If you are a skilled professional hoping to work in Australia, there is big news for 2025 you need to know about. The Australian Government has rolled out major updates to the temporary skilled work visa, replacing the old Subclass 482 visa with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa. This new visa introduces a different structure, updated rules for skilled workers, and new responsibilities for employers who sponsor them.
This guide will walk you through all the important changes, what they mean for you, and how you can prepare a strong application. Let's explore how you can navigate this new system and take the next step in your career in Australia.
What is the New Skills in Demand (SID) Visa?
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa is the new temporary visa that allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill job shortages. If you are granted this visa, you can live and work in Australia for up to four years. One of the best features of this new visa is that it offers a clearer and more direct pathway to permanent residency for those looking to settle in Australia long-term.
The Three New Visa Streams Explained
The SID visa is organised into three different tiers, or "streams." Finding where your occupation fits is a key part of the application process.
- Specialist Skills Stream: This stream is designed for very highly skilled professionals in top-tier fields. It is aimed at attracting the best and brightest global talent to Australia.
- Core Skills Stream: This is the most common stream for skilled workers. Your occupation will need to be on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) to be eligible.
- Essential Skills Stream: This is a proposed new stream that is still being developed by the government. It is expected to focus on workers in essential sectors who may have lower salaries but are still in critical demand.
Unsure which stream is the right fit for your occupation? Chat with Australian Migration Agents for a quick assessment.
Big News for Applicants: Key Changes You Need to Know
The new SID visa brings some fantastic news for skilled workers, making it more accessible and providing greater certainty for your future.
Work Experience Reduced to One Year
One of the most significant updates is the reduction in the work experience requirement. You now only need one year of relevant work experience to be eligible, down from the previous two-year requirement. This exciting change opens the door to many more talented professionals who are earlier in their careers.
Tip: The reduction in work experience to just one year is a major change! If you were previously ineligible, it's a great time to re-check your eligibility for this visa.
A Clearer Pathway to Permanent Residency
The new system makes the journey from a temporary visa to permanent residency much clearer. After you have held a Skills in Demand visa for two years while working for the same sponsoring employer, you can apply for permanent residence through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) visa. This provides much-needed security and a clear timeline for your future.
New Salary Thresholds from 1 July 2025
To protect the local job market and ensure overseas workers are paid fairly, the government has increased the minimum salary thresholds. Starting from the new financial year on 1 July 2025, the new income thresholds are:
- Core Skills & Labour Agreement Streams: $76,515 per year
- Specialist Skills Stream: $141,210 per year
These are notable increases from previous years, reflecting Australia's focus on attracting experienced professionals. Your sponsoring employer must meet these salary levels, and your job offer must align with these new figures for your application to be successful.
What are the Costs and Fees?
Planning your budget is an important step. The main government fees for the visa application are:
- Primary applicant fee: $3,210
- Dependent applicant over 18: $3,115
- Dependent applicant under 18: $805
Your employer will also need to cover sponsorship, nomination, and Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy fees. You should also budget for other potential costs like skills assessments, English tests, health checks, and police clearances.
Need help calculating the total cost for you and your family? Our team can provide a clear breakdown of all the potential fees and charges.
Flexibility for Visa Holders: Changing Your Employer
The new visa system offers more freedom if you want to change jobs. If you are on a Skills in Demand visa, you can move to a new company as long as they agree to sponsor you and lodge a valid nomination. You now have up to 180 days after leaving a job to find a new sponsor, giving you more time and security.
Tip: While you have up to 180 days to find a new sponsor, it's always best to start your job search as soon as possible to ensure a smooth transition.
A Note for Sponsoring Employers: What's Changed?
The new framework also introduces stricter rules for sponsoring businesses to protect all workers. Employers must now provide stronger evidence of their genuine need for an overseas worker, comply strictly with all Australian labour laws, and show they have made real efforts to hire an Australian first through Labour Market Testing (LMT).
Tips for a Successful Application
Whether you are an applicant or an employer, here are some tips to help you navigate the process smoothly:
- Start the Process Early: With more detailed checks in place, it is a good idea to begin your application well ahead of time.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather all your evidence, including your skills assessment, work references, and English test results, before you lodge.
- Check Priority Sectors: If your job is in a critical field like healthcare or education, your application may be processed faster.
- Get Professional Help: Every situation is different. Getting professional guidance from a registered migration agent early on can help you avoid common mistakes and costly delays.
Let's Get Your Application Started
Australia's skilled migration system is always evolving. By staying informed and working with a professional, you can put yourself in the strongest position to succeed with the new Skills in Demand visa.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career in Australia, our team at Australian Migration Agents is here to help you. We can guide you through every stage, from checking your eligibility to lodging a decision-ready application. Contact us today to secure your future in Australia.
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