Australia, known for its diverse culture and booming economy, attracts many skilled workers from across the globe. One of the most common ways to work in Australia is through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill skills gaps in their workforce. This visa is an essential pathway for professionals in various industries who are eager to experience life in Australia while contributing their expertise to the local economy.
The TSS visa, officially known as subclass 482, was introduced in March 2018 as a replacement for the 457 visa. Its primary purpose is to address skill shortages in Australia while ensuring that local labour markets are not undermined by an influx of foreign workers.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the TSS visa, including eligibility, the application process, and the benefits it offers to both employers and workers.
What is the TSS Visa?
The TSS visa allows skilled workers to live and work in Australia for a temporary period. It is designed for individuals who have been sponsored by an Australian employer to fill a position that cannot be filled by a local worker.
The TSS visa has three main streams:
- Short-Term Stream: This stream is for workers who are nominated for an occupation on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). This visa allows workers to stay in Australia for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal for one additional term. The key feature of this stream is that it is for temporary workers filling roles in industries facing skill shortages on a short-term basis.
- Medium-Term Stream: This stream is for workers nominated for occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). It allows workers to stay for up to four years, with the potential to apply for permanent residency after three years. This stream is ideal for skilled professionals in occupations that are in high demand in Australia.
- Labour Agreement Stream: This stream applies to employers who have a labour agreement with the Australian government, allowing them to sponsor workers for positions that are not covered by the standard TSS visa arrangements. It’s designed for specific industries or employers with unique needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the TSS visa, applicants must meet several key eligibility requirements. These include:
- Sponsorship by an Employer: You must have a sponsoring employer who is an approved sponsor with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The employer must offer you a full-time position in a nominated occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list.
- Occupation Requirements: The occupation you are being nominated for must be on either the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), depending on which stream you are applying for. The occupation must be assessed by the relevant skills assessing authority.
- Skills and Qualifications: You must have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to perform the duties of the nominated occupation. For most professions, a skills assessment is required to ensure you meet Australian standards.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants are generally required to demonstrate their proficiency in English. This can be done through standardised tests like IELTS or TOEFL, or by proving that English is your first language.
- Health and Character Requirements: As part of the application, you must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government. This includes undergoing medical checks and providing police certificates from your home country and any other countries you’ve lived in for over 12 months in the last 10 years.
Parting Thoughts
The Australian TSS visa is a crucial tool for filling skill shortages in the country while offering skilled workers the opportunity to work, live, and possibly settle in Australia. By understanding the eligibility requirements and the application process, you can take full advantage of this temporary yet promising visa option.
Written by Business Contributor Nivi Watson