Major Reform to Australia’s Skilled Migration Program Introduces Streamlined Pathways and Reduced Experience Requirements
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced significant reforms to its skilled migration program through The Migration Amendment (2024 Measures No. 1) Regulations 2024. These changes introduce the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa, which replaces the current Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, effective December 7, 2024.
Understanding the Legislation
Overview
The Australian Department of Home Affairs is replacing the current Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa with the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa program, featuring three specialized streams to better match Australia’s workforce needs.
Objectives
- Streamline skilled migration processes
- Better match visa programs to Australia’s workforce needs
- Reduce barriers for skilled workers while maintaining high standards
- Preserve pathways to permanent residence
Key Provisions
- Three Visa Streams:
- Specialist Skills Stream ($135,000+ annual salary)
- Core Skills Stream ($73,150+ annual salary)
- Labour Agreement Stream
- Simplified Requirements:
- Reduced work experience requirement (one year in past five years)
- New Core Skills Occupations List (CSOL)
- Implementation date: December 7, 2024
Key Facts
Existing TSS visas remain valid and do not require immediate action
Current TSS nominations can link to new SID visa applications within a 12-month window
Labour Agreement Stream still requires full specialized arrangements and negotiations
The CSOL completely replaces existing occupation lists – only CSOL will be valid
Work experience is reduced to one year within past five years, not eliminated
What It Means for You
Impact and Opportunities
Organizations must adapt their workforce strategies to align with the new streams and requirements. However, these changes also bring several opportunities:
- Simplified pathways for high-income specialists
- Reduced experience requirements
- Preserved permanent residence pathways
- More flexible options for workforce planning
Required Actions
Immediate Steps
- Review current visa applications and nominations
- Assess salary levels against new stream thresholds
- Verify occupations against CSOL
- Update internal policies and procedures
Long-Term Planning
- Revise recruitment strategies to align with new streams
- Develop stream-specific hiring approaches
- Establish compliance monitoring processes
- Create transition plans for existing visa holders
How People2.0’s Can Support You
As your workforce solutions partner, we offer comprehensive support to navigate these changes effectively:
Our Services
- Comprehensive visa stream assessment
- Salary threshold compliance review
- CSOL occupation matching
- Transition planning for existing applications
- Strategic workforce planning assistance
- Ongoing compliance monitoring
Working Together
Our commitment extends beyond basic services. We partner with you to:
- Ensure seamless transition to the new system
- Maintain continuous compliance
- Optimize your Australian workforce strategy
- Leverage new opportunities for growth
Contact our team today for customized guidance on implementing these changes in your organization.
Source: Migration Amendment Bill 2024 Explanatory Memorandum, Parliament of Australia
