The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, also known as the 482 visa, is a type of work visa for skilled foreign workers to temporarily fill a specific position in Australia. This visa is intended for employers who are unable to find a suitable candidate for the position from the Australian workforce.

The TSS visa has two streams: the Short-Term stream, which is valid for up to two years, and the Medium-Term stream, which is valid for up to four years. The stream to be applied for depends on the occupation being filled and the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

To be eligible for the TSS visa, the employer must first obtain a sponsorship from the Australian government. This includes demonstrating that they have made a genuine effort to recruit Australian workers for the position and that the foreign worker will not adversely affect the conditions of Australian workers.

Once the sponsorship is obtained, the foreign worker can then apply for the TSS visa. They must meet the requirements of the occupation on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), and have relevant qualifications and experience. They must also pass a character and health check, and have a valid passport.

The TSS visa allows the holder to work in Australia for the sponsoring employer for the duration of the visa. They can also bring their eligible family members to Australia and apply for a travel facility. After working for a period of 3 years, the holder may be eligible for Permanent Residency under the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS)

It is important to note that this visa is a temporary visa and it is only meant for filling the skill shortages which cannot be filled by the Australian citizens or permanent residents. Moreover, TSS visa holders are subject to a number of conditions and are not entitled to access certain benefits such as Medicare and social security payments, and their stay in Australia is limited.

Overall, the TSS visa is a useful option for employers in Australia who are unable to find suitable candidates for specific positions within their workforce and for skilled workers looking for temporary work opportunities in Australia.

Skilled Migration Visa VS. TSS

Skilled migration to Australia and the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa are both ways for skilled foreign workers to work in Australia, but they are different in terms of their purpose and requirements.

Skilled migration is a permanent visa option for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Australia permanently. This includes visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189), the Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190), and the Skilled Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 489). These visas are based on a points-based system, where the applicant is assessed on their qualifications, work experience, age, and English language ability. They also require a sponsorship from an Australian employer or state/territory government.

On the other hand, the TSS visa is a temporary visa option for skilled workers who are needed to fill specific skilled positions that cannot be filled by Australian citizens or permanent residents. This visa is intended for employers who are unable to find a suitable candidate for the position from the Australian workforce. The TSS visa has two streams: the Short-Term stream, which is valid for up to two years, and the Medium-Term stream, which is valid for up to four years. The stream to be applied for depends on the occupation being filled and the qualifications and experience of the applicant.

In summary, skilled migration is a permanent visa option for skilled workers who want to live and work in Australia permanently, while the TSS visa is a temporary visa option for skilled workers who are needed to fill specific skilled positions that cannot be filled by Australian citizens or permanent residents.