The Australia TSS Visa is a pathway for professionals to live and work in Australia. The country is known for its vibrant economy, which attracts skilled workers worldwide. If you’re among those people who dream of moving to Australia to work, you may want to look into the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa or the Australia TSS Visa.
Also called the Subclass 482 Visa, the TSS visa was introduced to help Australian employers address skill gaps in the workforce by hiring overseas workers after not being able to find suitable local talents.
Here at Checklist Visa, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Australia TSS Visa to guide you into achieving your dream of working and living in one of the world’s most incredible countries.
What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa or Subclass 482 is an employer-sponsored work visa allowing foreign skilled workers to live and work in Australia. This visa aims to help Australian business owners fill vacant positions if they cannot find qualified local workers to hire.
The Australia TSS Visa has three main streams:
1. Short-Term Stream
This visa stream is valid for up to 2 years, or in certain cases, up to 4 years. It is typically available for scarce occupations that are expected to be filled relatively soon by Australians.
2. Medium-Term Stream
This visa allows you to remain in Australia for up to 4 years and specifically targets more specialized jobs where a longer period of need can be anticipated. Additionally, this stream can also lead to permanent residency.
3. Labour Agreement Stream
This visa stream is designed for workers hired under specific agreements made between employers and the Australian government. Moreover, these agreements typically cater to specialized roles or industries with unique labor needs.
To apply for an Australia TSS Visa, you will be required to have an approved offer of employment. In addition, you must possess relevant skills and have at least two years of work experience, along with other requirements. Moreover, this visa allows you to bring family members, granting them work and study rights as dependents.
Eligibility Criteria for the Australia TSS Visa
To be eligible for the Australia TSS Visa, one must meet the following:
1. Skills and Occupation
Applicants should possess appropriate skills and qualifications to be able to perform a specific occupation. The occupation should be included in one of the lists of skilled occupations in Australia, which specify jobs that are in demand.
2. Work Experience
Applicants must have at least two years of relevant work experience of the nominated occupation. This ensures they have the practical skills and knowledge required to perform the job in Australia.
3. English Language Proficiency
Applicants are also required to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency by passing a recognized English test, such as IELTS or TOEFL unless exempted. This is to ensure you can communicate effectively in your workplace.
4. Health and Character Checks
Applicants should achieve health standards through a medical examination. They also need to submit a police clearance which should demonstrate their good character with no previous criminal history that can prove harmful to the Australian community.
Employer Sponsorship Requirements
To hire a skilled worker under the Australia TSS Visa, the employer must first be considered an “accredited sponsor“. This means the business would have to be officially registered with the Australian government for the approval to sponsor overseas workers.
To become an approved sponsor, employers need to follow a few steps:
1. Apply for Standard Business Sponsorship
The employer must submit an application to become an accredited sponsor. He or she should demonstrate the business is legally operating in Australia.
2. Meet Sponsorship Obligations
Employers should agree to follow specific rules. These include paying the appropriate salary and ensuring the worker’s welfare.
3. Nominate a Position
Once approved, the employer can nominate a position for a skilled worker. The job must be on the relevant skilled occupation list.
This process ensures the employer can offer a legitimate opportunity and support the foreign worker while in Australia.
Pathways to Permanent Residency
The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency, particularly for holders of the Medium-Term and Labour Agreement streams. However, there are conditions one must meet.
First, to be eligible for permanent residency, you typically need to have worked in your nominated occupation for at least three years while holding your TSS Visa. Additionally, you must meet health and character requirements.
Transitioning to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (Subclass 186) is a common route to permanent residency. This visa allows skilled workers to stay permanently if their employer nominates them for a permanent position. To apply for the ENS Visa, you must have a valid TSS Visa and fulfill specific eligibility criteria, including skills assessments and English language proficiency.
FAQs on the TSS Visa of Australia
How long does it take to process the TSS Visa application?
The processing time for a TSS Visa application varies depending on certain factors, including the stream you apply for and the completeness of your requirements. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. The Short-Term stream may have quicker processing times compared to the Medium-Term stream. Moreover, if your application is missing documents or requires additional information, it could delay the process. To ensure a smoother experience, provide all required documentation upfront and consider checking current processing times.
Can I change employers while on a TSS Visa?
Yes, you can change employers while on a TSS Visa, but you must follow specific steps. First, the new employer needs to be an approved sponsor. Then, they must nominate you for a new position that aligns with your visa stream. Additionally, you must submit a new TSS Visa application. By doing so, you ensure that you remain compliant with visa conditions while transitioning to a new employer.
Can I bring my family with me on a TSS Visa?
Yes, you can bring your family with you on a TSS Visa. Specifically, you can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in your application. Furthermore, your family members will have the same visa rights, allowing them to work and study in Australia. However, you must ensure they meet health and character requirements.
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