Smart Australian Migration

THE NEW SKILLS IN DEMAD VISA :

One of the changes in the Government’s Migration Strategy that will have the biggest impact on employers and skilled visa applicants will be the replacement of the Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa with a new Skills in Demand Visa.

This will involve several shifts for temporary skilled visa sponsorship such as:

A three-tiered migration system which classifies skilled migrants into a Specialist, Core or Essential Skills Pathway based on their salary and skills
Permanent Residence pathways for all temporary sponsored workers
Greater mobility for sponsored workers to change employers

Here’s what we know about the upcoming Skills in Demand Visa and how it will compare to the current Subclass 482 Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) Visa.

What will the new Skills in Demand Visa look like?

Three targeted pathways will be available under the Skills in Demand Visa. Eligibility for these pathways will depend on the applicant’s occupation and salary, with benefits such as faster visa processing available to the top tier.

-Specialist Skills Pathway
A new streamlined pathway to make it quicker and easier to attract and engage highly skilled specialists.
Available to applicants in any occupation except trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers (they may be able to apply through the Core Skills Pathway)
Must be paid at least $135,000 per annum
7 days median visa processing time

-Core Skills Pathway
Available to eligible applicants with an occupation listed on a new Core Skills Occupation List, which will be simple and ‘data-driven’
Must be paid at least $70,000 per annum

-Essential Skills Pathway
A more regulated pathway for lower paid workers with essential skills
Likely to be sector-specific and capped
Currently being considered in the context of the care and support economy, but could be open to other sectors with persistent shortages
General eligibility criteria such as having an employer sponsor and meeting health and character requirements must also be met for each pathway.

How will the Skills in Demand Visa compare to the Subclass 482 TSS Visa?

Here’s 10 ways the Skills in Demand Visa is likely to compare to the current Subclass 482 Visa currently used for employer sponsorship.

A 4-year stay in Australia

Similar to the Subclass 482 TSS Visa, the Skills in Demand Visa will allow for a stay of up to 4 years to live and work in Australia.

Guaranteed Pathways to Permanent Residence (PR)

PR is expected to be available to all Skills in Demand Visa holders, whether through sponsored and/or independent pathways. Since November 2023, the Subclass 482 TSS Visa also provides PR pathways to all visa holders (whether or not they are on the Short Term or Long Term Stream).
More time for migrants to find a new job
If employment with a sponsor ceases, Skills in Demand Visa holders are set to have 180 days to find another sponsor and also be able to work during this period. The Subclass 482 TSS Visa only allows for 60 days.
Greater mobility for migrants to switch employers
Under the Skills in Demand Visa, periods of employment with any approved sponsor may count towards PR requirements, enabling migrants to change their employer without risking their migration prospects. In contrast, Subclass 482 TSS Visa holders are reliant on a single employer for a pathway to PR.

Streamlined Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Mechanisms for independent verifications of labour market needs may be explored under the new Skills in Demand Visa. Currently, the requirements to test the local labour market before engaging a migrant on a Subclass 482 TSS Visas are largely employer-conducted.

Changes to Occupation Lists

The Government plans to embrace a more flexible and evidence-based approach for developing a Skilled Occupation List for the Core Skills Pathway of the Skills in Demand Visa. The current Skilled Occupation Lists that determine a migrant’s eligibility for a Subclass 482 TSS Visa have been considered inflexible by business stakeholders.

Streamlined Visa Processing

Clear service standards for visa processing will be established to provide employers and migrants greater certainty of processing times for the Skills in Demand Visa. A 21 day median service standard has been planned for the Core Skills pathway and 7 days has been planned for the Specialist Skills Pathway.

Skills in Demand Visa processing times are expected to be shorter than waiting periods for the Subclass 482 TSS Visa. As at 27 February 2024, 90% of Medium Term Stream Subclass 482 TSS Visas are processed within 75 days, whereas 90% of Short-Term Stream Subclass 482 TSS Visas are processed within 63 days.

Sponsorship Fees to be Paid in Stages

Rather than seeking upfront employer fees, the Government is exploring a monthly or quarterly ‘pay-as-you-go’ model for Government charges and fees to hire migrants. Compared to the current Subclass 482 TSS Visa, which requires upfront government fees, the new payment structure for the Skills in Demand Visa may make it less onerous for employers to sponsor global talent.

