The Skills in Demand Visa offers three streams, each designed to target different types of skill shortages:

• Core Skills Stream

• Specialist Skills Stream

• Labour Agreement Stream (transitioning to the Essential Skills Stream)

All streams allow a stay of up to four years and provide access to pathways to permanent residency.

Core Skills Stream

The Core Skills Stream is for most skilled occupations where employers cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Eligible Occupations

• Must be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) published by the Department of Home Affairs.

Visa Duration

• Up to four years.

Renewal

• Can be renewed onshore as long as the employer continues to nominate the worker and all criteria are met.

Permanent Residency Pathway

• Eligible applicants may transition to permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

English Requirements

• Must meet the standard English language requirements for the visa.

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

• Required unless an exemption applies.

Salary Requirements

• Must meet the Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) and the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR).

Specialist Skills Stream

The Specialist Skills Stream is for highly skilled, high-earning workers in specialised roles.

Eligible Occupations

• Any occupation in ANZSCO except:

  • Trades workers

  • Machinery operators

  • Drivers

  • Labourers

Visa Duration

• Up to four years.

Renewal

• Can be renewed onshore if nomination and visa criteria continue to be met.

Permanent Residency Pathway

• Eligible applicants may transition to PR through the ENS 186 TRT stream.

English Requirements

• Must meet the standard English language requirements.

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

• Required unless an exemption applies.

Salary Requirements

• Must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT), which is higher than the Core Skills threshold.

Labour Agreement Stream

This stream is for employers who have a Labour Agreement with the Australian Government.

Eligible Occupations

• Occupations included in the approved Labour Agreement.

• May include occupations not on standard occupation lists.

Visa Duration

• Up to four years, unless the agreement specifies otherwise.

Renewal

• Renewal conditions depend on the terms of the Labour Agreement.

Permanent Residency Pathway

• PR may be available if included in the Labour Agreement.

English Requirements

• As specified in the Labour Agreement (may differ from standard requirements).

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

• Required unless the agreement provides exemptions.

Salary Requirements

• Must meet the AMSR and TSMIT, unless concessions apply under the agreement.

How to Get Permanent Residency from the Skills in Demand Visa

The Skills in Demand Visa offers clear and consistent pathways to permanent residency for eligible workers. Most applicants can transition to PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) under the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

1. Work for Your Sponsoring Employer

You must work in your nominated occupation for the required period while holding your Skills in Demand Visa.

2. Your Employer Nominates You for PR

Your employer must lodge a nomination under the ENS 186 TRT stream.

3. You Apply for Permanent Residency

Once the nomination is approved, you can lodge your permanent residency application.

4. Meet All Eligibility Requirements

This may include:

• Working in the nominated occupation for the required period

• Holding the appropriate SID visa stream

• Meeting English, health, and character requirements

• Being paid at or above the relevant skilled income thresholds

Which SID Streams Lead to PR?

• Core Skills Stream → Yes, PR pathway available

• Specialist Skills Stream → Yes, PR pathway available

• Labour Agreement Stream → PR may be available depending on the agreement

Each stream has specific advantages and limitations designed to meet different employer and employee needs across various industries. For further details on this visa type or other Temporary Employer Sponsored Visa, please contact us and one of our experts will get in touch with you the soonest possible.