s salary thresholds.
• Family in Applications: You don’t need to include family members in your nomination for them to get PR.

Sponsorship Rules

• After Employment Ends: Once you stop working for your sponsor, they don’t have to make sure you’re still in that job, but you get 180 days to find a new sponsor or leave.

When These Changes Start

• Effective Date: All these changes start on December 7, 2024.
• Existing Applications: If you applied for a TSS visa before this date, your application will still follow the old rules.
• Linking Old to New: If you have an approved TSS nomination without a visa application, you can use it for an SID visa until the nomination expires in 12 months.
• New Rules for New Applications: All new applications for nominations or visas after December 7 will use these new rules.

These updates are designed to make it easier for skilled workers to come to Australia and stay long-term, addressing skill shortages and providing clearer paths to permanent residency.

For more detailed guidance, refer to the official home affairs website or consult with a migration lawyer or registered migration agent.

There’s an important change coming for those planning to apply for a Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). The Australian government has announced a one-off increase to the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for this visa.

New Visa Application Charges (VAC) from 1 February 2025:

• Initial Subclass 485 Visa:
  • Primary Applicant: $2,235
  • Secondary Applicant (over 18): $1,115
  • Secondary Applicant (under 18): $560
• Subsequent Subclass 485 Visa (Post-Higher Education Work Stream):
  • Primary Applicant: $880
  • Secondary Applicant (over 18): $440
  • Secondary Applicant (under 18): $225

Key Points to Remember:

• These increased charges apply to applications made on or after 25 February 2025.
• Applications lodged before this date will not be affected by the new charges.

Planning Ahead

If you’re considering applying for a Temporary Graduate Visa, it’s important to be aware of these upcoming changes and factor the new VAC into your budget. If possible, lodging your application before 25 February 2025 may help you avoid the increased fees

Stay Informed

For the most up-to-date information on visa application charges and other migration-related matters, always refer to official government sources or consult with a migration lawyer or a registered migration agent.