Temporary Skill Shortage

January 1, 2022
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The Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) Visa (TSS Visa) is a temporary work visa that enables Australian employers to address labor shortages by hiring overseas qualified or skilled workers when suitably skilled Australian workers are not available.

To successfully apply for this visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, which include:

  • Being nominated for an occupation that is eligible for this visa
  • Meeting the necessary skills and qualifications for the position
  • Demonstrating Functional English proficiency
  • Satisfying health and character requirements

Streams of the TSS Visa

There are three main streams under the TSS Visa:

  1. Short-term Stream: This stream is designed for overseas skilled workers to fill short-term positions in Australia for up to two years, or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies. Applicants can renew their visa only once while in Australia, provided they satisfy the case officer that they are a genuine temporary entrant.
  2. Medium-term Stream: This stream allows highly skilled workers to fill roles listed on the medium- to long-term occupation list. Visas are granted for up to four years, with the possibility of applying for permanent residency after three years of employment.
  3. Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is available when an employer has an agreement with the Australian Government to source overseas skilled workers for roles that cannot be filled from within the Australian labor market. These agreements are typically used in industries with specific labor shortages and when standard visa programs are not sufficient.

Application Stages

The application process for the Subclass 482 visa consists of three main stages:

  1. Sponsorship Application: The employer must apply to become an approved sponsor.
  2. Nomination Application: The employer nominates the position for which they are seeking to employ an overseas worker.
  3. Visa Application: The visa applicant submits their application, demonstrating that they meet the necessary criteria.

If you need assistance or advice regarding the TSS Visa process, whether for navigating complex cases or understanding the visa’s streams, we are available to provide guidance tailored to your client’s needs.