What the Australian SID visa is and who it suits
SID (Skills in Demand) is Australia’s skilled work visa, carrying the subclass 482 number and replacing the former TSS visa framework from December 2024. According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, employer-sponsored workers can work in Australia for up to 4 years, with a pathway to permanent residence (PR).
SID has three streams based on salary and skills, with easier employer changes than the old 482 framework. It is a strong stepping stone to both work in Australia and progress toward settlement via Subclass 186.
Already have a job offer in Australia? Get a free profile assessment so M2W specialists can advise on the suitable SID stream.
- Work visa for up to 4 years, easier to change employers than the old 482
- Three streams based on salary and skills
- Pathway to PR via Subclass 186
The three streams of the SID visa
SID is divided into three streams based on salary and skills. Salary thresholds are adjusted each 1 July in line with average income growth.
Specialist Skills
Specialist
For high-salary positions, no occupation list required, with fast nomination processing. The highest salary threshold of the three streams.
Core Skills
Core Skills
For occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), meeting the Core Skills income threshold.
Essential Skills
Essential Skills
For certain lower-paid sectors under specific agreements (still being finalized), typically tied to the care sector.
The SID visa application process
SID is tied to an employer approved as a sponsor.
Step 1 — Employer & suitable stream
Secure a job offer and determine the stream (Specialist/Core/Essential) based on salary and occupation.
Step 2 — Sponsorship & nomination
The employer registers for sponsorship status and lodges the position nomination for the worker.
Step 3 — Lodge the visa application
You lodge your visa application together with skills, English, health, and police clearance documents.
Step 4 — Work & PR pathway
Receive a work visa for up to 4 years; after the qualifying period, transition to Subclass 186 to obtain PR.
Costs and notes on salary thresholds
SID costs include the employer’s sponsorship and nomination fees, the visa application fee to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, English testing, medical examination, police clearance, and service fees. A portion of the cost is borne by the employer as required by regulation. See the cost structure on the pricing page.
Note: SID salary thresholds are adjusted each 1 July. From 1/7/2026, Core Skills rises to around $79,499 AUD/year and Specialist Skills to around $146,717 AUD/year. The timing of the nomination lodgement therefore affects the salary requirement — M2W specialists update the current rates when advising you.
Frequently asked questions about the SID visa
Is the SID visa a completely new visa?
SID keeps the subclass 482 number but changed its name and framework from “Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)” to “Skills in Demand” from December 2024, with three new streams and rules.
What is the current SID salary threshold?
As of 30 June 2026, Specialist Skills requires a salary of at least $141,210 AUD/year and Core Skills at least $76,515 AUD/year. These thresholds are adjusted every 1 July in line with average earnings growth.
Does SID lead to PR?
Yes. SID is a temporary work visa, but it opens a pathway to permanent residency through Subclass 186 after working for an eligible employer for long enough.
Is it easy for me to change employer?
The SID framework is more flexible than the old 482 for changing employers. However, the new employer must still be eligible to sponsor and nominate.
Can family come along?
Yes. Dependents (spouse, children) may accompany the SID visa holder as provided by the regulations.
Want to work in Australia and settle there at the same time?
The SID visa is a stepping stone to work in Australia and progress toward PR via Subclass 186. M2W specialists advise on the suitable stream and the combined SID–186 pathway.
