Please note that the information we provide in this article is current as of the date of publication, and the DHA regularly updates rules and regulations. Kindly ensure that you check the official updates before making any decisions, or speak with an immigration lawyer for the most up-to-date information, as laws and conditions are subject to change.
What is TSS visa? Australia’s 482 visa, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, has become a pivotal piece of the nation’s economic puzzle. From skilled engineers bridging crucial infrastructure gaps to medical professionals bolstering healthcare frontiers, this visa grants talented individuals the chance to contribute to Australia’s vibrant workforce.
To understand more about what is TSS visa, here’s an article for you.
What Is TSS Visa: Overview
What is TSS visa and what are the types of streams? The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482, is a temporary work visa that allows an appropriately skilled Australian worker to live and work in Australia for an approved employer. The visa has three streams:
- the Short-Term Stream, which allows for a stay of up to two years,
- the Medium-Term Stream, which allows for a stay of up to four years,
- the Subsequent Entrant Stream, which allows you to stay for as long as the visa is valid, and
- the Labour Agreement Stream, which allows a maximum stay of 4 years.
Applicants must have an employer willing to sponsor them and must be qualified or have sufficient experience in an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation lists.
The visa also allows for the inclusion of immediate family members, and holders can study in Australia and may be eligible to transition to permanent residency. The TSS visa is subject to various requirements, including English language proficiency and meeting specific health insurance obligations.
What Is TSS Visa: 482 Visa Streams
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, subclass 482, has three streams, each with its own set of requirements:
1. Short-Term Stream. This stream allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for up to two years. It is designed for employers to source genuine temporary overseas skilled workers in occupations included on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
However, you can stay for up to four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies. Also, Hong Kong passport holders may stay up to 5 years.
Cost: AUD 1,455.00 (As of January 2024)
2. Medium-Term Stream. Skilled workers can stay and work in Australia for up to four years under this stream. It is for employers to address medium-term skill shortages in their workforce.
Cost: AUD3,035.00 (As of January 2024)
3. Labour Agreement Stream. This stream is for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an employer through a labour agreement. It allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for up to four years.
Cost: AUD3,035.00 (As of January 2024)
4. Subsequent Entrant Stream. This visa is for family members of subclass 457 and TSS visa holders who are applying separately for their TSS visa and wish to join the primary subclass 457 or TSS visa holder in Australia.
Cost: AUD1,455.00
Each stream is tailored to address specific skill shortage needs in the Australian labour market testing standards, and the visa application process varies based on the stream and occupation.
What Is TSS Visa: Labour Agreement Stream
To know more what is TSS visa, let’s explore the Labour Agreement Stream of the 482 visa. Under this stream, labour agreements are formal arrangements negotiated between an employer and the Australian Government.
This allows an employer to recruit an agreed number of skilled workers from outside Australia to address genuine skill shortages. The agreement must:
- identify the relevant skills shortage in the business,
- specify the number of skilled workers needed, and
- outline the age, skill, and English language requirements related to the nominated occupations.
The Labour Agreement Stream is tailored to meet the individual needs and attributes of each employer and is generally in effect for five years. There are different types of Labour Agreements, including:
- company-specific labour agreements,
- designated area migration agreements,
- project agreements,
- Global Talent Scheme (GTS) agreements, and
- industry labour agreements.
Eligibility Requirements
Now that you know what is TSS visa, here’s a checklist for the eligibility requirements under this stream:
- You must be working under a labour agreement and the nominated occupation must be the subject of a labour agreement between the Commonwealth and the nominator.
- You must have two (2) years of work experience in the nominated occupation unless varied by the labour agreement.
- You must be nominated by an employer.
- You must meet the health and character requirements.
- You must have a level of English language suitable for your occupation
- You must sign the Australian values statement.
- You must have adequate health insurance. Click here to read more about adequate health insurance.
- You must have paid back your debt to the Australian government.
- You must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused.
Documentary Requirements
Prepare the following documents for your application:
- Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
- Skills and occupation documents
- For TSS skills assessment by Trades Recognition Australia, you must have the skills assessment reference number. Your application is not valid if it is not provided.
- For the occupations of Project and Program Administrator or Specialist Manager not elsewhere classified, we need the reference number for your VETASSESS Skills Assessment. Your application is not valid if it is not provided.
- Qualification certificates (professional and educational).
- Registration, licence or professional membership, if you need it to work in Australia. Documents from the relevant authorities must show that you hold, or can get the registration, licence or membership.
- References from previous employers must cover a period long enough to show the needed skill level and experience.
- Your curriculum vitae (CV) or resumé should cover at least the last 5 years.
- English language documents
- Health insurance
- Character documents (police certificates, form 80, form 1221, if required)
- Partner documents (marriage certificate, de facto relationship documents such as joint bank accounts or billing accounts)
- Make sure you do the following to these documentary requirements:
Remember that you must provide accurate information in all your documents. The next steps will involve the following:
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount.
- Attach the documents.
- Pay the application fee of AUD3,035.00.
- Note the transaction number.
JB Solicitors Will Guide You In the Migration Process
To know more what is TSS visa, get the help of an experienced lawyer. Our competent migration lawyers at JB Solicitors are intimately familiar with the ever-evolving 482 visa landscape. We stay abreast of the latest legislative changes, visa processing nuances, and potential roadblocks, saving you valuable time and minimising the risk of errors or rejections.
Contact us today if you need help with your temporary visa or permanent visa.
