Employer-Sponsored Visas: Skills in Demand (SID) & Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Australia’s skilled migration program has undergone significant reforms to address evolving labour market needs and provide clearer pathways to permanent residency for skilled workers. The introduction of the Skills in Demand (SID) visa and updates to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa are central to these changes.
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa – Subclass 482
Effective from December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the previous Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. This visa enables approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions where there is a genuine need.
Key features of the SID visa include:
Three Streams:
Specialist Stream: For highly specialised occupations.
Core Skills Stream: For occupations requiring standard skill levels.
Labour Agreement Stream: For employers with a labour agreement with the Australian Government.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): As of July 1, 2025, the CSIT is set at AUD 76,515. Employers must ensure that the nominated salary meets or exceeds this threshold.
Work Experience Requirement: Applicants must have at least 1 year of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: SID visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the ENS visa after meeting specific criteria.
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
The ENS visa allows skilled workers nominated by their employer to live and work permanently in Australia. This visa has been updated to provide clearer pathways to permanent residency for SID visa holders.
Key updates to the ENS visa include:
Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: SID visa holders who have worked for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for at least 2 years may be eligible to apply for the ENS visa under this stream.
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): The CSIT for the ENS visa is aligned with the SID visa, set at AUD 76,515 as of July 1, 2025.
Occupation Lists: The relevant occupation lists for both the SID and ENS visas are updated to reflect current labour market needs.
Application Process: The application process for the ENS visa has been streamlined to improve efficiency and reduce processing times.
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