Australia PR Rules: New Skill Visa Makes Permanent Residency Easier

Australia has introduced a new visa, the ‘Skills in Demand’ (SID) visa, aimed at addressing labor shortages in various sectors. This new visa will make it easier for people, including Indians, to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia, making it simpler to stay in the country long-term.

Key Features of the ‘Skills in Demand’ Visa:

• Validity: The visa allows foreign nationals to work in Australia for 4 years. Hong Kong passport holders will be granted a 5-year work period.
• Re-entry: Visa holders can enter and exit Australia as many times as they want during the visa validity period.
• Path to Permanent Residency: The new visa offers a faster route to obtaining permanent residency based on employment criteria.

Eligibility for the ‘Skills in Demand’ Visa:

To qualify for the SID visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. Job in Demand: The job must be on Australia’s Core Skilled Occupation List (CSOL).
2. Work Experience: Applicants need at least one year of work experience.
3. Skill Assessment: Applicants must meet the required skill assessment standards.
4. English Proficiency: Applicants must provide proof of English language proficiency.
5. Employer Sponsorship: The applicant must be sponsored by an employer in Australia.

Types of ‘Skills in Demand’ Visas:

There are three types of visas under the new system:

1. Core Skills Stream: For individuals with high-demand skills in Australia.
2. Specialist Skills Stream: For individuals with specialized skills and high-paying jobs (salary ≥ 1,35,000 AUD).
3. Labor Agreement Stream: Now known as the Essential Skills Stream, for workers in critical sectors.

Pathway to Permanent Residency:

• The new ‘Skills in Demand’ visa has a shorter pathway to permanent residency compared to previous visa options.
• With just one year of work experience, applicants can qualify for PR.
• Work experience with any approved employer will count towards permanent residency eligibility.

The ‘Skills in Demand’ visa provides a more accessible route to living and working in Australia for those with in-demand skills, offering a clear and quicker pathway to Permanent Residency.