Work Visas & Migration Services
Over the years, TPRC has successfully lodged over 3,000 work visas, with an impressive 99.7% success rate.
Having the right visa strategy can be the difference between success and failure for your business. We provide in-house migration services to ensure the best fit for both candidates and clients.
Understanding Work Visas
Skills in Demand (SID) Visa
Formerly TSS 482 Visa
The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa has replaced the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) 482 Visa as part of the Australian Government's effort to address critical skill shortages while prioritising local workers. This visa allows skilled professionals to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years. This is now the most common work visa.
Key Features of the SID Visa
- No age limit
- Allows visa holders to bring their family
- Requires Labour Market Testing (LMT) to prove no local workers are available
- Skills Assessments required for some occupations
- Employers must pay market salary rates, or a minimum AUD 76,515 + superannuation (currently). This will increase annually
- SID visa holders can become eligible for sponsored permanent residency after 2 years of full-time work
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA)
Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) are specialised arrangements between the Australian Department of Home Affairs and regional, state, or territory authorities. These agreements are designed to address the specific labour needs of designated regional areas across Australia.
Under a DAMA, eligible regional employers may be able to sponsor workers for visas such as the SID visa (formerly TSS 482), the 494 visa, and the 186 visa, including for occupations that may not be available under the standard sponsorship program. DAMAs can also offer certain concessions or exemptions, such as reduced English language requirements or lower salary thresholds, depending on the agreement and occupation.
Subclass 190
Skilled Nominated Visa
Useful if the SID visa does not apply. Offers immediate permanent residency via state nomination.
Subclass 491
Skilled Work Regional Visa
Useful if the SID visa does not apply. Offers a 5-year visa with permanent residency after three years.
Subclass 494
Employer Sponsored Regional Visa
Useful if the SID visa does not apply. Offers a 5-year visa with permanent residency after three years.
Migration Advisory Services
TPRC offers in-house migration services, including access to our expert Migration Lawyer, who provides tailored advice on all applications.
Our service ensures the best visa fit by considering:
- Skill requirements
- Salary implications
- Language requirements
As government policies and visa regulations evolve, our team stays up to date with the latest information, ensuring our clients receive the most effective migration solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work Visas
Who Can Sponsor an Employee?
Most businesses in Australia can sponsor skilled workers if they operate lawfully and demonstrate they are already trading, show financial stability to meet sponsorship obligations, and offer employment in an eligible skilled occupation. Similar sponsorship frameworks exist in New Zealand and the UK. Startups may face increased scrutiny and must prove stable operations.
What are the visa nomination requirements for a SID visa?
To nominate a worker, employers must prove a genuine need for the role, that they tried to recruit locally before hiring overseas, and that the salary meets the Australian market rate. Labour Market Testing (LMT) means that employers must advertise the role for at least 28 days on two nationally recognised job sites.
Are there minimum work experience or education requirements?
These vary depending on the role, however a common rule is a minimum of 3 years experience.
What are typical visa processing times?
Nomination processing typically takes 2 – 12 weeks. Visa approval usually takes 1 – 4 weeks after nomination approval.
Can family members come on a SID Visa?
Yes! Spouses and children can be included in the visa application. The spouse can work full-time in any role, and children can study (school fees may apply).
What is the minimum salary I need to pay?
You must pay sponsored workers the same salary as an equivalent Australian worker. This must meet the current Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT). Contact our team to discuss specific salary requirements for your role.
Ready to Get Started?
Let our expert team guide you through the visa and migration process.