How to Secure Permanent Residency After Getting an SID Visa: New Pathways for Indians

Australia continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for Indian professionals looking for global career growth, high salaries, a world-class lifestyle, and long-term settlement opportunities. In 2025, the Australian government introduced significant reforms to streamline the skilled migration system one of the biggest being the launch of the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa, a replacement for the older Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482).

For many Indians, the most important question is:

“Can I get Permanent Residency (PR) in Australia after receiving the SID Visa?”

The answer is YES and the pathways are now clearer, faster, and more flexible than before.

This in-depth guide explains how Indian professionals can use the SID Visa as a stepping stone to Australian Permanent Residency. It also outlines visa streams, requirements, timelines, employer obligations, PR pathways, eligibility criteria, and practical tips to maximize your chances.

Whether you are researching the Australia work visa for Indians, trying to understand Australia work visa requirements, or planning to apply for an Australia work permit visa, this blog will give you everything you need.

⭐ What is the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa?

The Skills in Demand (SID) Visa is Australia’s reformed skilled worker visa launched to better match labour market needs, simplify processing, and offer better mobility to foreign workers—including Indians.

It has three main streams:

Specialist Skills Stream – For high-income, highly skilled professionals.

Core Skills Stream – For most mainstream skilled occupations.

Essential Skills Stream – For care workers and lower-income essential roles.

The SID Visa replaces the TSS Visa and introduces:

• More flexible job-change options

• Reduced work-experience requirement (1 year instead of 2)

• Broader occupation lists

• A clearer pathway to Permanent Residency

This makes it one of the strongest routes for Indian professionals planning to migrate through an Australia work permit visa.

⭐ Why Indians Prefer the SID Visa in 2025

Indian applicants, especially IT professionals, engineers, healthcare workers, tradesmen, hospitality workers, and accountants, benefit from:

✔ Faster PR pathways

✔ Lower experience requirement

✔ Higher employer flexibility

✔ Ability to change employers without losing visa status

✔ Strong demand for Indian skills in Australia

For many, SID is now the most favourable Australia work visa for Indians.

🏆 Can SID Visa Holders Apply for Australian PR?

Yes. SID Visa holders can qualify for PR through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186).

The Australian Government recently improved this pathway to make PR access easier and faster.

⭐ New PR Pathways for SID Visa Holders (2025)

Below are the newly updated and approved pathways to secure PR after obtaining the SID Visa.

1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186 (TRT Stream)

This is the primary PR pathway for SID Visa holders.

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify under the Temporary Residence Transition Stream, you must:

✔ Hold an SID Visa for a relevant occupation.

✔ Work with your sponsoring employer for at least 2 years (previously 3 years).

✔ Meet required salary thresholds.

✔ Be nominated by your employer for a PR role.

✔ Meet character and health requirements.

Why this matters for Indians:

The reduction of work requirement from 3 years to 2 years is a major advantage. It allows Indian workers to obtain PR 1 year earlier.

2. Direct Employer Sponsored PR Pathway

Some SID Visa holders in high-demand roles (especially under the Specialist Skills Stream) may be nominated for PR without waiting 2 years, depending on the employer and the state’s needs.

Applies to:

• High-income tech professionals

• Engineers

• Specialist medical professionals

• Advanced STEM roles

• Senior managers

This is not guaranteed for all, but it is a growing pathway.

3. State or Territory Nomination Pathways (Subclass 190 / Subclass 491 to PR)

SID Visa holders can move to PR through:

• Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa (PR)

• Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional Visa → leads to PR via Subclass 191 after 3 years

Some states offer fast nominations for individuals already working in Australia on skilled visas.

4. Regional Migration Routes (DAMA)

Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs) provide PR pathways for:

• Hospitality professionals

• Automotive trades

• Nursing assistants

• Mechanics

• Electricians

• Construction workers

Indians in regional areas (NT, SA, WA) have higher PR chances due to regional skill shortages.

5. Points-Based PR After SID Visa (Subclass 189/190/491)

Although SID is employer-sponsored, nothing stops you from applying for PR independently.

You can simultaneously:

• Work in Australia on an SID Visa

• Build your points (age, English, Australian experience, etc.)

