Australia is launching a groundbreaking program called the 'Skills in Demand' visa to address important skill shortages and make the job market more adaptable. This innovative step involves replacing the current Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa with a more focused strategy. It will provide three specific routes to bring in temporary skilled workers who are vital for Australia's economic growth.

1. Introducing Australia’s Latest Visa: ‘Skills
in Demand’ for Skilled Workers
Australia is launching a groundbreaking program called the 'Skills in Demand' visa to address important
skill shortages and make the job market more adaptable.
This innovative step involves replacing the current Temporary Skills Shortage (Subclass 482) visa with a
more focused strategy. It will provide three specific routes to bring in temporary skilled workers who are
vital for Australia's economic growth.
Eligibility Criteria for the 'Skills in Demand' Visa:
Specialist Skills Pathway:
This pathway is tailored for highly skilled professionals who earn a minimum annual income of AUD
135,000. It is designed to accommodate occupations that do not fall under trades, machinery
operations, driving, or labor categories.
Core Skills Pathway:
The Core Skills Pathway is geared towards addressing shortages in specific occupations identified by Jobs
and Skills Australia. To qualify, applicants must possess the relevant skills and meet the Temporary
Skilled Migration Income Threshold.
Essential Skills Pathway (Under Development):
Currently, in the finalization stage, the Essential Skills Pathway targets workers with crucial skills earning
below AUD 70,000 annually. Further details regarding this pathway are currently being developed and
will be released once finalized.
Documentation Requirements for the 'Skills in Demand' Visa:
Specialist Skills Pathway:
 Proof of annual income exceeding AUD 135,000.
 Documentation of qualifications and certifications specific to the occupation.
Core Skills Pathway:
 Evidence showcasing skills pertinent to identified shortage occupations.
 Confirmation of meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold.
Essential Skills Pathway (Information Pending):
 Documents validating essential skills and income below AUD 70,000.
 Additional details regarding documentation for this pathway will be provided once available.

2. Application Procedure for the 'Skills in Demand' Visa:
Online Application:
Initiate the application process by accessing the official online portal dedicated to visa applications. This
portal provides a user-friendly interface for applicants to navigate through the various stages of the
application.
Document Submission:
Upon entering the online portal, applicants are required to upload all necessary documents. These
documents serve to verify skills, income, and qualifications in alignment with the selected pathway.
Documents may include:
 Proof of annual income surpassing AUD 135,000 (for Specialist Skills Pathway).
 Occupation-specific qualifications and certifications (for Specialist Skills Pathway).
 Evidence demonstrating skills relevant to identified shortage occupations (for Core Skills
Pathway).
 Confirmation of meeting the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (for Core Skills
Pathway).
 Documentation validating essential skills and income below AUD 70,000 (for Essential Skills
Pathway, if applicable).
Pathway Selection:
Applicants must carefully assess their eligibility and occupation to choose the appropriate pathway.
Available pathways include:
Specialist Skills Pathway: Suitable for highly skilled professionals earning a minimum annual income of
AUD 135,000.
Core Skills Pathway: Geared towards addressing shortages in specific occupations as identified by Jobs
and Skills Australia.
Essential Skills Pathway (Information Pending):
Intended for workers with crucial skills earning below AUD 70,000 annually (details pending
finalization).
Fee Payment:
After completing the document submission process, applicants are required to pay the visa application
fees.
Payment can be made through the designated payment channels provided within the online portal.
The fee amount varies depending on the selected pathway and other relevant factors.

3. Review and Submission:
Before finalizing the application, applicants should thoroughly review all information provided and
ensure that all required documents have been accurately uploaded.
Once satisfied, applicants can proceed to submit their application through the online portal.
Processing:
Upon successful submission, the application undergoes thorough review and processing by the relevant
authorities.
Processing times may vary depending on the pathway selected and the volume of applications received.
Notification:
Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their visa application via the contact information provided
during the application process.
Successful applicants will receive further instructions regarding visa issuance and any additional
requirements.
Processing and Permanent Residency:
Processing Times:
 Applicants under the Specialist Skills pathway can expect expedited processing, typically around
seven days.
 For other streams, such as the Core Skills pathway, processing times are approximately 21 days.
 These processing times aim to provide clarity and efficiency for applicants, ensuring a smooth
and expedited application process.
Permanent Residency:
 Eligible individuals who have completed the four-year visa period under the 'Skills in Demand'
visa can apply for permanent residency.
 This pathway offers skilled migrants the opportunity to transition from temporary to permanent
residency status, allowing them to continue contributing to Australia's workforce on a long-term
basis.
Streamlined Process:
 The 'Skills in Demand' visa program prioritizes a straightforward application process, designed to
offer clarity and ease of navigation for applicants.
 By introducing innovative pathways and streamlined procedures, the visa program aims to
address skill shortages effectively while facilitating the entry of skilled migrants into Australia's
workforce.
 The streamlined process ensures that temporary skilled migrants can apply for the visa with
confidence, knowing that their applications will be processed efficiently and with transparency.

4. Overall, the 'Skills in Demand' visa program not only tackles skill shortages through innovative pathways
but also prioritizes simplicity and efficiency in the application process, ensuring that skilled migrants can
contribute to Australia's workforce seamlessly.
What is Australian Skilled Immigration?
Australian skilled immigration refers to the process of inviting skilled individuals from overseas to
migrate to Australia, addressing skill shortages and contributing to the nation's economy. This
immigration pathway is facilitated through various visa programs tailored for skilled migrants who
possess qualifications, work experience, and skills in demand within the Australian job market.
Key aspects of Australian skilled immigration include:
1. Skilled Visa Programs: Australia offers a range of skilled visa programs, each with specific
eligibility criteria and requirements. These programs include the skilled independent visa
(subclass 189), skilled nominated visa (subclass 190), skilled regional visa (subclass 491),
employer-sponsored visas (subclass 186 and subclass 482), and the Global Talent Visa program,
among others.
2. Points-Based System: Many skilled migration programs in Australia operate on a points-based
system. Applicants are evaluated based on factors such as age, English language proficiency,
qualifications, work experience, and other criteria. Meeting a minimum points threshold is
essential for eligibility.
3. Occupation Lists: The Australian government maintains lists of occupations in demand, known
as the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Short-term Skilled
Occupation List (STSOL). These lists guide eligibility for skilled migration visas and may influence
visa processing priorities.
4. State Nomination: Some skilled visa programs require applicants to obtain a nomination from an
Australian state or territory government. State nomination enables regions to address specific
skill shortages by selecting skilled migrants whose occupations are needed locally.
5. Permanent Residency: Skilled migrants who are granted visas under certain skilled migration
programs may be eligible to apply for permanent residency in Australia. This typically involves
meeting residency requirements, demonstrating English language proficiency, and satisfying
character and health criteria.
Australian skilled immigration plays a vital role in mitigating skill shortages, fostering economic growth,
and promoting cultural diversity by welcoming skilled individuals from diverse backgrounds to
contribute to Australia's workforce and society.