Australia’s New Skills in Demand Visa: Specialist, Core, and Essential Pathways

1. Specialist Skills Pathway

This pathway is aimed at highly skilled migrants earning a minimum of $135,000 annually. Unlike other visas, the Specialist Skills Pathway does not rely on an occupation list, offering greater flexibility for top-tier professionals. However, trade workers, machine operators, and labourers are excluded from this pathway.

Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: High-income earners in specialised fields.
• Fast-Track Processing: Applications will be processed within 7 days, providing immediate opportunities for qualified migrants.
• Annual Allocation: 3,000 places are available yearly, creating an exclusive opportunity for professionals in high-demand sectors.

This fast-track system incentivises global talent to apply, strengthening Australia’s competitiveness in attracting skilled migrants.

2. Core Skills Pathway

The Core Skills Pathway caters to skilled migrants earning between $70,000 and $135,000 annually. Occupations eligible under this pathway will be listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), updated regularly based on economic demand and trade agreements.

Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: Professionals in roles identified on the CSOL.
• Managed by Jobs and Skills Australia: The CSOL will reflect labour market trends, recruitment activity, and economic data.
• Dynamic Occupation List: Jobs and Skills Australia will update the list frequently, ensuring alignment with market needs and stakeholder consultation.

The Core Skills Pathway bridges gaps in industries experiencing sustained demand, such as healthcare, construction, and education.

3. Essential Skills Pathway

The Essential Skills Pathway targets skilled migrants earning below $70,000 annually, addressing persistent workforce shortages in critical areas such as aged care and disability services. This pathway emphasises worker protection, a significant improvement over the existing system.

Key Highlights:

• Eligibility: Skilled workers in sectors with persistent shortages.
• Enhanced Worker Protections: Improved safeguards for temporary migrant workers.
• Focus Areas: include roles in aged care, disability support, and other essential services.

By focusing on areas of persistent demand, this pathway supports Australia’s critical sectors and ensures fair treatment for workers.

4. Modernising Labour Market Testing

Under the new system, labour market testing will be replaced with a streamlined, independent verification process. This approach eliminates employer-led testing, instead relying on:

• In-depth analysis of recruitment activity and economic data.
• Submissions from industries and stakeholders.
• Lists managed by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL)

The CSOL will replace traditional labour market testing with three key lists:



• Confident On List: Occupations with strong demand.
• Confident Off List: Roles under review for possible removal.
• Targeted for Consultation: Occupations under consideration based on emerging trends.

This system ensures transparency, accuracy, and alignment with Australia’s workforce needs.

5. Income Thresholds and Indexation

The visa’s eligibility criteria are tied to the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT):

• Specialist Skills: $135,000+ annually
• Core Skills: $70,000–$135,000 annually
• Essential Skills: Below $70,000 annually

Salary thresholds and pathways

Pathway - Specialist Skills
Salary Bracket - $135,000+
Occupation Type - Highly specialised professions (no list)

Processing time - 7 days

Pathway - Core Skills
Salary Bracket - $70,000–$135,000
Occupation Type - Occupations on CSOL

Processing time - Varies

Pathway - Essential Skills
Salary Bracket - Below $70,000
Occupation Type - Persistent shortage roles (e.g., aged care)

Processing time - Varies

The TSMIT is subject to annual indexation, ensuring the thresholds remain competitive and aligned with economic conditions.

6. Key Benefits of the New System

Simplified Process: Streamlined pathways make it easier for migrants to apply.

Enhanced Worker Protections: Essential Skills Pathway ensures better safeguards.

Flexible Occupation Lists: Updated regularly to reflect current and future demand.

Fast-Track Applications: High-priority roles are processed in as little as 7 days.

How CC Medical Can Support Skilled Migrants

At CC Medical, we specialise in connecting skilled migrants with Australian employers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, aged care, and allied health. Whether you’re applying through the Specialist, Core, or Essential Skills pathway, we provide:



• Guidance on eligibility and documentation.
• Assistance with finding employer sponsorship.
• Ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition into the Australian workforce.
  

FAQs

Q: What is the Skills in Demand Visa?

A: The Skills in Demand Visa replaces the Subclass 482 visa with three new pathways: Specialist Skills (Psychiatrist, Obgyn, Paediatrist etc. ), Core Skills, and Essential Skills, tailored for skilled migrants based on salary and industry demand.

Q: What professions are included in the Core Skills Pathway?

A: Jobs listed on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), such as healthcare workers (doctors), educators, and tradespeople, are eligible under this pathway.

Q: How does the Essential Skills Pathway support temporary workers?

A: It focuses on roles in persistent shortage areas, like aged care, with improved worker protections compared to previous visas.

Conclusion

The new Skills in Demand Visa represents a significant shift in Australia’s migration policy, focusing on flexibility, efficiency, and fairness. Whether you’re a highly skilled professional or an essential worker, this visa offers tailored opportunities to contribute to Australia’s economy while advancing your career.

Explore opportunities with CC Medical today and take the next step in your migration journey!