The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482), introduced on 7 December 2024, has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482), marking a major shift in Australia’s skilled migration program. This reform streamlines skilled migration with updated occupation lists, income thresholds, and simplified eligibility requirements.
In this detailed comparison, we explore how the SID Visa (Subclass 482) improves upon the old TSS Visa (Subclass 482), focusing on Specialist Skills Stream updates, including reduced work experience requirements and updated English language benchmarks. We also provide expert insight into why these changes benefit both employers and skilled migrants.
Key Comparison Overview
| Criteria | Old TSS Visa (Subclass 482) | New SID Visa (Subclass 482) (2024) |
| Introduction Date | March 2018 | 7 December 2024 |
| Occupation Lists | STSOL, MLTSSL, ROL | Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) & Specialist Skills List |
| Streams | Short-Term, Medium-Term, Labour Agreement | Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Skills in Demand Labour Agreement |
| Income Threshold | No fixed minimum; Market Salary Rules | Core Skills: AUD $73,150; Specialist Skills: AUD $135,000 |
| Pathway to PR | Limited for Short-Term Stream | Broader PR options after 2-3 years |
| Work Experience Requirement | Minimum 2 years | Minimum 1 year (Core & Specialist Skills) |
| English Language Requirement | IELTS 5.0 (minimum band score: 4.5) | IELTS 5.0 (minimum band score: 4.5) |
| Visa Duration | 2-4 years, renewable | 4 years with direct PR eligibility |
| Regional Considerations | Regional occupation lists available | Comprehensive coverage via CSOL |
1. Major Policy Changes in the Specialist Skills Stream
Old TSS Visa:
- Occupation Lists: Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Work Experience: Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 with a minimum band score of 4.5.
- Permanent Residency (PR): Limited to the Medium-Term Stream after 3 years of work.
New SID Visa:
- Occupation Lists: Replaced by the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Specialist Skills Occupation List, targeting critical roles in IT, healthcare, engineering, and emerging industries.
- Work Experience: Reduced to 1 year of full-time work experience in a relevant role for both Core and Specialist Skills Streams.
- English Proficiency: Maintains the same standard as the old TSS visa: IELTS 5.0 (minimum band score of 4.5) or equivalent in other approved language tests.
- Permanent Residency (PR): PR eligibility through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after 2-3 years, depending on the stream.
2. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
| Criteria | Old TSS Visa | New SID Visa (2024) |
| Income Benchmark | No fixed salary; market rates apply | Specialist Skills Stream: AUD $135,000 (Dec 2024 - Jun 2025) |
| Minimum Guarantee | TSMIT AUD $53,900 | Core Skills Stream: AUD $73,150 |
| How It’s Set | Based on relevant market salary rates | Fixed income thresholds ensure salary compliance |
Why This Is Better:
- Guaranteed High Wages: The new income thresholds ensure fair pay, minimising worker exploitation.
- Employer Accountability: Companies must offer competitive wages, supporting Australia’s economy.
3. Key Eligibility Criteria Changes
Old TSS Visa Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years of work experience in the relevant field.
- Skills Assessment based on occupation.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 (minimum band score: 4.5).
New SID Visa Requirements for Specialist Skills Stream:
- Work Experience: 1 year of relevant full-time work experience (reduced from 2 years).
- Skills and Qualifications: Relevant tertiary qualifications and mandatory skills assessment based on the ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
- English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 (minimum band score: 4.5) or equivalent test scores such as PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT.
ANZSCO Major Groups Eligible for Specialist Skills Stream:
| Major Group | Eligible Occupations |
| 1 | Managers (e.g., IT Managers, Chief Executives) |
| 2 | Professionals (e.g., Engineers, Medical Experts) |
| 4 | Community & Personal Service Workers |
| 5 | Clerical & Administrative Workers |
| 6 | Sales & Marketing Specialists |
4. Permanent Residency (PR) Pathways
Old TSS Visa:
- PR Eligibility: Limited to the Medium-Term Stream after 3 years of continuous employment.
- Short-Term Stream: PR pathway not available.
New SID Visa PR Pathways:
- Core Skills Stream: PR eligibility after 2 years of continuous work with the sponsoring employer.
- Specialist Skills Stream: PR eligibility after 3 years of continuous work while earning at least AUD $135,000 per annum.
Why This Is Better:
- Clear PR Pathways: Both streams provide a straightforward path to permanent residency.
- Incentive for Long-Term Stays: PR pathways encourage long-term commitments from skilled migrants.
Why This New System Is Beneficial for Skilled Migration
- Lower Work Experience Requirement: Reducing work experience from 2 years to 1 year widens the applicant pool, helping fill urgent skill shortages.
- Fair Pay & Worker Protection: Establishing clear income thresholds reduces exploitation and ensures workers are paid industry-standard salaries.
- Simplified Occupation Lists: Replacing three lists with two reduces confusion and makes the system more transparent.
- Stronger PR Pathways: By opening PR eligibility to more skilled workers, the program ensures long-term workforce retention.
- Employer Accountability: Stricter salary benchmarks require employers to offer genuine roles with appropriate pay.
Final Thoughts
The new Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) with its Specialist Skills Stream is a significant improvement over the old TSS Visa (Subclass 482). It simplifies migration, ensures fair pay, reduces work experience requirements, and provides clear pathways to permanent residency. These reforms reflect a progressive approach to Australia’s skilled migration strategy, benefitting both employers and global talent.
Considering a move to Australia or need assistance with your visa application? Book a visa consultation with our experienced Registered Migration Agents. Let us help you navigate the complexities of the Migration Program and take your first step towards a promising future in Australia.
Related Reading
- Australia’s New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa Replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa – What does it mean to those with existing TSS applications
- Comprehensive Guide to the Core Skills Stream of Australia’s Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Explanation of the Specialist Skills Stream – Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
- Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482): New Changes, Eligibility & Pathways to PR in Australia
- Three-Tiered Pathway Structure of the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) Explained in Detail
- Australian Government Introduces Core Skills Occupation List: Major Overhaul in Skilled Migration Program
- The Rise of U.S.-Born Residents in Australia: A 30-Year Growth Story (1996–2023)
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Remember:
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional immigration advice. Given the uniqueness of every case, engaging with a registered migration agent is highly recommended for bespoke guidance and to navigate the specific details of your situation effectively. Book a visa consultation with a Registered Migration Agent
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