Streamlined Work Pathway for Priority Skilled Workers
Australia's Skills in Demand visa streamlines work pathways for skilled professionals in priority sectors including healthcare, technology, engineering, and construction. This new framework replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage visa with three targeted pathways: Specialist Skills, Core Skills, and Essential Skills.
Australia Skills in Demand Visa
The Australian government's new Skills in Demand visa framework replaces the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa with a three-tiered system designed to attract skilled workers to priority sectors and fill critical labor gaps.
For highly skilled professionals earning above the specialist income threshold. No occupation list restrictions — any occupation at skill level 1-3 qualifies. Fast-tracked processing with full work and family rights.
For skilled workers in occupations listed on the new Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Covers the majority of skilled migration occupations in healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, and education.
For workers in essential lower-paid occupations with acute labor shortages, aged care, disability support, and certain regional roles. Includes labor market testing and union consultation requirements.
Key Changes Under the New Framework
How the Skills in Demand visa differs from the current TSS 482 visa system.
Open Work Rights
Visa holders have 180 days to find a new sponsor if employment ends, compared to 60 days under the current TSS system.
PR Pathway
Clearer and more accessible pathways to permanent residency for all three streams, with reduced work experience requirements.
Simplified Occupation Lists
Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) replaces multiple occupation lists with a single streamlined list updated annually based on labor market analysis.
Priority Processing
Specialist Skills pathway offers priority processing with service standards of 3-6 months. All streams benefit from reduced processing times.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
Obligations for Australian employers sponsoring workers under the Skills in Demand visa.
Sponsorship Obligations
- Be an approved sponsor or apply for sponsorship
- Pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- Meet market salary rates for the occupation
- Demonstrate genuine need for the position
- Comply with workplace laws and standards
Employer Requirements
- Operate an active and lawful business in Australia
- Demonstrate no adverse information against the business
- Meet training requirements for Australian employees
- Provide a genuine position that matches the nominated occupation
- Pay the applicable sponsorship fees and charges
Nomination Process
- Submit nomination application through the employer portal
- Provide evidence of labor market testing (excluding Specialist pathway)
- Include signed employment contract with salary details
- Pay nomination fee (starting from AUD 540)
- Await nomination approval before visa application
Ready to Work in Australia?
Our team specializes in Australian employer-sponsored migration. Contact us for a personalized assessment of your Skills in Demand visa eligibility and find Australian employers seeking your skills.