• Apply for points-tested PR later

This dual-path strategy increases your chances of securing permanent residency faster.

🧲 Why SID Visa Offers a Better PR Pathway Than the Old TSS Visa

1. Lower Work Experience Requirement

TSS required 2 years of experience.
SID requires only 1 year, making it easier for young Indian professionals.

2. Job Mobility

SID Visa holders can change employers more easily.
Australia now gives:

• 180 days at a time, and

• 365 days total

to find a new sponsor—without losing visa status.

3. All Occupations Eligible for PR

Previously, only “Medium and Long-term” occupations were eligible for PR.
Now, almost all ANZSCO occupations qualify under the new system.

4. Faster Processing & Clearer PR Pipeline

The SID Visa system aims to reduce delays and improve transparency, benefiting immigrants.

📝 Australia Work Visa Requirements for SID Visa Applicants

Here are the general Australia work visa requirements relevant to SID applicants (varies by stream):

✔ Relevant Qualification

Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, or trade certification depending on the job.

✔ Skills Assessment (optional for some streams)

Required for many occupations such as:

• Engineers

• Nurses

• IT professionals

• Trades workers

✔ Proficient English

IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or OET.

✔ Job Offer from an Approved Employer

A necessary step for the SID Visa.

✔ Salary Should Meet Threshold

From 1 July 2025:

• Core Skills: AUD 76,515

• Specialist Skills: AUD 141,210

✔ Health & Character Check

Standard requirement for all Australian visas.

These requirements align perfectly with the needs of an Australia work permit visa applicant.

🌏 Who Is the SID Visa Most Beneficial For?

The SID Visa is especially favourable for Indians in:

IT & Technology

• Software engineers

• Cloud architects

• Cybersecurity analysts

• Data scientists

Engineering

• Mechanical engineers

• Electrical engineers

• Civil engineers

• Mining engineers

Healthcare

• Nurses

• Physiotherapists

• Lab technicians

• Pharmacists

Trades & Construction

• Carpenters

• Welders

• Electricians

• Plumbers

Hospitality

• Chefs

• Restaurant managers

These sectors show high demand and strong PR prospects.

🛣 Step-by-Step Guide: How Indians Can Secure PR After SID Visa

Step 1: Apply for and Receive the SID Visa

Choose the correct stream based on your skills and salary.

Step 2: Work with Your Sponsor in Australia

Minimum required: 2 years.

This period counts toward your PR eligibility.

Step 3: Ensure You Meet Salary & Occupation Requirements

Your salary must meet the:

• Core Skills Income Threshold, or

• Specialist Skills Income Threshold

Your employer must also be an approved sponsor.

Step 4: Ask Your Employer to Nominate You for PR

This is the essential step in the PR process.
Your employer applies under:

Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) – Subclass 186 (TRT Stream)

Step 5: Submit Your PR Application

You must provide:

• Passport

• Skills & experience documents

• Proof of employment in Australia

• Salary evidence

• Health & character documents

• English proficiency results

Step 6: Receive PR Grant

Once approved, you receive:

• Permanent residency

• 5-year travel facility

• Medicare access

• Social security eligibility (after waiting period)

• Citizenship pathway after 4 years

⭐ Tips for Indian SID Visa Holders to Increase PR Chances

✔ Choose an employer known for PR sponsorship

Companies like hospitals, IT firms, engineering companies, and mining firms often sponsor PR.

✔ Maintain consistent employment

Any employment gap can delay PR eligibility.

✔ Keep your salary above threshold

Lower payroll entries may affect your PR nomination.

✔ Apply for a skills assessment early

If your occupation requires it, do it before your PR stage.

✔ Improve your English score

Higher English proficiency increases chances of approval.

📝 Sample Timeline for PR via SID Visa

This is a very competitive timeline compared to other global migration programs.

🌟 Why Indians Should Use the SID Visa as a PR Pathway

✔ Clear and simplified PR migration plan

✔ Faster route to PR than many previous visas

✔ Strong job demand in Australia

✔ Occupation lists now more flexible

✔ Higher acceptance rate for sponsored workers

✔ Perfect stepping stone for long-term settlement