TSS to SID Visa: What Changed in the December 2024 Transition
In December 2024, Australia replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) with the Skills in Demand (SID) visa. The biggest changes: a unified PR pathway for all streams (previously only medium-term occupation list holders had direct PR), a new $135,000 Specialist Skills stream with no occupation list, and the introduction of the Essential Skills stream for lower-paid shortage occupations. Existing 482 visa holders can continue on their current visa and transition to PR under transitional arrangements.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Old TSS (482) | New SID |
|---|---|---|
| Streams | Short-term, Medium-term, Labour Agreement | Core Skills, Specialist Skills, Essential Skills |
| PR pathway | Medium-term and Labour Agreement only | All streams (2 years) |
| Salary threshold | $70,000 (TSMIT) | $73,150 (Core), $135,000 (Specialist) |
| Occupation list | Short-term + Medium-term lists | Core Skills List + no list (Specialist) |
| Duration | 2 years (ST) or 4 years (MT) | Up to 4 years (all streams) |
| LMT exemption | Not available | Specialist Skills stream ($135,000+) |
What Changed
1. Unified PR Pathway
Before: Only TSS 482 holders on the Medium-term stream (with occupations on the MLTSSL) had a direct pathway to permanent residence through the Subclass 186. Short-term stream holders were stuck on temporary visas with limited options.
After: All SID visa holders can apply for permanent residence after 2 years with their sponsor, regardless of stream. This is the single biggest improvement — it removes the arbitrary distinction between "PR-worthy" and "not PR-worthy" occupations.
2. The Specialist Skills Stream
Before: No high-salary exemption. Even executives earning $300,000 needed their occupation to be on a skilled list.
After: Workers earning $135,000+ can be sponsored in any occupation — no occupation list required. This recognises that high-salary workers are inherently valuable and shouldn't be restricted by sometimes-outdated occupation lists.
The Specialist Skills stream also removes the requirement for labour market testing. The logic: if an employer is paying $135,000+, the market has already demonstrated the worker's value.
3. Simplified Occupation Lists
Before: Two overlapping lists — the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Which list your occupation was on determined your visa conditions and PR eligibility.
After: One Core Skills Occupation List for the Core Skills stream. The Specialist Skills stream has no list at all. This simplification reduces confusion and bureaucratic complexity.
4. TSMIT Increase and Indexation
Before: TSMIT was $70,000, set in July 2023 after being frozen at $53,900 for a decade.
After: TSMIT increased to $73,150 with annual indexation. The Specialist Skills threshold was set at $135,000, also indexed.
5. Essential Skills Stream
Before: Workers in lower-paid occupations facing genuine shortages (aged care, hospitality) were largely excluded from employer sponsorship because salaries were below TSMIT.
After: The Essential Skills stream allows sponsorship for specific shortage occupations below the standard TSMIT. This addresses a real gap in the labour market where genuine shortages exist but market salaries don't reach $73,150.
6. Visa Duration
Before: Short-term stream was 2 years, medium-term was 4 years.
After: All SID streams can be granted for up to 4 years. No more 2-year visa limitations for certain occupations.
Transitional Arrangements
Existing 482 Visa Holders
If you already hold a Subclass 482 visa:
- Your visa remains valid until its expiry date
- Your conditions remain unchanged
- You can apply for PR under transitional provisions
- When your 482 expires, any renewal would be under the new SID framework
Pending 482 Applications
Applications lodged before the transition date were generally assessed under the old 482 rules. Some applications lodged near the transition date may have been assessed under either framework depending on timing.
PR for Short-Term Stream Holders
The most significant transitional benefit: former short-term stream 482 holders who previously had no direct PR pathway can now access PR under the new arrangements. If you've been working for your sponsor for 2 years, you may be eligible to apply immediately.
Employers
Existing approved sponsors don't need to re-apply. Their Standard Business Sponsorship remains valid. New nominations, however, are lodged under the SID visa framework.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Short-Term Stream → Core Skills/Essential Skills
| Feature | Old Short-Term | New Core/Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation list | STSOL | Core Skills List |
| Duration | 2 years | Up to 4 years |
| PR pathway | No (could only renew once) | Yes (after 2 years) |
| Salary | $70,000+ | $73,150+ (Core) or lower (Essential) |
| Total possible stay | 4 years max | 4 years + PR |
Medium-Term Stream → Core Skills
| Feature | Old Medium-Term | New Core Skills |
|---|---|---|
| Occupation list | MLTSSL | Core Skills List |
| Duration | 4 years | Up to 4 years |
| PR pathway | Yes (via 186) | Yes (after 2 years) |
| Salary | $70,000+ | $73,150+ |
| Processing | Similar | Similar |
No Equivalent → Specialist Skills
The Specialist Skills stream is entirely new. It has no direct predecessor in the 482 framework.
What This Means for Workers
Positive Changes
- More PR opportunities: If you were stuck on a short-term stream without PR, the transition opens permanent residence pathways
- Higher salaries can fast-track: Earning $135,000+ simplifies the entire process
- Longer initial visas: 4-year grants across all streams provide more stability
- Simpler system: One occupation list instead of two reduces confusion
Things to Watch
- TSMIT increased: If you're close to the threshold, the increase from $70,000 to $73,150 matters
- Occupation list changes: Some occupations may have moved between the old and new lists — check if yours is still covered
- Transitional provisions are time-limited: Take advantage of PR transitional arrangements while they're available
What This Means for Employers
Positive Changes
- Specialist Skills stream simplifies high-salary sponsorship: No occupation list, no LMT, faster processing
- Better retention: Workers with PR pathways are more likely to stay long-term
- Essential Skills stream fills gaps: Can now sponsor workers in below-TSMIT occupations that face genuine shortages
Additional Considerations
- Higher salary costs: TSMIT increase means higher minimum salaries
- New nomination process: While similar, the SID nomination has updated requirements
- Ongoing obligations remain: Sponsor obligations are substantively the same
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything if I'm on a current 482 visa?
No immediate action required. Your visa continues on its current terms. Consider your PR options under the transitional arrangements.
Can I switch from my old 482 to a new SID visa?
You can apply for a SID visa while holding a 482, but it's usually unnecessary unless you want to reset your visa duration. If you're eligible for PR, that's typically the better option.
Has the cost changed?
The SID visa application fee is $2,770, similar to the 482 fee. Nomination and sponsorship fees are also comparable.
Are skills assessments still required?
For the Core Skills stream, skills assessments are required for most occupations (same as the old medium-term stream). The Specialist Skills stream does not require a skills assessment.
What happened to the DAMA and labour agreement pathways?
Labour agreements continue under the SID framework. DAMAs and industry agreements remain available with their specific terms and conditions.
