Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482)

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is a type of visa that allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. This visa is designed to address the shortage of skilled workers in certain occupations in Australia and to ensure that businesses can access the talent they need to remain competitive in the global marketplace.

The TSS visa has three streams:

• the short term stream
• the medium-term stream
• the labor agreement stream

The short-term stream allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to two years. This stream is designed for occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). The STSOL is a list of occupations that are in high demand but are not expected to be in demand for an extended period.

The medium-term stream allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. This stream is designed for occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). The MLTSSL is a list of occupations that are in high demand and are expected to remain in demand for an extended period.

The labor agreement stream allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. This stream is designed for skilled workers who have been sponsored by an employer who has entered into a labor agreement with the Australian government. A labor agreement is a formal agreement between an employer and the Australian government that outlines the terms and conditions of employment for overseas workers.

Eligibility for a TSS visa

• Applicants must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.

• Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a certain score on an approved English language test.

• Applicants must meet health and character requirements.

• Applicants must be sponsored by an approved sponsor.

• The sponsor must nominate the applicant for the appropriate stream and occupation.

• The applicant’s salary must meet the minimum salary requirement for the nominated occupation.

Once a Temporary Skill Shortage visa is granted the visa holder can work in Australia for the approved sponsor in the approved occupation. The visa holder can also bring family members to Australia as dependents. However, dependents cannot work in Australia unless they have their own work rights.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa conditions

• Working for the approved sponsor in the approved occupation.

• Not working for any other employer.

• Not engaging in any activities that are inconsistent with the visa holder’s approved occupation.

• Complying with all Australian laws.

• Maintaining health insurance while in Australia.

Applying for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482)

Step-by-step guide on how to apply for a TSS visa:

Step 1: Determine eligibility

Before applying for a TSS visa, it is important to determine that you are eligible for the visa by these criteria:

• having the necessary skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation

• demonstrating English language proficiency by achieving a certain score on an approved English language test

• meeting health and character requirements

• being sponsored by an approved sponsor (employer or government agency)

• being nominated for the appropriate stream and occupation by the sponsor

• having a salary that meets the minimum salary requirement for the nominated occupation

Step 2: Find an employer sponsor

To apply for a TSS visa you must be sponsored by an approved sponsor. You can either find an employer sponsor on your own or use a recruitment agency. Employer sponsors must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs and meet the following requirements:

• being lawfully operating in Australia

• not having any adverse information against them or their business

• meeting training requirements and demonstrating a commitment to training Australians

Step 3: Nomination

The employer sponsor must nominate you for the appropriate stream and occupation. The nomination process involves:

• selecting the appropriate stream (short-term, medium-term, or labor agreement) based on the occupation

• providing evidence of the need for the nominated position

• demonstrating that the salary meets the minimum salary requirement for the nominated occupation.

• the employer sponsor must submit the nomination application through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal.

• the nomination application must be lodged before the TSS visa application.

Step 4: Gather supporting documents

• A copy of the bio-data page of your passport.

• Evidence of English language proficiency.

• Skills assessment: If required for the nominated occupation, a skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

• Employment references from your previous employers.

• Evidence of your qualifications, such as a diploma or degree certificate.

• Evidence of meeting the health and character requirements.

Step 5: Lodge the TSS visa application

Once the employer sponsor has lodged the nomination application and it has been approved, you can lodge the TSS visa application. The visa application must be lodged within six months of the nomination approval.

The TSS visa application can be lodged through the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. The application fee must be paid at the time of lodgement. As of March 2023, the visa application fee for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa is as follows:

Short-Term Stream

• Primary Applicant: AUD 1,265

• Secondary Applicant: AUD 1,265

• Dependent Child: AUD 320

Medium-Term Stream

• Primary Applicant: AUD 2,645

• Secondary Applicant: AUD 2,645

• Dependent Child: AUD 660

Step 6: Attend biometrics and health checks

After submitting the TSS visa application you will need to attend a biometrics collection appointment. Biometrics include a digital photograph and fingerprints. You will also need to complete a health examination with a panel physician.

Step 7: Wait for a decision

After submitting the Temporary Skill Shortage visa application and completing the necessary checks you will need to wait for a decision. According to the Department of Home Affairs website, the processing time for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa can range from as little as 11 days for the Accredited Sponsorship stream to up to 90 days for the Labor Agreement stream.

Step 8: Travel to Australia

Book some long term serviced accommodation or a long stay hotel in Australia and arrive to start your new life.

Rights with a Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

As a holder of a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) you have rights while you are in Australia. These rights include:

• The right to work for your sponsor in the nominated occupation and for the period specified on your visa.

• You can change employers within the same stream and occupation as long as the new employer is an approved sponsor.

• You have the right to study in Australia.

• You have the right to travel in and out of Australia while your visa is valid.

• You have access to Medicare.

• You can bring eligible family members with you to Australia on a TSS visa. Eligible family members include your partner and dependent children.

• You have the right to review decisions made by the Department of Home Affairs.

• You are entitled to the same minimum employment conditions as Australian workers in the same industry.

• You have access to various support services in Australia, such as legal advice, counseling and therapy and accommodation assistance.

• As a TSS visa holder you must comply with all the conditions of your visa because failure to do so can result in visa cancellation or other consequences.

A Skill Assessment is not usually required for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

The requirement for a skills assessment for a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) depends on the occupation and stream you are applying for.