Public Register of Sponsors

To enable skilled migrants to switch employers, a public register of approved sponsors including the number of migrants sponsored and their occupations, may be developed alongside the new Skills in Demand Visa. Currently a list of sponsors is not being made widely available as a public register to skilled migrants on a Subclass 482 TSS Visa.

New pathways to Accredited Sponsorship

The Government plans to review ways to expand Accredited Sponsorship to smaller businesses and start-ups so that more businesses can access priority visa processing when sponsoring skilled migrants on a Skills in Demand Visa. The existing Accredited Sponsorship program involves several eligibility requirements that currently exclude certain businesses from applying.

Business Migration | Strategic Thinking

The re-design of the skilled migration program is intended to maintain Australia’s status as a destination of choice for skilled migrants. Industry feedback has shown that too many barriers currently stand in the way of attracting highly skilled workers to come to Australia.

We are hopeful that the changes will enable employers to access global talent more, especially during times of skills shortages. The Government expects to implement the new Skills in Demand Visa by the end of 2024, however it may be available sooner.

As always, if you require professional visa, sponsorship or migration advice, we encourage you to contact Smart Australian Migration.

Occupations included in 25 May 2023 Invitation Round
The table below shows the occupations issued invitations in the SkillSelect invitation round on 25 May 2025. For 189 and 491 visas

Occupations:

Audiologist
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Child Care Centre Manager
Chiropractor
Clinical Psychologist
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist
Early Childhood (Pre-primary School) Teacher
Educational Psychologist
Emergency Medicine Specialist
Gastroenterologist
General Practitioner
Intensive Care Specialist
Medical Diagnostic Radiographer
Medical Laboratory Scientist
Medical Practitioners nec
Medical Radiation Therapist
Midwife
Neurosurgeon
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nurse Practitioner
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Occupational Therapist
Optometrist
Organisational Psychologist
Orthotist or Prosthetist
Osteopath
Paediatrician
Patho
Physiotherapist
Podiatrist
Psychiatrist
Psychologists nec
Radiation Oncologist
Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
Registered Nurse (Community Health)
Registered Nurse (Critical Care and Emergency)
Registered Nurse (Developmental Disability)
Registered Nurse (Disability and Rehabilitation)
Registered Nurse (Medical Practice)
Registered Nurse (Medical)
Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
Registered Nurse (Paediatrics)
Registered Nurse (Perioperative)
Registered Nurse (Surgical)
Registered Nurses nec
Rheumatologist
Secondary School Teacher
Sonographer
Special Needs Teacher
Specialist Physician (General Medicine)
Specialist Physicians nec
Speech Pathologist
Surgeon (General)
Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
Thoracic Medicine Specialist
Vascular Surgeon

* Results could indicate that no candidates were available to be invited, or did not meet parameters to receive an invite.
** Onshore/Offshore location as indicated in SkillSelect system at the time invites were issued.

Bridging the gap to Australia

𝐀 𝐁𝐢𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭!
So if you're planning to get Skill Assessment to apply for Permanent Residency, you only have 36 days left until its terms & conditions change.

𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲
~ ANMAC - Nursing and Midwife
~ AITSL - Teacher
~ EA - Engineers
~ ACS - IT
~ CPA/IPA - Accounting
~ TRA - Chef, Cook, Automotive, Panelbeater
~ VETASSESS - Most Trade, Marketing Specialist, Managers
~ AIMS - Medical Laboratory
Do you have experience in your relevant industry?
We are professionals and experienced, we can help you get a skill assessment.

The most in-demand occupations have been revealed by the Federal Government, as a national skills shortage sweeps the nation.

SEE THE FULL LIST:

The 20 most in-demand jobs in Australia The most in-demand occupations have been revealed by the federal government as a skills shortage strikes more industries.

What Is The Minimum IELTS Score To Get Australia PR And Work There?
ielts score to go australia

With its vibrant culture, beautiful landscape, and strong economy, Australia is a popular destination for those looking to work and study there. Gaining permanent residency allows you to live, work, and study in Australia!

As English is the primary medium of communication in Australia, you’ll need to prove that you can meet a minimum language standard for day to day conversations, be it ordering a flat white or talking to your colleagues.

