Work Visa (TSS)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a type of work visa in Australia that allows employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas when they cannot find suitable Australian workers to fill certain positions. The TSS visa replaced the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457) in March 2018. The TSS visa program is designed to address temporary skill shortages in the Australian labor market.

Key features of the TSS visa include:

• Streams:

  1- Short-Term Stream (TSS 482 visa): This stream is designed for employers to fill temporary skill shortages with foreign workers for up to two years (or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation applies).

  2- Medium-Term Stream (TSS 482 visa): This stream is for employers to source skilled workers for positions on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and can be granted for up to four years.

• Employer Sponsorship: Employers must be approved sponsors to nominate skilled workers for a TSS visa. They need to demonstrate a genuine need for the skilled worker and meet various sponsorship obligations.

• Occupation Lists: • The skilled occupation of the nominated position must be on the relevant skilled occupation list: either the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for the Short-Term Stream or the MLTSSL for the Medium-Term Stream.

• Skills Assessment: Depending on the occupation, the applicant may need to undergo a skills assessment from a relevant assessing authority to demonstrate their skills and qualifications.

• English Language Requirement: Depending on the stream and the nominated occupation, applicants may need to meet specific English language requirements.

• Work Experience: Applicants typically need to have a certain level of work experience relevant to the nominated occupation.

• Labour Market Testing (LMT): Employers are usually required to demonstrate that they have tested the local labor market by advertising the position before nominating a foreign worker.

• Conditions and Duration: The TSS visa is a temporary visa, and its duration depends on the stream and occupation. It can be renewed if needed.

• Family Members: TSS visa holders can include family members (spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children) in their visa application.