Temporary Skill Shortage (482)

In March 2018, the Australian Government introduced the TSS (482) visa, replacing the existing Temporary Work (Skilled) (457) visa. The TSS visa is a temporary visa which permits the holder to live in Australia, while working full-time for the employer in the nominated occupation. TSS visa applicants may include dependent family members in their application.

Streams

The TSS visa has a short-term stream and a medium-term stream. Applicants with occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) are eligible for visas of up to two years (renewable once, for a further two years), whilst those on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) can apply for up to four years, with eligibility for permanent residency after three years.

The position that the employer wants to nominate must appear as an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List.

It is essential for the applicant to have the skills required to fulfil the nominated occupation. Whilst the skills required vary depending on the occupation, all TSS visa applicants are required to have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience. When examining a TSS visa applicant’s skills and qualifications against the nominated position, the Department of Home Affairs will cross-reference the position description supplied in the employer’s nomination application, with the visa applicant’s qualifications and work references, to ensure the applicant has the necessary skills and experience.

Eligibility Requirements

If applicants are not from an exempt country (ie UK, USA, Canada, NZ or Ireland), they will also need to meet English language requirements at the time of application.

Health and character criteria will also need to be met. Police clearance certificates are required for every country in which the applicant has lived for 12 months or more since turning 16 years of age, within the last ten years..