The Albanese Labor Government has taken further steps to modernise the visa system to ensure Australia has a workforce with the skills it needs for a strong economic future.
On 7 December 2024, the Government made changes to skilled visa programs to deliver on key reforms outlined in the , which is designed to attract migrants who will make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available.
These changes include:
- introducing a targeted Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) that includes occupations in sectors such as construction, cyber security, agriculture and health;
- replacing the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa with the Skills in Demand visa, which will include a Core Skills stream, and a Specialist Skills stream for people earning more than $135,000 in non-trade occupations;
- launching the new ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Innovation visa to bring the best and brightest to Australia in the global race for talent;
- changing the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme to deliver fairer pathways to permanent residence for all temporary skilled sponsored workers; and
- a new category of Accredited Sponsors for start-ups that have received venture capital funding.
CSOL
The new CSOL will comprise over 450 occupations, including new occupations available in the construction, agriculture, cyber security, health, and education sectors.
The CSOL is based on labour market analysis and stakeholder consultation undertaken by Jobs and Skills Australia. It will apply to the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa and the Direct Entry stream of the permanent Employer Nomination Scheme.
Skills in Demand visa
The new Skills in Demand visa will provide a streamlined pathway for skilled migrants, promoting worker mobility while offering a simple process for employers to access the skilled workers they need to help their businesses to grow.
The Specialist Skills stream is for highly skilled migrants who would contribute significantly to the Australian economy.
The Core Skills stream will attract the skilled workers Australia needs to fill workforce gaps and provide vital services to the community.
An Essential Skills stream will replace the TSS Labour Agreement stream after further consultation with state and territory governments, unions, businesses and other stakeholders.
³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Innovation visa
The ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Innovation visa will be an invitation-only program for highly talented migrants who will make a significant contribution to a range of nationally important sectors with a focus on critical technologies, renewable energy and health.
It will be a permanent visa aimed at attracting global researchers, emerging and established entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creatives and elite athletes.
The CSOL continues to include occupations that were committed to by the previous Government in trade agreements.