Taking the IELTS test is an excellent way to meet the Australian language requirement. IELTS is the preferred test for immigration to Australia accepted by almost all professional entities and is integrated into the point-based immigration system.

To obtain a visa for Australian permanent residency, you can take either the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. However, you need IELTS Academic for professional registration and work in Australia.

FREE COUNSELLING WITH IDP MALAYSIA

Getting Australia Permanent Residency

ielts score to go australia

There are three main pathways of work-based immigration to Australia, namely Employer Sponsored Workers, General Skilled Migration, and Skill Select.

To become an Australian Permanent Resident under the General Skilled Migration Program, there are five visa subclasses, all of which use a point-based immigration system.

Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Skilled Nomination Visa (Subclass 190)
Graduate Temporary Visa (Subclass 485)
Skilled Nomination/Sponsored Provisional Visa (Subclass 489)
Skilled Regional Visa (Subclass 887)
There are several criteria in the point-based immigration system:

Age
English Language Proficiency
Work Experience (In and Out of Australia)
Level of Education
Study in Australia
Specialist Education
Spouse Skill Points
Other ( Nominations, Community Language accreditation, etc.)
To successfully gain a visa through the Skilled Migration Program, you need a minimum of 65 points in the Point Assessment Grid.

IELTS is one of the critical components in the system. While a minimum score of 6 in each area (Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing ) is required, a higher score will gain you more points!

There are three bands of IELTS scores (Competent, Proficient and Superior) which correspond to a number of points allocated.

Point Allocation Table for IELTS Scores

IELTS Score
Points Allocated
Competent (Score of 6.0 or more) = 0 pts
Proficient (Score of 7.0 or more) = 10 pts
Superior (Score of 8.0 or more) = 20 pts


Here are the different score requirements for the various language test for permanent residency in Australia.



Per-Section Score Requirements for Language Tests

English Language Proficiency
Section
IELTS
Competent
Listening
6

Reading
6
Writing
6
Speaking
6
Proficient
Listening
7
Reading
7
Writing
7
Speaking
7
Superior
Listening
8
Reading
8
Writing
8
Speaking
8


Usually, your IELTS test results are valid for two years. However, for Skilled Migration applications, your IELTS scores are valid for three years!

If you aim to work in Australia, you will have to take the IELTS Academic. There are varying IELTS score requirements for different job roles.

To be an engineer in Australia, a minimum score of 6.0 in each section is required. On the other hand, to be a nurse, you will need an overall score of at least 7.0.

Make your dream of immigrating to Australia a reality.

ielts score to go australia

Taking the IELTS is imperative to support your application for a visa to immigrate to Australia!

Are you looking to book your IELTS Test?

IDP is a co-owner of IELTS, and all our test centers are UKVI approved.

Sign-up at IDP today for a paper written test or a computer-delivered one!

So many people are asking me about 482 visa. Here is a quick run down. Reach out for any questions.

TSS Visa (Temporary Skill Shortage Visa)- Subclass 482 :

* Medium Term List for TSS Visa
* Short Term List TSS Visa
* Regional Occupation List for TSS Visa

* SPONSORSHIP
* Standard Business Sponsorship Approval
* Obligations for Temporary Business Sponsors
* Skilling Australian Fund (SAF Levy)
* TSS visa requirements for sponsor

* NOMINATION
* TSS Nomination Requirements
* Labour Market Testing for TSS Visa
* Market Rate Salary for TSS Visas

You have a relative you’re concerned about? Call us and let’s discuss pathways to Beth them here.

RELATIVE VISA OPTIONS :

- Relative visa options
- Carer visa (subclass 116 & 836)
- Orphan Relative visa (subclass 117)
- Remaining Relative visa (subclass 115)
- Aged Dependant Relative visa (subclass 838)

A child belongs with his parents. Call us and we will make sure your child returns to your arms.

CHILD VISA OPTIONS :

This visa allows a child who is outside Australia to come to Australia to live with their parents:

- Child visa important points and requirements
- Child visa (subclass 101)
- Child onshore visa (subclass 802)
- Adoption visa (subclass 102)

Call us and let us help you reunite with your parents.

