Australia continues to attract skilled professionals from around the globe, contributing to its diverse workforce. Recently, the country has seen a notable increase in skilled workers on temporary work permits, driven by global mobility trends and policy reforms, such as the introduction of a new type of work visa.
Australia’s skilled migration program is designed to attract professionals who can significantly contribute to the nation’s economy and help address labor shortages in key sectors. Some of the industries particularly active in relocating employees from other countries to Australia include Information Technology, Construction, Finance and Banking, Mining and Resources, and Healthcare.
In December 2024, the Australian government introduced the new Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482), replacing the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. This temporary visa allows an employer to sponsor a suitably skilled worker for a position they cannot fill with an appropriately skilled Australian. The visa’s Specialist Skills Stream is considered a major improvement for skilled workers, as it simplifies migration, ensures fair pay, and reduces work experience requirements.
Under the new SID visa, applicants must be nominated for a skilled position by an approved sponsor, possess the necessary skills for the job, and meet the relevant English language requirements. Once approved, visa holders can stay for up to four years (Hong Kong passport holders may stay for up to five years), travel to and from Australia as many times as they wish while the visa is valid, and, if eligible, apply for permanent residence.
