Australia’s 2023 Migration Strategy provides clearer post-study pathways for Australia’s international students. These include opportunities to stay and work in Australia if your skills and qualifications are needed.
The new SID visa allows holders to work in Australia for up to four years and may provide a pathway to permanent residency. This will enable you to better plan for your future, in Australia or elsewhere.
Eligibility criteria
To apply for the SID visa, requirements include:
- have at least 1 year relevant work experience in your nominated occupation or a related field
- have a relevant skills assessment if this is required for your occupation
- work only for your sponsor or associated entity, unless you are exempt
- meet minimum standards of English language proficiency
Visa duration and streams
The SID visa is valid for up to four years and includes three streams:
1. Core Skills stream
- This stream enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
- Most temporary skilled workers will come through this stream.
- Workers must be sponsored for occupations listed on the Core Skills Occupation List.
- A minimum salary threshold of $73,150 applies.
2. Specialist Skills stream
- This stream recognises highly skilled workers who bring significant economic benefits to Australia.
- This stream is available for applicants in any occupation, excluding those occupations in ANZSCO Major Groups 3, 7 and 8 and where the nominated salary for the position meets the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of $135,000.
3. Labour Agreement stream
- This stream is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement.
- Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.
- The Labour Agreement stream will be replaced by the Essential Skills stream at a later stage as the Government continues to develop a more regulated stream for lower paid workers with essential skills.
Pathway to permanent residency
SID visa holders may be eligible to apply for a range of permanent visas, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visa.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) visa
The Core Skills Occupation List also applies to the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa. This visa lets skilled workers, who are nominated by their employer, live and work in Australia permanently.
Application process
Applications for both visas are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Ensure you have all necessary documents. If applications contain incorrect information or documents are missing, there will be delays and your visa may even be refused.
https://www.studyaustralia.gov.au/en/tools-and-resources/news/new-skilled-worker-visa-in-australia
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