New Skills in Demand visa and pathway to Permanent Residence
December 2024 Edition
On 07 December 2024, the Department of Home Affairs officially launched the Skills in Demand (SID) visa (subclass 482) to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa operating under the same subclass 482. The SID visa allows the worker to stay in Australia for up to four years, with a pathway to permanent residency through the Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) visa in the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.
The SID Visa Has Three Streams:
- Core Skills Stream: For individuals with occupations listed in the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and meeting the Core Skills Income Threshold (currently at $73,150).
- Specialist Skills Stream: For highly skilled individual with any occupation from the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) excluding trades workers, machinery operators and drivers, and labourers. The nominated positions must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (currently at $135,000).
- Labour Agreements Stream: The TSS Labour Agreement stream will be integrated with the SID visa, and this allows sponsors to create labour agreements to meet their needs for specific industries. This pathway is suitable for applicants with essential skills and income lower than $73,150.00.
The New Skills In Demand Visa Features The Following Changes:
- Lower work experience period: The requirement of relevant work experience in the past five years has been reduced to one year down from two years. This may also include part time/casual experience.
- Mobility in employment: the applicant has 180 days in a single period, to find a new sponsor, which offers employees greater flexibility to move between sponsors.
- Relatively low Language Requirement: The applicant only requires an English level equivalent to a minimum score of IELTS 5.0 or PTE 36 in each test component.
- Pathway to PR: All SID visa streams may lead to permanent residence via the Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition stream, unlike the TSS visa which only allowed it for occupations in the medium and long term occupation list.
- Employment Flexibility for ENS Visa: The applicant does not need to re-accumulate the 2 year full time work experience if they have changed the sponsor. Employment periods with any sponsor in Australia will count toward the two-year requirement for the Employer Nominated Scheme (subclass 186) Temporary Residence Transition stream.
- Same Sponsor eligibility: The sponsor’s eligibility criteria remain the same, so there are no further burden imposes on the business owner.
- New Occupation list: SID visa includes some occupations that is vital to business need but was not included in TSS visa, i.e. childcare worker, office manager, building and engineering technician nec, etc.
The new SID visa provides a more transparent and promising pathway for immigration in Australia. We are here to assist you to evaluate and consider the appropriate occupation for the applicable visa stream as well as meeting the visa and sponsorship eligibility. Our skilled immigration law team can help you navigate the journey towards permanent residency smoothly or to attract and retain your skilled workers. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Disclaimer: This article is for general understanding and should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. Any reliance on the information is strictly at the user's risk, and there is no intention to create a lawyer-client relationship from this general communication.
Contact Us Now!
For comprehensive legal services,
book now for your free initial consultation.
Contact Us
Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later.
Please try again later.
Contact Us Now!
For comprehensive legal services,
book now for your free initial consultation.
Contact Us
Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later.
Please try again later.
Our Latest Story
By Klarissa Pantillano
•
20 March 2026
When thinking of estate planning most people consider only the most important document, their Wills. But a document that is often overlooked is an Enduring Power of Attorney document (‘EPA’). Despite the importance of this document most individuals delay preparing this document until its too late. An EPA allows you to appoint a trusted person (a family member, friend, or professional (e.g. solicitor or accountant) to legally act on your behalf and make financial and or personal decisions when you are unable to do so yourself (if you lose the capacity) Without a valid EPA in place, your loved ones may face significant difficulties if something unexpected happens and you were suddenly unable to manage your finances or make important decisions. Your family and friends may need to undergo a time-consuming, costly and stressful process of applying through a tribunal or court to be formally appointed to act for you. This is not ideal especially during an already challenging time. Further an EPA ensures that the person chosen as your attorney to make decisions for you is someone you have personally chosen and trust. Just because you have an EPA does not mean you suddenly lose control of managing your own affairs. It simply means that you have planned ahead should your circumstances change with no notice. Whilst you have capacity any decision making for yourself remains your own. It is also important to note that each Australian jurisdiction has its own specific documents that encompasses an EPA. Seeking advice relevant to your location can ensure the correct documents are prepared for you.
