The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions they are unable to find an Australian worker for. This visa aims to address temporary skill shortages in the Australian labor market.
1. Short-Term Stream
The Short-term stream enables employers to bring in skilled workers for occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) when they cannot find an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
- Eligibility:
- You must be nominated to work in an occupation on the STSOL.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field.
- A relevant skills assessment may be required for your occupation.
- You can only work for your sponsoring employer or associated entity unless exempt.
- Meet minimum English language proficiency standards, unless exempt.
- With this visa, you can:
- Work in Australia for up to 2 years (up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
- Study (but no government financial assistance).
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you like while the visa is valid.
- Apply for permanent residency if eligible.
- Sponsor requirements:
- The employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor.
- You must be nominated for a position listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List.
- If you are already on a subclass 457 or 482 visa, your sponsor must include secondary applicants in their nomination.
2. Medium-Term Stream
The Medium-term stream helps employers address labor shortages by sponsoring skilled workers for occupations listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL). This visa allows skilled workers to stay longer in Australia.
- Eligibility:
- You must be nominated to work in an occupation on the MLTSSL or ROL.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or related field.
- A relevant skills assessment may be required.
- Work only for the sponsoring employer unless exempt.
- Meet minimum English language proficiency requirements.
- With this visa, you can:
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years, or 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder.
- Study (without government financial assistance).
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
- If eligible, apply for permanent residency.
- Sponsor requirements:
- The employer must be a Standard Business Sponsor.
- The worker must be nominated for a position listed on the MLTSSL or ROL.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream allows employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government to sponsor skilled workers for specific occupations. Labour agreements are typically used for employers in sectors with unique workforce needs or skill shortages.
- Eligibility:
- You must be nominated to work in a specified occupation under the terms of a labor agreement.
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or related field.
- A relevant skills assessment may be required for your occupation.
- Work only for the sponsoring employer.
- Meet minimum English language proficiency standards unless exempt.
- With this visa, you can:
- Work in Australia for up to 4 years for your sponsor or 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder.
- Study (no government financial assistance).
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
- If eligible, apply for permanent residency.
- Sponsor requirements:
- The employer must have a valid labor agreement.
- The employer must provide evidence of labor market testing.
Key Features of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
- Streams:
- Short-term stream: For occupations on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
- Medium-term stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Labour agreement stream: For workers nominated under a labor agreement.
- Duration:
- Short-term: Up to 2 years (4 years with ITO or 5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
- Medium-term: Up to 4 years (5 years for Hong Kong passport holders).
- Labour agreement stream: Typically, up to 4 years, with a 5-year extension for Hong Kong nationals.
- Sponsorship:
- Employers must be Standard Business Sponsors, and can also become Accredited Sponsors to fast-track visa nominations.
- Permanent Residency Pathways:
- Both streams offer pathways to permanent residency, depending on eligibility.
- Family Members:
- Family members can accompany the main applicant as secondary applicants on the visa.
This visa is essential for employers needing to fill skilled roles in sectors facing labor shortages while offering skilled workers the opportunity to live and work in Australia temporarily.