Major Overhaul: The 482 TSS Visa is Now the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
In one of the most significant reforms to Australia's migration system, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) has been officially replaced by the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) as of December 7, 2024[80]. This new framework is designed to be more flexible for workers, responsive to Australia's economic needs, and provides clearer pathways to permanent residency[70].
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the new SID visa, including the updated requirements, benefits, and how it provides a more streamlined route to making Australia your permanent home.
Key Changes: 482 TSS Visa vs. New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
The 2025 changes create significant advantages for skilled workers. The new SID visa is structured into three new pathways, replacing the old streams[69]. The Core Skills Pathway is the most direct replacement for the previous Short-Term and Medium-Term streams.
Here’s a comparison of the key changes:
| Feature | Old 482 TSS Visa | New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| PR Pathway | Limited to Medium-Term (MLTSSL) occupations | All streams have a pathway to PR after 2 years[70] |
| Work Experience | 2 years required | 1 year of relevant experience required[85][69] |
| Finding a New Job | 60 days to find a new sponsor | 180 days to find a new sponsor[76] |
| Occupation Lists | MLTSSL & STSOL | New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)[75] |
| English Requirement | Exemptions for high-income earners | No exemptions, all must meet the standard[72] |
The Three New Pathways of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
The SID visa introduces a three-tiered system based on skills and salary.
- Specialist Skills Pathway: For highly-skilled professionals earning over $135,000 AUD. This stream offers fast-tracked processing.
- Core Skills Pathway: This is the largest stream for skilled workers with an occupation on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and earning at least the TSMIT (currently $70,000, indexed annually)[69].
- Essential Skills Pathway: A developing stream for workers in essential sectors with salaries under $70,000. This pathway is still under consultation.
This post will focus on the Core Skills Pathway, which is the most common route for sponsored workers.
Eligibility Requirements: Core Skills Pathway
To be eligible for the SID visa under the Core Skills stream, both the employer and the applicant must meet specific criteria.
Employer Requirements
- Sponsorship: The business must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor.
- Nomination: The employer must nominate a position and the applicant to fill it.
- Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: Employers must pay the SAF levy for each nomination. Ad-hoc training spending is no longer accepted[72].
Applicant Requirements
- Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)[75].
- Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time, relevant work experience[85].
- English Language: You must demonstrate competent English, which is an IELTS score of 5.0 in each band or equivalent. High-income exemptions have been removed[72][73].
- Skills Assessment: A positive skills assessment may be required for certain occupations[76].
- Health and Character: You and any included family members must meet Australia's health and character requirements[84].
The New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The old Short-Term (STSOL) and Medium-Term (MLTSSL) lists have been replaced by the single Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)[75]. This new list is reviewed every six months, making it more dynamic[72].
Significantly, the CSOL has expanded to include occupations that were previously ineligible for sponsorship, reflecting Australia's evolving economic needs. Notable additions include[75]:
- Retail Manager
- Office Manager
- Massage Therapist
- Beauty Therapist
- Childcare Worker
- Various trade occupations like Bricklayer, Carpenter, and Roofer.
A Clearer Pathway to Permanent Residency (Subclass 186)
One of the most important changes is the simplified pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186).
Under the new 2025 rules, holders of a SID/482 visa can apply for the 186 visa (Temporary Residence Transition stream) after working for their sponsoring employer for just two years, down from three[69]. Crucially, this pathway is now open to all SID visa holders, regardless of whether their occupation was previously on the short-term or medium-term list[70].
Rights for Spouses and Family Members
The SID visa continues to offer excellent benefits for families.
- Spouses and De Facto Partners: As a secondary applicant, your partner has full, unrestricted work and study rights in Australia. They can work for any employer in any industry, full-time or part-time, or start their own business[78].
- Dependent Children: You can include dependent children in your application. They can attend school in Australia, though fees may apply for public schools depending on the state.
The Application Process
The application for the SID visa remains a three-step process:
- Sponsorship: The employer applies to become a Standard Business Sponsor.
- Nomination: The employer nominates an occupation and you as the applicant.
- Visa Application: You lodge your visa application, including all required health, character, and skills documentation[74].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for the SID (482) visa?
There is no age limit for the temporary SID visa itself. However, to apply for the permanent 186 visa later, you must generally be under 45 years of age at the time of application[69].
Can I change employers on a SID visa?
Yes. The new rules provide more flexibility. You now have up to 180 days after ceasing employment to find a new approved sponsor to nominate you[76].
Can my spouse work full-time?
Yes, your spouse (secondary applicant) has unlimited work rights and can work full-time for any employer[78].
How long is the SID visa valid for?
The visa can be granted for up to four years, depending on the occupation and employer's needs[74].
Take the Next Step
The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa represents a positive shift in Australia's approach to skilled migration, offering greater security and clearer pathways to permanent residency for sponsored workers. With lower experience requirements and expanded PR options, now is an excellent time to explore your eligibility.
Ready to see if you qualify for the new SID visa? Contact First Migration Service for a comprehensive assessment. Our expert team is fully updated on the 2025 legislation and can guide you and your employer through the entire process.
Book your consultation today to start your journey to working and living in Australia.