New AML/CTF Regulations : A Brief Explanation of Tranche 2 Reforms, Obligations, and How We Can Help
By Savannah Barrios
•
20 March 2026
Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime is undergoing significant reform, with the long-anticipated “Tranche 2” reforms set to reshape the regulatory landscape. What Are the Tranche 2 Reforms? Since the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, Australia’s AML/CTF regime has applied primarily to financial institutions, gambling providers and certain remittance services. Tranche 2 reforms will extend these obligations to additional high-risk sectors, including legal practitioners, accountants, trust and company service providers, real estate professionals and dealers in precious metals and stones. Key Compliance Obligations Entities newly captured under Tranche 2 will be required to: Enrol and register with AUSTRAC from 31 March 2026. Develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program before 1 July 2026. Undertake customer due diligence (CDD), including identification and verification of clients and beneficial owners. Conduct ongoing customer monitoring. Report suspicious matters, threshold transactions and annual reports on an ongoing basis; and Maintain appropriate records and governance controls. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny and Enforcement AUSTRAC has demonstrated a willingness to take strong enforcement action against non compliant entities in recent years. With the expansion of the regime, newly regulated sectors can expect heightened supervisory engagement, including audits and enforcement proceedings where serious deficiencies are identified. Preparing for the Transition Although transitional periods are anticipated, affected businesses should begin preparing now. Early action may include conducting preliminary risk assessments, mapping services against designated activities, reviewing client onboarding procedures, and engaging external advisors to assist with program design and implementation. The Tranche 2 reforms represent one of the most recent substantial expansions of Australia’s financial crime regulatory framework. For many organisations, compliance will not simply be a box-ticking exercise, but a fundamental operational adjustment. How Can We Help? At CJM Lawyers, we have been closely monitoring the evolving AML/CTF regime for years through our experience in advising Tranche 1 entities of their compliance obligations. Our team can assist with risk assessments, AML/CTF program development, governance reviews, and regulatory engagement to ensure your organisation remains compliant. In a rapidly changing legal and regulatory landscape, proactive and ongoing advice is essential — and we are here to help you stay regulated, protected and prepared. Arrange for a meeting with a member of our experienced regulatory compliance team to see how we can help you navigate this new area with confidence.
By Nagisa Kumagai
•
10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
Our Latest Story
By Klarissa Pantillano
•
20 March 2026
When thinking of estate planning most people consider only the most important document, their Wills. But a document that is often overlooked is an Enduring Power of Attorney document (‘EPA’). Despite the importance of this document most individuals delay preparing this document until its too late. An EPA allows you to appoint a trusted person (a family member, friend, or professional (e.g. solicitor or accountant) to legally act on your behalf and make financial and or personal decisions when you are unable to do so yourself (if you lose the capacity) Without a valid EPA in place, your loved ones may face significant difficulties if something unexpected happens and you were suddenly unable to manage your finances or make important decisions. Your family and friends may need to undergo a time-consuming, costly and stressful process of applying through a tribunal or court to be formally appointed to act for you. This is not ideal especially during an already challenging time. Further an EPA ensures that the person chosen as your attorney to make decisions for you is someone you have personally chosen and trust. Just because you have an EPA does not mean you suddenly lose control of managing your own affairs. It simply means that you have planned ahead should your circumstances change with no notice. Whilst you have capacity any decision making for yourself remains your own. It is also important to note that each Australian jurisdiction has its own specific documents that encompasses an EPA. Seeking advice relevant to your location can ensure the correct documents are prepared for you.
New AML/CTF Regulations : A Brief Explanation of Tranche 2 Reforms, Obligations, and How We Can Help
By Savannah Barrios
•
20 March 2026
Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime is undergoing significant reform, with the long-anticipated “Tranche 2” reforms set to reshape the regulatory landscape. What Are the Tranche 2 Reforms? Since the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, Australia’s AML/CTF regime has applied primarily to financial institutions, gambling providers and certain remittance services. Tranche 2 reforms will extend these obligations to additional high-risk sectors, including legal practitioners, accountants, trust and company service providers, real estate professionals and dealers in precious metals and stones. Key Compliance Obligations Entities newly captured under Tranche 2 will be required to: Enrol and register with AUSTRAC from 31 March 2026. Develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program before 1 July 2026. Undertake customer due diligence (CDD), including identification and verification of clients and beneficial owners. Conduct ongoing customer monitoring. Report suspicious matters, threshold transactions and annual reports on an ongoing basis; and Maintain appropriate records and governance controls. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny and Enforcement AUSTRAC has demonstrated a willingness to take strong enforcement action against non compliant entities in recent years. With the expansion of the regime, newly regulated sectors can expect heightened supervisory engagement, including audits and enforcement proceedings where serious deficiencies are identified. Preparing for the Transition Although transitional periods are anticipated, affected businesses should begin preparing now. Early action may include conducting preliminary risk assessments, mapping services against designated activities, reviewing client onboarding procedures, and engaging external advisors to assist with program design and implementation. The Tranche 2 reforms represent one of the most recent substantial expansions of Australia’s financial crime regulatory framework. For many organisations, compliance will not simply be a box-ticking exercise, but a fundamental operational adjustment. How Can We Help? At CJM Lawyers, we have been closely monitoring the evolving AML/CTF regime for years through our experience in advising Tranche 1 entities of their compliance obligations. Our team can assist with risk assessments, AML/CTF program development, governance reviews, and regulatory engagement to ensure your organisation remains compliant. In a rapidly changing legal and regulatory landscape, proactive and ongoing advice is essential — and we are here to help you stay regulated, protected and prepared. Arrange for a meeting with a member of our experienced regulatory compliance team to see how we can help you navigate this new area with confidence.
