The New Skills in Demand Visa, to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 visa
The Skills in Demand Visa is set to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa which will most likely be implemented by the end of 2024. The new visa promises to enhance the country’s ability to attract top-tier global talent. Among its three distinct pathways, the Specialist Skills Pathway stands out as a major innovation designed to streamline the processing of visas for highly skilled professionals.
What Is the Specialist Skills Pathway?
The Specialist Skills Pathway is one of the three streams under the new Skills in Demand visa. Unlike its predecessor (the Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482), this pathway does not rely on traditional skilled occupation lists, making it a more flexible and dynamic solution to Australia’s evolving labor market needs. It aims to attract highly skilled workers whose expertise are crucial for Australia’s growth in various high-demand sectors.
Key Features of the Specialist Skills Pathway:
1. No Skilled Occupation Lists: One of the most notable changes is the removal of the skilled occupation lists. This means that applicants will not be restricted to a predefined list of occupations. Instead, the focus will be on the specific skills and qualifications of the candidates where the onus will be on the employer to justify the need for the candidate. This approach allows Australia to adapt more rapidly to emerging needs and to attract specialists in fields that may not have been previously included on occupation lists.
2. Minimum Salary Threshold: To qualify for the Skills in Demand Visa under the Specialist Skills Pathway, applicants must earn at least $135,000 AUD per year. This threshold, which aligns with the 90th percentile of earnings, underscores the pathway’s commitment to attracting highly skilled professionals. By setting a high salary benchmark, Australia ensures that only top-tier talent benefits from this expedited visa process. This also aligns with the government’s goal of fostering high productivity and significant economic contributions from skilled migrants.
3. Expedited Processing Time: The Specialist Skills Pathway boasts an impressive 7-day median visa processing time. This rapid turnaround is designed to make Australia’s migration system one of the most attractive in the world for skilled professionals. It ensures that top talent can quickly transition to contributing to Australia’s economy without unnecessary delays.
The introduction of the Specialist Skills Pathway is a strategic move to enhance Australia’s competitiveness in the global talent market. By eliminating occupation lists and focusing on high-earning specialists, Australia is better positioned to attract experts who can drive innovation and growth in critical areas. For instance, this pathway will help bring in engineering managers working on advanced technologies for the net-zero economy, cyber specialists fortifying financial institutions against cyber threats, and software engineers leading the AI revolution.
The Specialist Skills Pathway is part of a broader three-tiered system under the Skills in Demand visa:
– Tier 1: Specialist Skills Pathway – For high-earning specialists with no occupation list restrictions, requiring a minimum salary of $135,000 and offering a 7-day processing time.
– Tier 2: Core Skills Pathway – Targets occupations with earnings between $70,000 and $135,000, based on a regularly updated skills list managed by Jobs and Skills Australia.
– Tier 3: Essential Skills Pathway – For essential skill occupations earning below $70,000, with details still under review.
Each tier addresses different skill levels and sectors, providing a comprehensive framework for meeting Australia’s diverse labor market needs.
GET IN TOUCH with our team of migration professionals if you have any questions regarding the new Skills in Demand Visa
