What are the key differences between the new Skills in Demand Visa and the old Subclass 482 Visa?

 

Key Differences Between the Skills in Demand Visa and the Subclass 482 Visa

The new  Skills in Demand Visa  is set to replace the  Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa , introducing several significant changes aimed at enhancing flexibility and addressing labor market needs. Below are the key differences between these two visa categories:

feature	Skills in Demand Visa	Subclass 482 Visa
Pathways	Three distinct pathways: Specialist, Core, and Essential Skills	Single pathway with limited flexibility
Salary Thresholds	- Specialist: Minimum $135,000 - Core: Minimum $70,000 - Essential: Below $70,000	Minimum salary based on the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Processing Times	- Specialist: Approximately 7 days - Core: 21 days - Essential: TBD	Typically longer, with 90% processed within 3 months
Mobility Between Employers	Holders can switch employers and have 180 days to find a new sponsor after termination	Holders only have 60 days to find a new sponsor and must be tied to their nominated employer
Pathway to Permanent Residency	Clear pathways for all visa holders, with time spent under any approved employer counting towards residency requirements	Only time spent with the nominated employer counts towards residency
Labor Market Testing (LMT)	Streamlined requirements; independent verification of labor market needs may be introduced	Employer-driven testing requirements before hiring a migrant
Occupation Lists	No specific occupation list for specialist skills; a more flexible Core Skills Occupation List will be used for the Core pathway	Rigid Skilled Occupation Lists that are often seen as inflexible
Skilling Australians Fund	Payments to be smaller and more frequent over time instead of upfront	Upfront fees required for employers to access the visa program

Summary of Changes

1. Increased Flexibility : The Skills in Demand Visa allows for greater mobility among employers, which is particularly beneficial for skilled workers who may face job changes.
2. Faster Processing : The new visa aims for quicker processing times, especially for high-earning professionals.
3. Clearer Residency Pathways : All pathways under the Skills in Demand Visa provide clearer routes to permanent residency compared to the previous system.
4. Adaptability to Labor Market Needs : The introduction of independent verification for labor market needs aims to ensure that the visa system is responsive to actual shortages in the workforce.

These changes reflect Australia's commitment to creating a more effective and equitable immigration system that meets both economic demands and the needs of skilled migrants.