The Subclass 482, now known as the Skills in Demand Visa (SID), replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in December 2024. This visa streamlines the process for employers to sponsor skilled workers in roles where there is a shortage of suitably skilled Australians.
The withdrawal of the Essential Skills Pathway leaves employers without a dedicated visa stream for lower-paid workers with essential skills. As a result, employers may face challenges if they are unable to meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) requirements for current Subclass 482 visa streams, particularly for lower-paid workers. It is crucial for employers to be aware of alternative visa options available to them under the current immigration framework.
Current Streams of the Subclass 482 Visa
The Subclass 482 is currently divided into two streams:
- Core Skills
- Specialist Skills
Both streams have the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) requirements. For SID applications under the Core Skills stream, this threshold is currently set at AUD73,150, and the Specialist Skills, at AUD135,000.
Proposed Essential Skills Pathway
In 2024, the Australian Government announced a third stream, the Essential Skills Pathway, aimed at lower-paid workers with essential skills. However, the Government recently announced that this pathway will not be moving forward.
Implications for Employers
With the Essential Skills Pathway scrapped, what options do employers have if the TSMIT requirements are not met? Here are your alternatives:
- Labour Agreements – For employers who require a more tailored solution to sponsor workers outside the standard visa streams.
- Subclass 407 (Training Visa) – Another option for sponsoring workers for training purposes under the current visa framework.
For more detailed information on these visa options, please refer to our previous blog posts, and reach out to us for further advice tailored to your specific situation.
Key Takeaways
- The Essential Skills Pathway under the Subclass 482 visa has been scrapped by the Australian Government.
- Employers can no longer rely on this pathway for sponsoring lower-paid workers with essential skills.
- Alternatives include exploring Labour Agreements and the Subclass 407 (Training visa).
- Employers are encouraged to seek detailed advice to identify the best visa options for their business needs.
Conclusion (Summary)
The scrapping of the Essential Skills Pathway leaves a gap for employers looking to sponsor lower-paid workers. Employers should now focus on exploring available alternatives such as Labour Agreements and the Subclass 407 visa. Staying informed and seeking legal advice is essential to ensure compliance and find the best visa options for their workforce.