For the short-term stream of the TSS visa a skill assessment is not required for most occupations. However, some occupations, such as chefs and automotive electricians require a skill assessment from the relevant assessing authority.

For the medium-term stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa a skill assessment is generally required for most occupations. The skill assessment must be conducted by the relevant assessing authority for your occupation.

If a skill assessment is required for your occupation it must be completed before you can apply for the TSS visa. You must provide evidence of the skills assessment when you lodge your visa application.

Convert Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) to permanent residency

It is possible to convert a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) to permanent residency in Australia. The most common pathway to permanent residency for TSS visa holders is through the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187).

These visas require employer sponsorship and you must meet the eligibility criteria for the visa, including age, English language proficiency and work experience. To be eligible for the ENS or RSMS visa, you must have worked for your sponsoring employer for at least three years on a TSS visa. You must also have the skills and qualifications required for your nominated occupation and meet any additional requirements specified by the Department of Home Affairs.

If you are eligible for the ENS or RSMS visa you can apply for the visa and include evidence of your TSS visa work experience and any other supporting documents required. If your application is approved you will be granted permanent residency in Australia.

Another pathway to permanent residency for Temporary Skill Shortage visa holders is through the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) or the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190). These visas do not require employer sponsorship but you must meet the eligibility criteria including points based requirements.

Age limit for Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)

There is no specific age limit for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

To be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa you must be nominated by an approved sponsor and meet the requirements for the stream and occupation you are applying for. The Temporary Skill Shortage visa has two streams: the short-term stream and the medium-term stream.

For the short-term stream, the visa is valid for up to two years and you can renew it once for an additional two years. There are no specific age requirements for this stream.

For the medium-term stream, the visa is valid for up to four years and you can renew it for an additional four years. To be eligible for this stream you must be under 45 years of age.

If you are over 45 years of age and do not meet the exemptions you may still be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa if your occupation is on the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

The ROL provides a list of occupations that are in demand in certain regional areas of Australia. If your occupation is on the ROL, you may be eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa even if you are over 45 years of age.

FAQ about the Temporary Skill Shortage TSS Visa

Q: What is a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa?

A: Temporary Skill Shortage TSS visa is a type of visa that allows skilled workers to come to Australia on a temporary basis to work for an approved employer. It is divided into two streams: the Short-Term stream, which allows for stays of up to two years, and the Medium-Term stream, which allows for stays of up to four years.

Q: How long does it take to process a TSS visa?

A: According to the Department of Home Affairs website the processing time for a TSS visa can range from as little as 11 days for the Accredited Sponsorship stream to up to 90 days for the Labor Agreement stream.

Q: Can I apply for a TSS visa if I am already in Australia?

A: Yes, it is possible to apply for a TSS visa if you are already in Australia provided you meet the eligibility criteria. However, you must hold a valid visa that allows you to apply for another visa while you are in Australia.

Q: What are the English language requirements for a TSS visa?

A: To be eligible for a TSS visa you must meet the English language requirements. This usually means achieving at least a score of 5.0 in each component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test.

Q: Can I bring my family members with me on a TSS visa?

A: Yes, you can bring your family members with you on a TSS visa. However, they must be included in your visa application and meet the eligibility requirements. Family members may include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children.

Q: Can I change my employer while on a TSS visa?

A: Yes, it is possible to change your employer while on a TSS visa. However, you must find a new employer who is willing to sponsor you and applying for a new visa if necessary.

Q: Can I apply for permanent residency while on a TSS visa?

A: Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency while on a TSS visa. This involves applying for a different type of visa, such as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa.

Q: How much does it cost to apply for a TSS visa?

A: The cost of a TSS visa can vary depending on the stream of the visa and the length of stay. As of March 2023, the base application fee for the Short-Term stream is AUD 1,265 for the primary applicant, while the base application fee for the Medium-Term stream is AUD 2,645.

Q: Can I apply for a TSS visa if I don’t have a job offer in Australia?

A: No, you must have a job offer from an approved employer in Australia before you can apply for a TSS visa.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for a TSS visa?

A: To be eligible for a TSS visa, you must have a job offer from an approved employer, meet the English language requirements and have the right skills and qualifications for the position.

Q: Can I include dependent relatives other than my spouse and children on my TSS visa application?

A: No, you cannot include dependent relatives other than your spouse and children on your TSS visa application.

Q: How long can I stay in Australia on a TSS visa?

A: The Short-Term stream allows for stays of up to two years and the Medium-Term stream allows for stays of up to four years.

Q: Can I apply for a TSS visa if I have a criminal record?

A: Having a criminal record does not make you ineligible for a TSS visa unless you have served 12 months + 1 day of custodial sentence. In this instance you are criminally inadmissible for the TSS visa.

Q: Can I work part-time on a TSS visa?

A: No, the TSS visa is designed for full-time employment not part-time working

Q: Can I study while on a TSS visa?

A: Yes, it is generally possible to study while on a Temporary Skill Shortage visa, as long as it does not interfere with your employment obligations.

Q: Can I travel outside of Australia while on a TSS visa?

A: Yes, you can travel outside of Australia while on a TSS visa.

Q: What happens if my employer terminates my employment while I am on a Temporary Skill Shortage visa?

A: If your employer terminates your employment while you are on a TSS visa you only have one month to find a new employer willing to sponsor you or you face being classed as an over stayer.