The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the former TSS framework. The pathway generally requires an eligible sponsor, an approved nomination and a visa application. Current streams include Core Skills, Specialist Skills and Labour Agreement pathways.
Who this pathway is generally for
- An employer is willing and eligible to sponsor and nominate the worker.
- The nominated occupation and salary arrangement satisfy the relevant stream requirements.
- The applicant has the required skills, work experience, English and other eligibility evidence, subject to exemptions.
How the process usually works
- Employer sponsorship position is confirmed or obtained.
- The employer prepares the nomination, including role, occupation, salary and labour market evidence where required.
- The worker prepares the visa application and supporting skills and employment evidence.
- After grant, both sponsor obligations and visa conditions must be observed.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- whether the role and occupation genuinely align
- salary and market salary evidence
- work experience and qualification evidence
- business sponsorship history and compliance
- future transition to subclass 186
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.