The 482 TSS visa is an extremely popular Australian skilled work visa option for migrants. We also refer to the 482 TSS visa as the temporary skill shortage visa. This is a type of employer sponsored work visa. 482 TSS visa holders can stay in Australia temporarily as it is a temporary visa.
The TSS visa is applicable in situations where Australia employers are not able to source skilled workers. This visa pathway allows employers to bring overseas skilled workers to address labour shortages. The employee must first become an approved sponsor.
The terms of the visa may differ depending on some factors. In this article, we will go over some essential points in relation to the 482 TSS visa.
What Is the 482 TSS Visa?
As we briefly mentioned above, the 482 TSS visa is temporary skilled work visa. The 482 TSS visa can be further divided into the following categories:
- Short-term stream
- Medium-term stream
- Labour agreement stream
- Subsequent entrant
The main differences in the above categories are in the validity of the visa as well as the eligibility.
482 TSS Visa Short-term
Under the short term stream of the TSS visa, the visa holder can stay for up to two years or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies. Also note that Hong Kong passport holders can stay for up to 5 years.
There are certain occupations that are eligible for the short-term stream of the TSS. Check the skilled occupation list here. You can check if you occupation is eligible for the short-term stream under 482 visa. The cost for the short-term stream is AUD 1,455 (as of October 2023).
Medium-term Stream
The medium-term stream allows skilled workers to stay in Australia for up to 4 years. Hong Kong passport holders can stay for up to 5 years. The skilled occupation list will specify if your occupation is eligible for the 482 visa medium-term stream. Moreover, the application cost for this stream is AUD 3,035 as of October 2023.
Labour Agreement stream
For this stream, the skilled worker must have a nomination from an employer who has a labour agreement with the Australian Government. The visa costs AUD 3,035. The validity of the visa depends on the terms of the labour agreement, but it is generally valid for a maximum of 4 years.
Requirements for 482 TSS Visa
There are certain basic criteria that you must meet if you wish to apply for a 482 TSS visa. The DHA states the following points as requirements for the TSS visa:
- have a nomination to work in an occupation that is eligible for the 482 visa and is on the medium and long-term skilled occupation list
- have completed a skill assessment from the relevant skill assessment authority for your nominated occupation
- have at least 2 years relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or a related field
- be employed only by your sponsor or associate entity, except if exemptions apply
- meet certain standards of English language proficiency (exemptions may apply)
Example Scenario for 482 TSS Visa
Let’s consider the case of Siya who is from Ghana. Siya has 2 years work experience as a Developer Programmer. She has also received a positive skill assessment as a Developer Programmer. Her employer in Australia is willing to sponsor her for the 482 visa. Siya’s employer nominates her for the position of Developer Programmer. Once their nomination application is approved by the DHA, Siya lodges her visa application for the 482 TSS Visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency?
By end of this year, certain applicants under TSS visa may have a pathway to permanent residence. If they fulfil certain criteria, they can be eligible to apply for the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186). This is a permanent visa.
This is being called the Temporary Residence Transition stream (TRT). To be eligible for the TRT stream, the applicant must:
- have a 457 visa, TSS (482 visa), or a related Bridging visa A, B or C
- have worked for their employer for at least 3 years full time, while holding a 457 visa or a TSS visa
- have a nomination from an Australian employer whose nomination the DHA must have approved 6 months before the applicant makes an application
Moreover, note that eligible TSS – short term stream visa holders, will also be able to apply through the TRT stream. Moreover, eligible occupations on the Regional Occupation List (ROL) can also apply through the TRT stream. This pathway will be accessible for two years from the date of commencement i.e. 1 July 2022.
To check if you are eligible for this pathway, check this page.
Obtaining Advice from Migration Lawyers
Australian immigration law is complex and it involves many procedures. For these reasons, it is necessary for you to seek legal advice before making any visa applications. Your lawyers can also help you with understand eligibility criteria for the various visas. If you are an overseas skilled worker, it is necessary to understand requirements for different visa stream.
For instance, you should have English test scores ready if you are looking to be considered for permanent residence visas. Additionally, applicants must satisfy health and character requirements. Similarly, skill assessments are mandator for skilled positions.
Our lawyers can help with all these matters. We can guide you through the process and ultimately help you with lodging your visa application. Our team in Sydney CBD and Melbourne CBD can provide market-leading advice. We stay updated with recent changes by the DHA.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact our team of lawyers. Reach out today.
