About This Visa
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482) is designed to help Australian employers address skill shortages by recruiting skilled workers from overseas when suitably qualified Australian candidates are unavailable. This visa ensures that Australian workers remain the first priority while providing businesses access to global talent when needed.
With this visa, you can:
- Live and work in Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia freely during the visa’s validity.
- Include eligible family members who can work and study in Australia.
- Apply for permanent residence if eligible under certain streams.
You can lodge this visa application either from within Australia or outside of Australia.
Streams of the TSS Visa
The TSS Visa offers three distinct streams tailored to meet different employment and industry needs:
Short-Term Stream
- Designed for occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled
Occupation List (STSOL).
- Allows you to stay in Australia for up to 2 years or up to 4
years if an International Trade Obligation applies.
- You can renew this visa once while in Australia.
- Visa cost: AUD 1,150.
Medium-Term Stream
- For occupations on the Medium and Long-term Strategic
Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
- Permits a stay of up to 4 years.
- Unlimited renewals are allowed while in Australia.
- Visa cost: AUD 2,400.
Labor Agreement Stream
- Applies to workers nominated under a labor agreement
between an Australian employer and the Department of Home
Affairs.
- The duration of stay is based on the terms outlined in the
agreement.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the TSS Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Your employer must be an approved sponsor recognized by the Department of Home Affairs.
Your occupation must appear on the relevant skilled occupation list.
Demonstrate at least 2 years of relevant work experience inthe nominated role.
Complete a skills assessment if required for your occupation.
Short-term stream: IELTS overall score of 5.0, with no band less than 4.5 (or equivalent)
Medium-term stream: IELTS overall score of 5.0, with noband less than 5.0 (or equivalent).
Submit valid medical certificates issued within 12 months of the application.
Provide police clearance certificates to meet character requirements.
If applying from within Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or a bridging visa (A, B, or C).
Short-term stream applicants must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criteria.
Employer Obligations
To qualify for the TSS Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria
- Be legally operating in Australia.
- Obtain a standard business sponsorship, valid for 5 years
- Nominate a position that appears on the relevant skilled occupation list (STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL).
- Provide an employment contract with a salary meeting or exceeding the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT).
- Complete Labor Market Testing, if applicable.
- Fees payable by the employer include
- - Sponsorship fee: AUD 420
- Nomination fee: AUD 330.
Application Process
The application process for the TSS Visa involves three essential steps:
1. Sponsorship
The employer applies for approval as a sponsor.2. Nomination
The employer nominates a skilled position and the applicant for the role.3. Visa Application
The applicant submits relevant documentation, including:Proof of identity and age. Educational qualifications and professional training. Employment history and references. Skills assessment results (if required). Evidence of health insurance coverage. Proof of English language proficiency
Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Including Family Members
Applicants can include their spouse, children, or stepchildren in
their visa application. These family members must:
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Be part of the applicant’s immediate family unit.
If family members are not included in the original application,
they can apply as subsequent entrants later. Employers must
extend their sponsorship obligations to include these family
members
Pathways to Permanent Residence
The TSS Visa can lead to permanent residency through specific
visa pathways, such as:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186).
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants and their family members must:
- Meet health requirements by undergoing medical
examinations within 12 months before lodging the application.
- Fulfill character requirements by providing police clearance
certificates.
Benefits of Professional Assistance
Navigating the TSS Visa application process requires attention
to detail and compliance with strict requirements. Seeking
professional advice can:
- Minimize errors in your application.
- Increase the likelihood of visa approval.
- Ensure compliance with Australian migration laws.
Our team of registered migration agents specializes in
Australian visas, offering personalised guidance to simplify your
- application process