PARENT VISA OPTIONS:

- Contributory Parent visa (subclass 143)
- Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa (subclass 173)
- Contributory Aged Parent visa (subclass 884 & 864)
- Aged Parent visa (subclass 804)
- Parent visa (subclass 103)

Everyone deserves to be with the one they love. Call us and let us help you live with your partner in Australia.

PARTNER VISA OPTIONS :

These visas allow Australians to live with their prospective spouse:

- Partner visa: important points & Requirements
- Partner visa (onshore 820 & 801)
- Partner visa (offshore 309 & 100)
- Fiancé (prospective Spouse)(subclass 300)
- Relationship Register for Partners

Note that business migration can be extremely complex, and even determining whether you have a good chance of qualifying can be difficult. In addition, you may be able to qualify in a number of different business migration categories. Most investor and business migrant visas require a state nomination before applying.
Contact us to guide you through the process with the right advice and no lies.
�Subclass 188 Business Innovation & Investment Provisional Visas �Business Innovation & Investment Subclass 188 visas are for investors and business owners who wish to establish business operations in Australia. The visa is valid for 4 years.
�There are 5 eligibility streams:

* 188A visa (BUSINESS AND INNOVATION STREAM)
* This visa is for successful business owners or investors from overseas who are willing invest in new or existing business in Australia or make designated investment in Australia State or Territory government bonds.

* 188B visa (INVESTOR STREAM)
* This is a 4 year temporary visa. Once you have maintained an investment in Australia for 4 years, you can apply for permanent residence through the Business Innovation & Investment (Residence) Subclass 888 visa.

* 188C visa (SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR STREAM)
* for people who are willing to invest at least AUD5million into complying significant investments in Australia and want to maintain business and investment activity in Australia. Applicants can be nominated by a state or territory government or Austrade on behalf of the Australian government.

* 188D visa (PREMIUM INVESTOR STREAM)
* for people who are willing to invest at least AUD15million into complying premium investments in Australia and want to maintain business and investment activity in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by Austrade on behalf of the Australian government.

* 188E visa (ENTREPRENEURSHIP STREAM)
* for people who have a funding agreement from a third party for at least AUD200 000 to undertake a complying entrepreneur activity that is proposed to lead to either the commercialistion of a product or service in Australia or the development of a business in Australia. Applicants must be nominated by a state.
* 188 A & B TEST(BUSINESS INNOVATION)
* Calculate your points and see your eligibility
* 888 Visa(BUSINESS INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT (PERMANENT)

* This visa is the second stage of the Business Innovation and Investment visa. You can apply for this 888 permanent visa after holding the 188 provisional visa either for 2 years in the Business Innovation Stream or 4 years in the Investor Stream and you have met all prescribed criteria.

* Instant points test for Australian Business Visa �If you apply to migrate to Australia under the Business Innovation and Investment program, you will be assessed against a points test.

Call us and let us help you start your business in Australia.

We are Migration Agents based in Melbourne specialising in TSS 482 visa, ENS 186 visa, 491 Regional visa , Partner visa, Business and Investment visas, Employer Sponsored visas, Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications.
We also specialise in:
- Global Talent visa
- General Skilled Migration
- Parent visa
- Student visa
- Tourist visa
- Holiday/working holiday visa
- Training visa
- Graduate visa
- Entertainment visa
- DAMA/Labour Agreement
- Ministerial Intervention
- Tribunal Appeal (AAT)
- Temporary visa

We are Migration Agents based in Melbourne specialising in TSS 482 visa, ENS 186 visa, 491 Regional visa , Partner visa, Business and Investment visas, Employer Sponsored visas, Permanent Residency and Citizenship applications.

We also specialise in:

- Global Talent visa
- General Skilled Migration
- Parent visa
- Student visa
- Tourist visa
- Holiday/working holiday visa
- Training visa
- Graduate visa
- Entertainment visa
- DAMA/Labour Agreement
- Ministerial Intervention
- Tribunal Appeal (AAT)
- Temporary visa

Good news for those who want to receive an Australian permanent residency through skilled migration 😊

The government are sending out invitations!
If you don’t want to miss out, you need to start preparing your applications ASAP. The process could be difficult, expensive and daunting if not handled by a professional. We will guide you through the entire process and get the job done with the best possible result.

Smart Australian Migration updated their phone number.

Smart Australian Migration updated their business hours.