Navigating Changes: The Skills in Demand Program and Its Impact on Healthcare and IMGs

The recent introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) program marks a shift in Australia’s approach to skilled migration, replacing the long-standing Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) program. For those in the healthcare and allied health sectors, these changes bring new opportunities and considerations for securing employment and migration pathways.

Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Temporary Work Visa)

Streams:

1. Core Skills Stream: For applicants with occupations on the CSOL and a minimum salary of $73,150.

2. Specialist Skills Stream: Applicants earning at least $135,000 (except trades labourers).

3. Skills in Demand Labour Agreement Stream: Applicable to current Labour Agreement streams in effect or being entered into.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL): The CSOL only applies to the SID (subclass 482) - Core Skills stream and the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) - Direct Entry stream visas and covers the majority of health, medical and allied health occupations.

Experience Requirements: Reduced to one year of full-time employment (or equivalent part-time/casual) within the last 5 years.

Labour Market Testing: Still requires 28 days of advertising on two forums unless exempt.

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Now known as the Core Skills Income Threshold which will commence from $73,150 annually, indexed each July.

Visa Fees:

- Main applicant: $3,115

- Dependent (18+): $3,115

- Dependent (<18): $780

Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Permanent Residency)

- Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: All sponsored employment counts toward the 2-year work experience requirement, not just employment with the sponsor. Occupation must match the 457, TSS, or SID visa, but doesn’t need to be on the CSOL.

- Direct Entry (DE) Stream: Open to all CSOL-listed occupations, expanding access to permanent residency, including for those with occupations on the previous short-term Skilled Occupation List.

Need help exploring your options under the SID or ENS programs? Let’s connect and discuss how these changes can open doors to your Australian dream!

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