2024 Skilled Visa Reforms: What You Need to Know About the SID and NIV

At the 2024 MIA National Conference in Brisbane, the Department of Home Affairs introduced upcoming reforms in Australia’s skilled migration visas, aimed at expanding opportunities for highly skilled workers and innovative talent. These updates include the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and the National Innovation Visa (NIV), which are set to launch later this year.

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Skills in Demand (SID) Visa (Subclass 482)

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Replacing the TSS visa, the SID visa will be a temporary skilled worker visa with a validity of up to four years and a direct path to permanent residency. This visa will feature three streams:

• Specialist Skills Stream: This stream targets highly skilled professionals earning $135,000 or more, excluding trades, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
• Core Skills Stream: Designed for skilled workers in occupations on the new Core Skills List, requiring a Core Skills Income Threshold.
• Labour Agreement Stream: The existing Labour Agreement stream under the TSS visa will be renamed to align with the new SID framework.

Notably, the SID visa reduces the prior work experience requirement to one year and aims to meet Australia’s demand for skilled professionals across various industries. As part of this transition, the current TSS visa’s short-term and medium-term streams will close to new applications by the end of 2024.

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National Innovation Visa (NIV) (Subclass 858)

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Replacing the Global Talent visa, the new National Innovation Visa (NIV) under Subclass 858 will continue to attract exceptional talent from diverse fields. Unlike traditional employer-sponsored visas, the NIV focuses on individuals making significant contributions on a global scale. Eligible candidates will include:

• Global Researchers and Thought Leaders: Recognized for their work through high-profile publications or citations, top industry awards, or significant achievements.
• Entrepreneurs and Innovators: Inspired by successful State-led initiatives, this stream supports both established and emerging entrepreneurs with substantial contributions.
• Investors with Impact: Prioritizing quality over mere investment amounts, this stream focuses on investors who make meaningful contributions.
• Athletes and Creatives: International representatives of Australia in fields such as sports or the arts.

The NIV will be accessible through an invitation-only process, with an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage similar to other exclusive visas.

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Comparing the SID and NIV Visas

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Skills in Demand Visa (SID) (Sc 482)

• Applicant Profile: For highly skilled individuals earning at least $135,000 with an employer sponsor.
• Visa Length: Up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residency.
• Sponsorship Requirement: Must have an approved sponsor.
• English Requirement: Competent English required.
• Age: No age restrictions (separate requirements for permanent residency).
• Occupation Restrictions: Open to almost all occupations except trades workers, machinery operators, drivers, and labourers.
• Grants Each Program Year: Demand-driven.

National Innovation Visa (NIV) (Sc 858)

• Applicant Profile: Intended for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent who are prominent in their field.
• Visa Length: Direct pathway to permanent residence.
• Sponsorship Requirement: Must be nominated using approved Form 1000.
• English Requirement: Functional English, or pay a second visa application charge.
• Age: No age restrictions.
• Occupation Restrictions: No restrictions on occupation.
• Grants Each Program Year: Managed under a planned program and requires an invitation to apply.

These visa reforms aim to meet Australia’s skilled workforce needs while offering opportunities for the best global talent to make Australia their home. For more information or guidance on these updates, feel free to contact JB Migration Australia.

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Source: Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) National Conference, 2024 – Information on upcoming changes in skilled migration visas, including insights into the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa and National Innovation Visa (NIV).

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