Skill in Demand 482

Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill job vacancies where they cannot find suitable Australian workers. This visa helps businesses address short-term skill shortages and allows workers to live and work in Australia temporarily, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency later through certain streams.

Key Features of the SID Visa

  • Work in Australia: The SID visa allows you to work for an approved Australian employer in your nominated occupation.
  • Stay Duration: Depending on the visa stream, you can stay in Australia for 2 to 4 years, with the possibility of extension.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Certain streams provide a pathway to permanent residency through employer nomination.

Bring Your Family: You can include eligible family members in your visa application, and they can live, work, and study in Australia.

Streams of the SID Visa

The SID visa is divided into three main streams, each designed to address different types of labor needs:

  1. Core Skill Stream

This stream is for employers to fill temporary skill shortages in occupations listed on the Core Skill occupation List

    • Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong Passport Holders).
    • Minimum Salary Threshold: The current salary Threshold to apply for 482 visa under Core skill stream is AUD 73,150.
    • Work Restriction: The visa holder can only work for the sponsoring employer.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After  years of working on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187.

  1. Specialist Skills Stream

This stream is for employers to fill skill shortages in occupations listed in Major Groups 1,2,4,5 or 6 with a salary that meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold.

  • Stay Duration: Up to 4 years (or up to 5 years for Hong Kong Passport Holders).
  • Minimum Salary Threshold: The current salary Threshold to apply for 482 visa under Specialist skill stream is AUD 135,000.
  • Work Restriction: The visa holder can only work for the sponsoring employer.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: After 2 years of working on this visa, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Subclass 186 or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Subclass 187.

  1. Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for workers sponsored by an employer under a labour agreement that has been negotiated between the employer and the Australian Government to address specific skill shortages.

  • Stay Duration: Typically, up to 4 years.
  • Pathway to Permanent Residency: Depending on the terms of the labour agreement, there may be a pathway to permanent residency.

 

Eligibility Criteria for the SID Visa

To apply for a SID visa, both the employer and the applicant must meet specific requirements.

For the Employer:

  • Approved Sponsorship: The employer must be an approved sponsor or apply for sponsorship approval.
  • Labour Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate that they have tried to find a suitably qualified Australian worker to fill the position before seeking an overseas worker.
  • Job Position: The job must be on one of the Core Skills Occupation List and meet the minimum salary requirements set by the Australian Government.

For the Applicant:

  1. Nominated Occupation: You must have a job offer in an occupation that appears on the relevant skilled occupation list.
  2. Skills and Experience: You must have the required qualifications and at least 1 year of relevant work experience in your nominated occupation.
  3. English Language Proficiency: You must meet the minimum English language requirements, Overall IELTS score of 5.0 (with at least 5 in each band) or equivalent.
  4. Health and Character Requirements: You must meet the Australian Government’s health and character criteria, which include undergoing a medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
  5. Health Insurance: You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Required Documentation

When applying for a SID visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

  1. Proof of Identity:
    • Passport (certified copy of the bio-data pages).
  2. Skills Assessment (if required):
    • A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for certain occupations (if applicable).
  3. Qualifications and Work Experience:
    • Certified copies of your academic qualifications.
    • Employment references and evidence of at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
  4. English Language Test Results:
    • Test results from IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE to demonstrate your English language proficiency.
  5. Health and Character Documents:
    • Medical examination results.
    • Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
  6. Employment Contract:
    • A job offer or employment contract from your sponsoring employer that outlines the terms and conditions of employment.
  7. Health Insurance:
    • Proof of adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia.

Visa Application Process

The application process for the S IDvisa follows these steps:

  1. Sponsorship Approval

The employer must first become an approved sponsor by applying to the Australian Government.

  1. Nomination

Once sponsorship approval is obtained, the employer must nominate a position that needs to be filled. This involves proving that the position cannot be filled by an Australian worker and that it meets the relevant occupation list requirements.

  1. Visa Application

After the nomination is approved, the worker can apply for the SID visa. This application must include all required documentation, including proof of qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency, and health and character documents.

  1. Processing and Decision

The Department of Home Affairs will assess the visa application, and if all criteria are met, the visa will be granted. Processing times vary depending on the visa stream and individual circumstances, but it typically takes 1-3 months.

SID Visa Costs

The visa application charges vary depending on the stream and the duration of the visa:

  • Core Skill Stream: From AUD 3,115.
  • Specialist Skill Stream: From AUD 3,115.
  • Labour Agreement Stream: From AUD 3,115.

Additional costs include:

  • Skills assessments (if required): Varies- based on the occupation.
  • English language tests: Cost depends on the testing provider (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE).
  • Health examinations and police checks: Varies based on location and provider.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the entire SID visa application process. Our services include:

  • Employer Sponsorship Assistance: We help businesses apply for sponsorship approval and comply with labour market testing requirements.
  • Visa Application Support: We assist applicants in preparing and lodging their visa applications, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.
  • Skills Assessment Guidance: If a skills assessment is required, we guide you through the process.
  • Health and Character Documentation: We help you obtain the necessary health examinations and police clearance certificates.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous support throughout the application process, keeping you updated on the status of your visa.

Apply for a SID Visa with A Square Migration Services

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482) provides an excellent opportunity for skilled workers to live and work in Australia while helping employers address their labour needs. At A Square Migration Services, we are committed to ensuring that your visa application is smooth and successful.

Contact us today to start your SID visa application or to learn more about your eligibility.