The Australian government has introduced the Skill in Demand (SID) Visa, effective from December 2024, replacing the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa. This major policy shift reflects the country’s goal to attract global talent, address labor shortages, and drive long-term economic growth.
The SID Visa is designed to offer over 146,000 job openings across multiple industries, while providing a streamlined path to permanent residency within just two years.
What Is the SID Visa and Why It Matters
The SID Visa is a flexible and adaptive work visa introduced to fill Australia’s critical labor shortages. Unlike its predecessors, this visa comes with three unique streams tailored to different income levels and sectors:
-
Specialist Skills Pathway – for professionals earning above AUD 135,000
-
Core Skills Pathway – for skilled workers earning between AUD 70,000 and AUD 135,000, covering 456 occupations
-
Essential Skills Pathway – for critical support roles in essential services
The government has also made it easier to qualify by reducing the work experience requirement from two years to one, making this visa more accessible for international professionals.
Sectors Offering 146,000+ Jobs in 2025
Australia’s SID Visa supports a massive hiring drive across priority industries. Here’s a snapshot of the in-demand roles:
| Industry | Sample Roles |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | General Practitioners, Nurses, Physiotherapists |
| IT & Cybersecurity | Software Engineers, Data Analysts, Cybersecurity Experts |
| Engineering | Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers |
| Construction & Trades | Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers |
| Education | STEM Teachers, Early Childhood Educators |
| Finance | Accountants, Financial Analysts |
| Agriculture | Farm Managers, Agri-Scientists, Veterinarians |
| Hospitality | Chefs, Bakers, Hotel Managers |
| Social Services | Social Workers, Mental Health Counselors |
These roles are part of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which aligns directly with Australia’s workforce planning for 2025 and beyond.
How the SID Visa Leads to Permanent Residency
The SID Visa is not just a work permit. It also sets the stage for permanent residency under Australia’s Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream. Here’s how:
-
Work in Australia for just 2 years under the SID Visa
-
Apply for permanent residency without leaving the country
-
No need to meet older, stricter thresholds like 4-year employment or sponsorship limitations
This approach is intended to retain skilled workers who contribute to key sectors and strengthen Australia’s economy.
Benefits of the SID Visa Program
Applicants choosing the SID Visa will enjoy several benefits:
-
Access to 146,000+ job roles in high-demand sectors
-
A clear path to permanent residency within two years
-
Lower work experience requirement of one year
-
Transparent occupational lists with updated demand signals
-
Flexibility in applying under different streams based on skills and salary
This makes the SID Visa one of the most attractive immigration programs currently offered by a developed country.
Who Should Consider Applying
If you’re a skilled professional with qualifications in healthcare, IT, engineering, trades, or finance, the SID Visa may be ideal for you. Candidates with international experience, English proficiency, and credentials recognized in Australia will have an advantage in the process.
Migrants looking to bring their families or settle long-term in Australia will also benefit from the structured path to PR through the SID Visa.
FAQs
What is the SID Visa introduced in Australia?
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is a new Australian work visa offering over 146,000 jobs and a two-year path to permanent residency.
Who can apply under the Core Skills Pathway?
Applicants earning between AUD 70,000 and AUD 135,000 annually in one of 456 listed occupations are eligible for the Core Skills Pathway.
Do I still need two years of experience to qualify?
No, the work experience requirement has been reduced to just one year, making it easier for applicants to qualify.
Is the SID Visa better than the previous TSS Visa?
Yes, it offers more flexibility, faster residency, and a wider list of eligible occupations across critical industries.
Can I apply for permanent residency after two years?
Yes, after two years of employment in Australia under the SID Visa, you can apply for PR through the Temporary Residence Transition stream.
What sectors are hiring under the SID Visa in 2025?
Healthcare, IT, education, construction, engineering, agriculture, finance, and social services are among the top hiring sectors.
Does the SID Visa support family migration?
Yes, visa holders can bring their dependents and may apply for family reunification under existing immigration provisions.
Where can I find the official occupation list?
The Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) is available on the Department of Home Affairs website and will be updated regularly.
Click here to know more.
Aanchal is a passionate writer with a keen interest in storytelling, content creation, and creative expression. She enjoys exploring diverse topics and crafting engaging narratives that captivate readers.