Australia is taking significant strides in addressing its labour market needs with the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa. This new visa program, set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) Visa by the end of 2024, presents a three-tiered system catering to applicants based on their annual earnings and occupation. Here's what potential applicants and employers need to know about this transformative approach to skilled migration.
Understanding the Three-Tiered System
The Skills in Demand Visa is segmented into three distinct pathways, each with its unique set of requirements and benefits:
Specialist Skills Pathway (Tier 1):
Target Group: This tier is for high-earning individuals with guaranteed annual earnings of at least $135,000 (indexed annually).
Exclusions: Trades workers, machine operators, drivers, and labourers.
Perks: Applicants can expect priority processing with a median visa processing time commitment of just 7 days.
Core Skills Occupation Pathway:
Earnings Requirement: Applicants must have guaranteed annual earnings of at least $70,000 (indexed annually).
Features: This tier will use a simpler and regularly updated Core Skills Occupation list, managed by Jobs and Skills Australia.
Essential Skills Pathway:
Target Group: For those earning under $70,000 per year but working in essential skill occupations.
Sector-Specific Approach: This pathway is likely to be sector-specific and involve a stronger regulatory framework.
Replacement of the TSS 482 Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa is designed to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) SC 482 Visa with its new, more structured approach. Key aspects include:
Specialist Skills Visa: For individuals earning over $135,000, with 3,000 places allocated annually.
Core Skills Visa: Targeting the $70-135,000 earning bracket, focusing on skilled trades workers.
Essential Skills Visa: Details are still being finalized, but it will focus on sectors like aged care and disability, for those earning under $70,000.
Additional Features
Duration and Flexibility: Visas will be granted for up to 4 years, allowing holders to change employers more easily and providing clear pathways to permanent residency.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF): There's a proposal to collect the SAF in smaller increments to reflect the increased freedom of visa holders.
Labour Market Testing (LMT): LMT will be streamlined, with an increased validity period for advertising and a gradual phase-out as data on skills shortages improve.
Comparison with Other Visas
Compared to other visa options like the 491 and 494, the Skills in Demand Visa offers unique benefits such as counting time spent with any approved employer towards permanent residence requirements, access to self-nominated independent permanent pathways, and streamlined LMT requirements.
Looking Forward
The Australian government's Migration Strategy highlights the Skills in Demand Visa as a key component in its long-term reforms. It aims to simplify immigration processes, establish a new agency for identifying skills needs, and introduce a new points system for permanent skilled migration.
Conclusion
The Skills in Demand Visa represents a significant shift in Australia's approach to skilled migration, promising a more streamlined, occupation-focused, and flexible pathway for skilled workers. Those interested in exploring their visa options under this new system should consider consulting with MigrationBuro for a personalised briefing.
Stay tuned for further updates as the program's details are finalised and implemented.