Australia’s New 482 Skill in Demand (SID) Visa: Key Updates and Common Questions
On December 7th, 2024, the Australian Department of Home Affairs officially launched the new 482 Skill in Demand (SID) visa, marking a significant change in the Australian immigration landscape.
Notably, the new SID visa offers substantial adjustments to eligibility criteria and flexibility, especially regarding work experience requirements and support for high-salary roles. These changes have generated considerable excitement, with many eager to begin their application process.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the updated 482 SID visa and address six of the most frequently asked questions applicants may have. This will help you better understand the new policy and how to navigate it.
Overview of the 482 SID Visa
The 482 SID visa has been designed to cater to specific skill shortages in Australia. It is divided into three main streams:
- Specialist Skill Stream: For applicants with an annual salary of AUD $135,000 or more.
- Core Skill Stream: For occupations on the CSOL (Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List), with a minimum salary requirement of AUD $73,150.
- Labour Agreement Stream: Retaining elements from the TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa, particularly related to employer agreements.
Compared to the previous TSS visa, the most significant change with the SID visa is that applicants are only required to have one year of full-time work experience within the last five years (previously, two years were needed). Additionally, there are no age restrictions for applicants.
Applicants will also need to meet minimum IELTS language requirements, with each band score at least 5. Importantly, SID visa holders now have the opportunity to transition to permanent residency (PR) through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186). Furthermore, the matching requirements for ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) codes have been made more flexible.
6 Most Common Questions About the 482 SID Visa
Now, let’s address six of the most frequently asked questions concerning the 482 SID visa.
1. Do I need a relevant degree to apply with just one year of work experience?
Yes, even with just one year of work experience, you will need a degree that is closely related to the occupation. If you don’t have a relevant qualification, you can still apply, but the work experience required will generally be 3 to 5 years, depending on the occupation.
2. What if my occupation isn’t on the CSOL?
If your occupation is not on the CSOL, you cannot apply through the Core Skill Stream. However, you can still apply through the Specialist Skill Stream if your annual salary meets the AUD $135,000 threshold. Even if your occupation isn’t listed, as long as your salary meets the requirement, you may be eligible to apply under this stream.
3. Can I apply for the Specialist Stream if I’m a waiter earning $135,000 AUD?
Theoretically, yes. If your salary meets the AUD $135,000 threshold, you could apply for the Specialist Skill Stream, even if you work in a role like a waiter (ANZSCO code 431511). However, there are some complexities involved, which we’ll discuss in the next question.
4. Does meeting the salary threshold guarantee approval?
Not necessarily. While meeting the salary requirement is an essential factor, the Department of Home Affairs will also consider other factors such as the size of the company, the job’s legitimacy, and market comparisons for the salary. For positions like waiters, employers must provide a detailed explanation of why such a high salary is required for the role. Simply meeting the salary threshold doesn’t guarantee approval.
If you’re applying for a role that’s not on the Core Skill list, but still want to pursue the 482 visa, it’s advisable to consult a licensed migration agent to prepare a comprehensive application and prove why the position warrants a high salary.
5. Can I combine multiple years of work experience when applying for the 186 visa?
Yes, it is possible to combine multiple years of work experience to meet the two-year requirement for transitioning from the 482 visa to the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa. However, this work experience must be from similar roles or positions closely related to the one you’re applying for.
6. Can I apply for PR with just one year of work experience?
No, this is a common misunderstanding. While you can apply for the 482 SID visa with just one year of work experience, this does not automatically make you eligible for permanent residency (PR). Whether transitioning to the 186 visa or using the Direct Entry (DE) stream, you will need more than one year of work experience to be eligible for PR.
How AMS Can Assist You
With nearly 20 years of professional experience in immigration law, we understand that immigration policies can change rapidly, particularly following the implementation of new policies. These changes can often lead to unexpected adjustments or updates to existing regulations.
If applicants rely on partial or incomplete information, they risk facing unnecessary complications during the application process.
Therefore, if you are interested in applying for the 482 SID visa, it is advisable to contact AMS’s professional migration agents as soon as possible. We can help assess your situation, plan your application, and assist with the preparation and submission of your documents.
Especially if you feel that you meet the eligibility criteria for the 482 SID visa, we encourage you to contact AMS early to avoid long processing times, as the high volume of applications could lead to delays.
Personalized Visa Assistance from AMS
AMS provides comprehensive support to guide you through the entire visa application process, ensuring you meet all requirements and submit a complete application.
Tailored Visa Planning
We offer personalized visa planning based on your individual background and qualifications, helping you choose the most suitable 482 SID occupation stream. Our experts will guide you through the process and help you navigate any changes in immigration policies.
Document Preparation
We assist you in preparing and selecting all necessary documentation, ensuring that your materials are complete, accurate, and compliant with the requirements.
Complex Case Resolution
We handle complex personal situations, such as family factors or other unique circumstances, and minimize their impact on your application.
Application Tracking
From submission to approval, we provide continuous tracking and support throughout the visa process.
