Today, we’re diving into the major changes to the 482 visa (now called the Skilled in Demand (SID) Visa) and updates to the 186 visa for both the Transition and Direct Entry streams. These updates are part of Australia’s effort to address skill shortages and streamline the migration process. Let’s get started!
Skilled in Demand (SID) Visa: Key Changes
The Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa has been replaced by the Skilled in Demand (SID) Visa. Here are the key updates:
Unified Streams:
The old Medium Term and Short Term streams have been removed.
The SID Visa now has three streams:
Core Skills (CS) Stream: For occupations on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Specialist Skills (SS) Stream: For high-income earners above $135,000, regardless of occupation.
Essential Skills Stream: The Labour Agreement pathway.
Visa Length:
Unified duration of up to 4 years for all streams (with some exceptions, e.g., Hong Kong/BNO passport holders).
Salary Thresholds:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $73,150 per year.
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $135,000 per year, indexed annually.
Occupation Lists:
The Core Skills Stream uses the CSOL, consolidating and expanding eligible occupations.
The Specialist Skills Stream doesn’t require an occupation list but includes fairness caveats.
English Language Requirements:
Unified at IELTS 5 in each component (or equivalent).
Work Experience:
Reduced requirement to 1 year of full-time work experience within the last 5 years.
What This Means for Applicants:
More flexibility for high-income earners.
A simplified system with clearer pathways to permanent residency.
186 Visa: Transition Stream Updates
Significant updates have also been made to the 186 Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream:
No Occupation List Restrictions:The occupation list requirement has been removed, making it accessible to more skilled workers.
Simplified Work Requirement:Applicants must have worked in their nominated position for at least 2 years within the last 3 years.
Employer Flexibility:Time spent working for previous employers in the same occupation now counts toward the 2-year requirement.
Bridging Visa and Regional Worker Flexibility:Expanded pathways for eligible candidates.
186 Visa: Direct Entry Stream Updates
The Direct Entry (DE) Stream has also been updated:
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL):Now includes 456 occupations, offering more opportunities.
Skills Assessment Requirement:A valid skills assessment is needed for most applicants (with some exemptions for regional or high-income earners).
Streamlined Process:Broader occupation coverage and simplified eligibility requirements.
New Occupations and Opportunities
The eligible occupation lists for both the 482 and 186 visas have expanded. While some roles, like restaurant manager, have been removed, many others—such as retail manager, childcare worker, building associate, and even content creator—have been added.
This is fantastic news for professionals in these fields, as it opens up greater opportunities to work and transition to permanent residency in Australia. These changes highlight Australia’s commitment to addressing skill shortages and providing clearer migration pathways.
We’re Here to Help
At Nationwide Migration, our highly experienced team of Registered Migration Agents is ready to guide you through every step of the process—whether it’s applying for the new Skilled in Demand Visa or navigating the 186 visa pathways.
If you’re considering applying for a visa or transitioning to permanent residency, now is the perfect time to explore your options.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education on social media and blogs is for general informational purposes only. (The information is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change.) It is not legal or immigration advice and should not be relied upon as such.
If you need immigration advice specific to your circumstances, please book a consultation with our Registered Migration Agent.
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