The Australian government has included a new skills in demand (SID) visa as the country tries to address the shortage of labour. Changes came into effect on Saturday.

“The core skills occupation list (CSOL) replaces existing multiple skilled occupation lists previously used for the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS visa),” the country’s Department of Home Affairs said.

The CSOL has more than 450 occupations in sectors such as: construction, cyber security, agriculture, and health.

It would only apply to the SID core skills stream and employer nomination scheme (subclass 186) visa (direct entry stream).

The SID (subclass 482) visa replaces the temporary skill shortage (TSS) visa. “The SID allows most visa holders to stay in Australia for up to four years,” it said and added that the system offered a streamlined process for both migrants and employers needing more skilled workers to grow their businesses.

“SID visa holders have a clear pathway to permanent residence. This will give certainty to both migrants and employers.”

The SID visa has three streams:

• Core Skills stream to meet targeted workforce needs. Most SID visa holders will use this stream.

• Specialist Skills stream. This stream will help drive innovation and job creation.

• Labour Agreement stream. This stream will be replaced by an Essential Skills stream (under development).

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With a SID visa, candidates have a pathway to permanent residence.

Under new guidelines, any employment with an approved employer will contribute towards eligibility for permanent residency. Applicants in the SID category can benefit from a reduced work experience requirement, needing only one year of experience in their nominated occupation or a related field, which is one year less than the TSS visa.

Applicants would need to meet the same English language proficiency requirements as those in the TSS medium-term stream. These updates aim to streamline the pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and enhance the overall immigration process.