Let’s get straight to what you need to know.

What is the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa? The SID visa, which has taken over from the 482 TSS, is designed to be more targeted and responsive to Australia’s labour market needs. It introduces a new framework with three distinct streams:

• Specialist Skills Stream:
  • Who it’s for: High-earning skilled migrants in most occupations (excluding trades workers, machinery operators, and labourers).
  • Income Threshold (from July 1, 2025): A guaranteed annual earning of at least AUD 141,210 (up from AUD 135,000).
  • Processing: This stream is designed for priority processing, with a commitment to rapid turnaround times.
• Core Skills Stream:
  • Who it’s for: The majority of temporary skilled migrants whose occupations are on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
  • Income Threshold (from July 1, 2025): A guaranteed annual earning of at least AUD 76,515 (up from AUD 73,150).
  • Occupation List: Your nominated occupation must be on the CSOL, a new list managed by Jobs and Skills Australia designed to be more dynamic.
• Labour Agreement Stream:
  • Who it’s for: Skilled workers nominated by employers who have a specific Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.
  • Flexibility: This stream caters to unique labour market needs not covered by standard programs, sometimes allowing for salaries below the Core Skills Income Threshold.