The latest updates for Australian Visa and Immigration Programs: Skills in Demand (SID) and National Innovation Visa (NIV)
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has recently released new updates to several visa and immigration programs, in particular the announcement of the Skills in Demand Visa (SID) and the National Innovation Visa (NIV). Below, we take a look at the key changes and provide insights into what they mean for prospective applicants, especially for skilled workers and entrepreneurs.
Skills in Demand Visa (SID)
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa will be valid for up to 4 years and set to replace the 482 visa on 7 December 2024. It will feature three streams, each designed to meet specific labor market needs:
- Specialist Skills: Targets highly skilled migrants (except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers), with a minimum salary of $135,000.
- Core Skills: Focuses on roles needed now and into the future, governed by the new Core Skills Occupation List and an income threshold of at least $73,150.
- Labour Agreements: Aimed at sectors requiring labor agreements, this stream is being developed in coordination with the SID Specialist and Core Skills streams.
As the Subclass 482 (TSS) visa will be replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa, it is important to note that existing holders of both short-term and medium-term 482′ visas will not be effected but the TSS program will close to new applications.
The Skills in Demand program is expected to commence before the end of 2024. The department are still yet to advise on an exact date.
VIDEO UPDATE: Skills in Demand Visa
National Innovation Visa (NIV)
The National Innovation Visa will replace the Global Talent Visa but remain a Subclass 858 visa. the new National Innovation Visa (NIV) is tailored to attract individuals with exceptional talent across various fields, including:
- Global Researchers: Individuals with substantial publications and high academic citations.
- Entrepreneurs: Both emerging and established, drawing lessons from state-led initiatives.
- Innovative Investors: Focusing on the quality of investment rather than simple financial thresholds.
- Athletes and Creatives: Particularly those who can represent Australia internationally.
Application Process: This visa is going to be invitation-only (similar to the current Global Talent Visa), with Expressions of Interest (EOI) reflecting processes used for other invitation-based visas.
Comparison between the Skills in Demand Visa and the National Innovation Visa
| Skills in Demand (SID) – Specialist Skills | National Innovation Visa | |
| Applicant Profile | Highly skilled, $135,000+ salary | Globally recognised, exceptional talent |
| Visa Length | Up to 4 years with pathway to PR | Permanent Residency |
| Sponsorship Requirement | Australian employer sponsor needed | Nominated via EOI |
| English Requirement | Competent | Functional or pay extra VAC |
| Age | Any age | Any age |
| Occupation Restrictions | Almost any occupation | No restrictions |
| Annual Allocation | Based on demand | Planned Program Levels – Must be invited |
Migration Program Planning Levels for Permanent Skilled Visas
| Visa Type | 2022-23 | 2023-24 | 2024-25 | Grants 2024-25 (up to 30/9/24) |
| Employer Sponsored | 35,000 | 36,525 | 44,000 | 11,509 |
| Skilled Independent | 32,100 | 30,375 | 16,900 | 6,046 |
| State/Territory Nominated | 31,000 | 33,000 | 33,000 | 11,050 |
| Skilled Regional | 34,000 | 32,700 | 33,000 | 12,959 |
| Global Talent | 5,000 | 1,836 | 4,000 | 1,836 |
| Distinguished Talent | 300 | 117 | 300 | 117 |
| Business Innovation and Investment | 5,000 | 1,900 | 1,000 | 360 |
| Total | 142,100 | 137,100 | 132,200 | 43,887 |
Top Occupations in the TSS Program:
Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) program prioritises certain occupations and has issued the most grants for the following roles in 2023-24:
- Resident Medical Officer = 2,406
- Chef = 2,279
- Software Engineer = 2,278
- Labour Agreement = 1,878
- Motor Mechanic (General) = 1,559
- Diesel Motor Mechanic = 1,152
- ICT Business Analyst = 1,042
- Mechanical Engineering Technician = 1,011
- Fitter (General) = 1,005
- Cafe or Restaurant Manager = 938
Top Nationalities in the TSS Program:
Top source countries for TSS visa holders include:
- India = 18,397
- Philippines = 15,194
- United Kingdom = 11,062
- South Africa = 5,450
- Republic of Ireland = 4,603
- Sri Lanka = 4,420
- China = 4,069
- Nepal = 2,031
- United States of America = 1,995
- Zimbabwe = 1,864
These updates reflect a more focused approach, particularly on high-skilled migration and innovation-led industries. Key takeaways include the introduction of the Skills in Demand Visa, a shift from the Global Talent Visa to the National Innovation Visa, a prioritisation of startup and innovative industries, and increased flexibility for employer-sponsored visa holders to change employers.
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