Australia is changing its work visa rules starting from 2026. The Australia Work Permit Changes From 2026 includes introduction of Skills in Demand Visa. This visa replaces the old Temporary Skill Shortage visa. This new visa focuses more on jobs that Australia actually needs. This visa is mainly for skilled workers who already have a job offer from an Australian employer.
Australia Work Permit Changes From 2026
Under the Skills in Demand visa system, an Australian employer must sponsor a foreign worker for a job that appears on the in-demand occupation list. These lists are updated regularly and reflect jobs Australia urgently needs. The Australia Work Permit Changes From 2026 includes an updated occupation list. This visa is divided into different skill based streams which depends on the type of job and salary level.
Australia New Skills In Demand Visa Rules 2026 – Overview
| Post Title | Australia Work Permit Changes From 2026 |
| Year | 2026 |
| Country Name | Australia |
| Visa Name | Skills in Demand Visa |
| Old Visa Replaced | Temporary Skill Shortage |
| Affected People | Employers in Australia and Skilled Foreign Workers |
| Work Visa Type | Employer Sponsored |
| Government Authority | Home Affairs Department |
| Post Category | Australia News |
| Official Web Portal | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/ |
Skills In Demand Visa Eligibility 2026
- Workers must have a job offer from an approved Australian employer.
- Worker jobs must be on the Skills in Demand Occupation List.
- Employers must pay a fair salary as per Australian Standards.
- Workers must have required skills and work experience.
- Employers must follow labour laws and sponsorship rules.
Length of Stay & Work Rights Under Skills In Demand Visa
This visa allows workers to live and work in Australia for up to 4 years and these workers can only be employed by a sponsoring employer. These skills in demand visas can help workers to get PR in Australia.
Skills In Demand Visa Rules 2026
Worker’s Employer Change: A skills in demand visa holder cannot start working for a new employer. They can only change employers after the new employer gets an approved nomination. Until that nomination is approved, the worker can’t start a new job.
Changing the Worker’s Working Hours: If a worker is under the Core Skills Stream then their salary always stays at or above the Core Skills Income Threshold. If the worker is under the Specialist Skills stream then their salary must always stay at or over SSIT.
Update On Worker’s Job Duties: If an employer changes the worker role that adds new duties or changes the job completely then a new nomination is needed.
Promotion of Worker: Employers can promote the worker without a new nomination if their job duties remain the same. But if the promotion includes a new role or responsibilities then a new nomination is required.
Paying the Worker More: Employers are allowed to pay the worker more money as long as the job duties do not change. But Core Skills stream workers must still meet CSIT and Specialist Skills Stream workers must still meet SSIT.
Stopping Employment or Sponsorship: If the worker resigns or employer stops sponsoring the worker then the employer must inform the Department within 28 days. Employers can submit the Notification of sponsor changes form in Immi Account or they can email at [email protected]. After employment ends, the worker has up to 180 days to get another visa, to find a new approved sponsor or leave Australia.
Existing Sponsorship Transfer: If an employer wants to take over sponsorship from another employer then they must submit a new nomination or they must be already an approved sponsor. The worker does not need a new visa unless their visa is about to expire or they are moving from Labour Agreement to Standard Business Sponsor.
Expiring Worker Visa: If the employer wants to keep employing the worker then they must submit a new nomination and the worker’s requires a new visa application.
Transitioning from TR to PR: If a worker holds a Skills in Demand visa then the employer may sponsor them for PR through the Employer Nomination Scheme.
FAQs On Australia Work Permit Changes From 2026
What is the Skills in Demand Visa 2026?
The Skills in Demand Visa 2026 is a new employer sponsored work visa that replaces the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa.
Who can apply for the Australia Skills in Demand Visa?
Skilled workers who already have a job offer from an approved Australian employer can apply for the Australia Skills in Demand Visa.
Which jobs are eligible under Australia Skills In Demand Visa 2026?
Only jobs which are listed in the Skills in Demand Occupation list are eligible under Australia Skills In Demand Visa 2026.
How long can workers stay on a Skills In Demand Visa?
A worker can stay for up to 4 years on a Skills In Demand Visa.