By Nagisa Kumagai
•
10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
Our Latest Story
By Klarissa Pantillano
•
20 March 2026
When thinking of estate planning most people consider only the most important document, their Wills. But a document that is often overlooked is an Enduring Power of Attorney document (‘EPA’). Despite the importance of this document most individuals delay preparing this document until its too late. An EPA allows you to appoint a trusted person (a family member, friend, or professional (e.g. solicitor or accountant) to legally act on your behalf and make financial and or personal decisions when you are unable to do so yourself (if you lose the capacity) Without a valid EPA in place, your loved ones may face significant difficulties if something unexpected happens and you were suddenly unable to manage your finances or make important decisions. Your family and friends may need to undergo a time-consuming, costly and stressful process of applying through a tribunal or court to be formally appointed to act for you. This is not ideal especially during an already challenging time. Further an EPA ensures that the person chosen as your attorney to make decisions for you is someone you have personally chosen and trust. Just because you have an EPA does not mean you suddenly lose control of managing your own affairs. It simply means that you have planned ahead should your circumstances change with no notice. Whilst you have capacity any decision making for yourself remains your own. It is also important to note that each Australian jurisdiction has its own specific documents that encompasses an EPA. Seeking advice relevant to your location can ensure the correct documents are prepared for you.
New AML/CTF Regulations : A Brief Explanation of Tranche 2 Reforms, Obligations, and How We Can Help
By Savannah Barrios
•
20 March 2026
Australia’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) regime is undergoing significant reform, with the long-anticipated “Tranche 2” reforms set to reshape the regulatory landscape. What Are the Tranche 2 Reforms? Since the introduction of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, Australia’s AML/CTF regime has applied primarily to financial institutions, gambling providers and certain remittance services. Tranche 2 reforms will extend these obligations to additional high-risk sectors, including legal practitioners, accountants, trust and company service providers, real estate professionals and dealers in precious metals and stones. Key Compliance Obligations Entities newly captured under Tranche 2 will be required to: Enrol and register with AUSTRAC from 31 March 2026. Develop and maintain a compliant AML/CTF Program before 1 July 2026. Undertake customer due diligence (CDD), including identification and verification of clients and beneficial owners. Conduct ongoing customer monitoring. Report suspicious matters, threshold transactions and annual reports on an ongoing basis; and Maintain appropriate records and governance controls. Increased Regulatory Scrutiny and Enforcement AUSTRAC has demonstrated a willingness to take strong enforcement action against non compliant entities in recent years. With the expansion of the regime, newly regulated sectors can expect heightened supervisory engagement, including audits and enforcement proceedings where serious deficiencies are identified. Preparing for the Transition Although transitional periods are anticipated, affected businesses should begin preparing now. Early action may include conducting preliminary risk assessments, mapping services against designated activities, reviewing client onboarding procedures, and engaging external advisors to assist with program design and implementation. The Tranche 2 reforms represent one of the most recent substantial expansions of Australia’s financial crime regulatory framework. For many organisations, compliance will not simply be a box-ticking exercise, but a fundamental operational adjustment. How Can We Help? At CJM Lawyers, we have been closely monitoring the evolving AML/CTF regime for years through our experience in advising Tranche 1 entities of their compliance obligations. Our team can assist with risk assessments, AML/CTF program development, governance reviews, and regulatory engagement to ensure your organisation remains compliant. In a rapidly changing legal and regulatory landscape, proactive and ongoing advice is essential — and we are here to help you stay regulated, protected and prepared. Arrange for a meeting with a member of our experienced regulatory compliance team to see how we can help you navigate this new area with confidence.
By Nagisa Kumagai
•
10 February 2026
Preparing a Contract for Sale of Land in NSW is a critical step in any property transaction. For vendors, the contract sets the legal framework for the sale and defines the rights and obligations once contracts are exchanged. Errors or omissions at this stage can expose a vendor to issues such as delays and disputes. In NSW, a property cannot be marketed for sale without a draft Contract for Sale. The contract must include prescribed documents, also known as vendor disclosure documents. These include: a current title search; a plan of the land; relevant dealings affecting the land; a Council Planning (section 10.7) Certificate; and a sewerage diagram. Depending on the property, additional documents may be required, such as strata records, pool compliance or non-compliance certificate or notices affecting use or development. The consequences of missing disclosure documents can be significant. A purchaser may have a statutory right to rescind the contract within 14 days after exchange if certain prescribed documents are not included, which can result in a sale being terminated even where price and key terms have been agreed. It is also important that proper special conditions are drafted. These can address things such as potential property issues, manage tenancy arrangements and tailor settlement terms. Poorly drafted or missing conditions often lead to disputes, which can cause delays in settlement, prompt renegotiation or allow the purchaser to rescind the contract. Timing is also important. Preparing the contract early allows potential issues to be identified before a property is listed. This reduces pressure during negotiations and helps avoid last minute amendments that can unsettle a transaction or lead to a purchaser withdrawing. CJM Lawyers assists vendors across NSW with the preparation of Contracts for Sale of Land, ensuring that disclosure obligations are met and that the contract accurately reflects the property and the vendor’s position. We provide practical advice on risk management, special conditions and settlement planning. A well prepared contract is the foundation of a smooth property sale. Early legal advice can reduce risk, protect value and support a timely settlement. If you would like advice on preparing a Contract for Sale, contact the CJM Lawyers NSW property team.
Our Client Say
Our Client Say
Our Client Say
