Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482
What is the SID Visa Subclass 482?
The Skills in Demand Visa (SID) Subclass 482 has been designed to address Australia’s workforce needs by attracting skilled professionals and allowing eligible candidates to work temporarily.
As of December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa has replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. All TSS nominations and visa applications lodged before the introduction of the SID visa will continue to be processed under the requirements that were in place at the time of lodgement.
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we provide expert guidance throughout the SID visa process, ensuring your application meets all requirements for a smooth experience.
Important Facts
Addressing Skill Shortages
The SID visa allows employers to fill critical skill gaps with overseas talent.
Multiple Streams
Available in the Core Skills stream, Specialist Skills stream and Labour agreement stream.
Reduced Work Experience
Work experience requirements for SID visa applicants in all streams have been reduced from two years to one year of full-time employment (or equivalent part-time/casual work) in the last five years before the application date.
Visa Validity
Up to 4 years, with 5 years available for Hong Kong passport holders.
Pathway to Residency
SID visa holders must have at least two years of full-time relevant work experience in the three years before applying for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 visa.
Family Inclusion
SID visa holders can include dependent family members in their application.
Types of Streams Under the SID Visa Subclass 482
The SID Visa has three streams, each with different eligibility:
Core Skills Stream
- Purpose: To address labour shortages by allowing employers to sponsor skilled workers in occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
- Duration: Up to 4 years. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
- Eligibility: Must have a CSOL-listed occupation, meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT), and have 12 months of full-time experience (or equivalent part-time/casual work) in the nominated occupation within the past five years, along with other relevant requirements.
- English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent in other approved tests).
- Pathway to Residency: Eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting the specific criteria.
Specialist Skills Stream
- Purpose: To attract highly skilled professionals for niche and technical roles requiring advanced expertise.
- Duration: Up to 4 years. Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
- Eligibility: Must have an ANZSCO-listed occupation (excluding Major Groups 3, 7, or 8), meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), and have 12 months of full-time experience (or equivalent part-time/casual work) in the nominated occupation within the past five years, along with other relevant requirements.
- English Language Requirement: Minimum IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent in other approved tests).
- Pathway to Residency: Eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting the specific criteria.
Labour Agreement Stream
- Purpose: To allow employers who have entered into a labour agreement with the Australian government to sponsor overseas workers.
- Duration: Up to 4 years, depending on the labour agreement, or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders.
- Work Experience Requirement: Nominated for a specified occupation under a Labour Agreement and have 12 months of relevant full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time or casual) within the last five years, along with other relevant requirements.
- Salary Requirement: Must meet the ‘market rate’ for the nominated occupation, comparable to what an Australian worker in the same role earns, as determined by the Labour Agreement, with no set minimum salary threshold.
- English Language Requirement: Must have English language skills suitable for the nominated occupation, with requirements generally equivalent to the Subclass 482 visa unless the labour agreement offers a concession.
- Pathway to Residency: Eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after meeting the specific criteria.
Subsequent Entrant for SID Visa Subclass 482
The Subsequent Entrant option under the SID visa (Subclass 482) allows family members of the primary SID Visa holder to join them in Australia. This is ideal for spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children who wish to accompany or join the primary visa holder.
Eligibility and Requirements
- Relationship to Primary Visa Holder: The subsequent entrant must be a dependent family member, such as a spouse, de facto partner, or dependent child.
- Evidence of Relationship: Applicants must provide documentation proving their relationship to the primary visa holder, including marriage certificates, birth certificates, or evidence of cohabitation.
- Health and Character Checks: Like the primary applicant, subsequent entrants must meet health and character requirements.
Application Process
- Submit an Application: The dependent family member applies as a subsequent entrant to join the primary SID Visa holder in Australia.
- Provide Documentation: Evidence of relationships, health checks, and police clearances must be submitted.
- Visa Outcome: Upon approval, the subsequent entrant will be granted the same visa validity and conditions as the primary SID Visa holder.
Eligibility Requirements for the SID Visa
To qualify for the SID Visa, applicants must meet specific requirements:
Relevant Skills and Experience
Demonstrated experience in the nominated occupation.
English Proficiency
Varies by stream but generally requires evidence of functional English.
Salary
Varies by stream.
Health and Character Requirements
Medical checks and police clearances must be provided.
Skills Assessment
Required for certain occupations to verify qualifications and experience.
Sponsoring Employer
Must be an approved sponsor able to demonstrate the need for an overseas employee.
Application Process
Here’s a breakdown of the SID Visa application process:
1
Sponsorship Approval
Employer Sponsorship: The employer applies to become an approved sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs.
2
Nomination
- Position Nomination: The employer nominates the specific position, showing a genuine need and that it fits the eligible skilled occupations list.
- Labour Market Testing: Required for most positions to demonstrate no available qualified Australian workers.
3
Visa Application
Submit Visa Application: The employee applies for the SID Visa, providing proof of skills, experience, salary, English proficiency, and health/character clearances.
4
Decision
Visa Approval: If approved, the applicant can begin working in the nominated position.
Sponsorship and Nomination by an Employer
Employers play a critical role in the SID Visa process, as they must:
- Become Approved Sponsors: Businesses must apply for sponsorship and meet eligibility criteria.
- Conduct Labour Market Testing: Evidence that the position could not be filled locally.
- Nominate the Position: Demonstrate a genuine need for the role and compliance with the Income Threshold.
Application Fees
Applying for the SID Visa involves certain fees:
Sponsorship Application Fee
Paid by the employer to become an approved sponsor
Nomination Application Fee
Paid for each position the employer nominates
Visa Application Fee
Varies depending on the stream:
- Core Skills Stream: From AUD 3,115
- Specialist Skills Stream: From AUD 3,115
- Labour Agreement stream: From AUD 3,115
Additional Costs
May include skills assessment, English tests, health checks, and separate fees for subsequent entrants
How Can We Help?
At Kris Ahn Lawyers, we streamline your SID Visa application process, from sponsorship and nomination to submission, ensuring your application is complete and compliant. We also assist family members applying as subsequent entrants to ensure they meet all requirements and join the primary visa holder smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for permanent residency with a SID Visa?
Yes, you may apply for permanent residency after two years.
What is the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) identifies skilled occupations eligible for the Core Skills Stream under the 482 visa, specifying qualifications and experience for high-demand roles. It includes 456 critical occupations essential for Australia's economic growth.
Can I include family members on my SID Visa?
Yes, you can include dependent family members in your SID Visa application, and they can also apply later as subsequent entrants.
Can I switch employers while on a SID visa?
Yes, you can change employers within a specified timeframe (usually 180 days) by finding a new sponsor.
What happens if my occupation is removed from the CSOL?
If your occupation is removed from the CSOL and you are on the Core Skills Stream, you may be able to transition to the Specialist Skills Stream if your salary meets the higher threshold.
