Australia has recently introduced the In-Demand Skill Visa, a significant update to its immigration framework to address labour shortages and provide a clearer pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.
This new visa replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa and is particularly relevant for Indian professionals looking to migrate to Australia.
Key Features of the Skills in Demand Visa
The SID visa offers several advantages and features that are crucial for potential applicants:
- Duration: Holders can work in Australia for up to four years, with a five-year option available for Hong Kong passport holders.
- Unlimited Travel: Visa holders can travel freely to and from Australia during the visa’s validity period.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The SID visa allows for eligibility for permanent residency based on employment criteria, making it a viable long-term option for skilled workers.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the SID visa, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- Nomination: Applicants need to be nominated for a role listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which includes over 450 occupations across various industries such as health, agriculture, and technology.
- Work Experience: A minimum of one year of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation is required.
- Skills Assessment: Candidates must meet any required skills assessment standards.
- English Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English unless exempted.
Streams Under the SID Visa
The Skills in Demand Visa has three distinct streams:
- Core Skills Stream: This stream focuses on addressing workforce shortages and requires applicants to earn between AUD 73,150 and AUD 135,000 annually.
- Specialist Skills Stream: Aimed at high-paying roles, this stream targets workers earning at least AUD 135,000 annually. It does not have a specific occupational list but focuses on innovation and job creation.
- Essential Skills Stream: This stream is currently under development and will cater to essential skill occupations with lower income thresholds.
New Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)
The introduction of the CSOL is a critical component of the SID visa. It consolidates previous skilled occupation lists and includes various roles that are in demand across different sectors. Notable occupations include:
- Health professionals (e.g., nurses, medical practitioners)
- IT specialists (e.g., software engineers, cyber security experts)
- Trade roles (e.g., electricians, plumbers)
- Managers in hospitality and accommodation.
Implications for Indian Migrants
For Indian aspirants, this new visa presents both opportunities and challenges:
- Opportunities: Including tech-related roles in the CSOL will likely benefit many Indian professionals who possess skills in high-demand areas such as software development and cyber security. This aligns with Australia’s ongoing need for skilled labour in these sectors.
- Challenges: Some previously popular professions among Indian migrants may not be included in the new CSOL. For instance, roles like market research analysts have been removed from consideration, which may force some applicants to rethink their migration strategies.
Application Process
The application process for the SID visa involves several steps:
- Obtain a nomination from an approved employer.
- Ensure that your occupation is listed on the CSOL.
- Apply along with necessary documentation proving work experience, skills assessment, and English proficiency.
- Pay the application fee starting at AUD 3,115 (approximately INR 168,966).
Introducing the Skills in Demand, Visa marks a significant shift in Australia’s approach to skilled migration.
By focusing on addressing labour shortages through targeted pathways and providing clear routes to permanent residency, Australia aims to attract skilled professionals from around the world, including India.
As this new system rolls out, prospective migrants will need to stay informed about changes and updates to ensure they can navigate this evolving landscape effectively.
