Australia New Skills in Demand Visa in 2024

The Australian Government released its new migration strategy in December 2023 that outlines the major reforms needed to improve the broken immigration system of Australia. The strategy mentions eight key actions focusing mainly on the education sector and temporary skilled migration.

In the case of temporary skilled migration, the Department of Home Affairs plans to fill the skills gap and increase the workforce in the labor industry. Currently, there are almost 800,000 positions available in the country for skilled workers, providing them the best opportunity to secure a job in their dream country. 

“Major Update on Skills in Demand Visa

Applications for the Skills In Demand Visa (Core Skills pathway) will probably start before the end of 2024. 

Therefore, continue reading this blog post to understand the new skills in Demand visa, its three tiers, the application process and how it provides a clear pathway to permanent residency. 

What is a Skills in Demand Visa?

The Skills in Demand Visa is going to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa with a three-tiered system for applicants depending on their annual wages and employment.

• With the purpose of addressing labor market demands, the new “Skills in Demand visa” brings about a number of noteworthy changes for temporary skilled migrant workers. 
• It includes providing an easier way to apply for permanent residency and more time to locate a new sponsor in the event of a job termination.
• Employers will be more motivated to recruit and keep competent workers as skill shortages will now be independently confirmed.

What are the Benefits of Skills in Demand Visa?

A Skills in Demand visa offers numerous benefits, including more worker mobility, streamlined labor marketing testing, improved visa processing and a clear pathway to permanent residency.

Below are the details of these benefits. 

1. Stay Duration

A Skills in Demand visa allows you to stay in the country for almost four years. 

2. Flexibility

Holders of a Skills in Demand Visa will have the flexibility to switch sponsors. They can find a new sponsor within a 180-day window.

3. Visa Processing for Skills in Demand Visa

Visa processing for Skills in Demand Visa will be faster. So, in 2024 your skilled visa will be processed within a time period of 21 days, which is the median processing time.

4. Route to Permanent Residency

Skills in Demand visa provides a clear and easiest route to permanent residency.

The time spent working for an authorized employer will be counted in the requirement of permanent residence. In addition to employer-sponsored paths, holders of Skills in Demand visas will have access to self-nominated independent permanent pathways.

5. Streamlined Labor Market Testing

Requirements for labor market testing (LMT) will be streamlined. It is no longer necessary to advertise on Workforce Australia. With the improvement of Jobs and Skills Australia‘s data on skills shortages, LMT will be phased out progressively and replaced with a Core Skilled Occupation List.

Three Tiers of Skills in Demand Visa

In order to draw in qualified workers, Australia plans to introduce a new Skills in Demand visa in 2024. The visa will have three specific pathways.  The three-tiered approach includes the following pathways;

• Specialist Skills pathway

• Core Skills pathway

• Essential Skills pathway

Let’s discuss these three tiers in detail for better understanding.

1. Specialist Skills Visa Pathway

Here are the important elements of the specialist skills pathway;

• There will be no occupational list for the specialist skills visa pathway. 
• Every year, 3,000 open positions will be available to be filled under this pathway. 
• Workers in trades, laborers, drivers, and operators of machinery will not be eligible for this type of visa. 
• This pathway guarantees an annual salary of at least AUD$135K, and it will be increased yearly.
• Priority processing with a promise of a median visa processing time of seven days will be given to visa applicants under this pathway.

2. Core Skills Visa Pathway

The important highlights of the core skills pathway are;

• Jobs and Skills Australia will provide an updated list named as Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). 
• The core skills pathway focuses on targeting the occupations that are currently facing labor shortage in the country.
• The core skills visa pathway guarantees an annual earning of approximately AUD$ 70K-135K that meets the threshold set by the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).

3. Essential Skills Pathway

Let’s check out the key points of the essential skills pathway;

• The specifics of the process for the core skills visa pathway have not yet been decided.
• This pathway is designed for those workers who are working in essential skill occupations but earning below AUD$ 70K annually. 
• This route is probably going to be industry-specific, with minimum requirements, a more robust regulatory structure, and continuous guidance from Jobs and Skills Australia. 

Watch this video for in-depth analysis of these 3 Tiers:

Video link:

The New Migration Strategy Part 2 | Australian Immigration News 2023 | Employer Nominated Visa

Application Process for Skills in Demand Visa

The application process for skills in demand visa includes the following steps;

• Choose the right pathway according to your occupation and eligibility.
• Register yourself on the official website of the ImmiAccount and submit your application.
• Prepare and gather the required documents that verify your skills, income and qualifications.
• Pay the fee for visa application via designated payment platforms.

Reforms and Future Developments

In light of the increased flexibility granted to visa holders to switch jobs, the Government is considering gathering Skilling Australian funds (SAF) in smaller installments over time. The plan is to explore a monthly or quarterly payment method, thus making smaller and more frequent payments.

Here is a piece of information for you!

The Australian visa application process is very complicated and stressful, given that there are new changes in the migration strategy. Therefore, acting according to the latest regulations is important, and you can’t get over this without seeking professional help.

How Can The Migration Help You?

The Migration is an authorized organization with a team of experts and MARA-certified agents in Australia. If you are looking for authentic and genuine consultation services at affordable prices, the Migration is your go-to option. We understand the uniqueness of each individual case and provide customized solutions. Therefore, book an appointment now and get help regarding your visa application process, including document preparation, skills assessment, and EOI submission of Australian visas.

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FAQs

1. What is the new Australian visa called?

Australia plans to phase out the 482 visa in 2024 and replace it with a new visa called “Skills in Demand.” This visa has a three-tiered approach to temporary skilled migration and will be valid for four years after it is granted.

2. What is the c in Australia?

The Core Skills Pathway is an essential part of the three-tiered Skills in Demand Visa program that targets high-demand jobs in Australia. It ensures that new professionals and Australia will benefit from one another through matching qualified immigrants with the demands of the nation’s labor market.

3. What are the most in-demand skills in Australia in 2024?

Below is the list of top-paying jobs in Australia in 2024;

• Data Analyst
• Software Developer
• Web developer
• Project manager
• Account manager
• Registered Nurses

Get in Touch with Us for Further Information

The Skills in Demand Visa offers greater flexibility and more transparent pathways to residency, bringing new dynamics to Australia’s migration policy as compared to other visas.

However, with the changes in migration strategy, the application process is becoming more difficult, and you must take expert advice to avoid any complications. You can also contact us at the official website of The Migration for visa consultation-related services such as filing the application, fee submission and skills assessment.