The Skills in Demand visa enables skilled workers to live and work in Australia temporarily, filling genuine workforce shortages. This visa supports the Australian economy by addressing skills gaps across various industries. It includes four streams:
Core Skills Stream
This stream is for applicants nominated in an occupation listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).
Stay Period
- Up to 4 years
- Up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders
Eligibility Requirements
- Nominated by an approved sponsor
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the past 5 years
- Relevant skills assessment if required for the occupation
- Meet English language requirements (unless exempt)
- Satisfy health and character requirements
Specialist Skills Stream
This stream is intended for highly skilled individuals in specialised occupations, typically requiring advanced expertise and high income.
Stay Period
- Up to 4 years
- Up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders
Eligibility Requirements
- Occupation must fall under ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6
- Must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- At least 1 year of relevant work experience in the nominated field
- Skills assessment if required
- Meet English language requirements
- Work is limited to the sponsoring employer or their associated entity (unless exempt)
Labour Agreement Stream
This stream applies to workers nominated under a Labour Agreement between the employer and the Australian Government.
Stay Period
- Up to 4 years
- Up to 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders
Eligibility Requirements
- Sponsoring employer must have an approved Labour Agreement
- At least 12 months of full-time, relevant work experience
- Meet applicable English language and skills assessment criteria
- Comply with all conditions of the agreement
Subsequent Entrant
This stream is for family members of primary visa holders (subclass 457 or 482) who are applying separately to join them in Australia.
Stay Period
- The same duration as the primary visa holder
Eligibility Requirements
- Relationship must be genuine and ongoing
- Must meet health and character requirements
- Must provide evidence of financial support and accommodation
Common Requirements for All Streams
- Nomination by an approved employer
- Work in an occupation listed on an eligible skills list
- Satisfy English language and character requirements
- Health insurance must be held
- Annual salary must meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Payment of the appropriate visa application charge
You can check the current occupations that are listed in the Skilled Occupation List in Australia here.