TSS Visa Australia 2023 – Employer Sponsored Visas

The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa is a type of work visa that allows skilled workers to work in Australia for up to four years. The TSS visa replaced the previous Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (subclass 457).

Eligibility for a TSS visa the applicant must

• Be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a position that is on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
• Have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated position.
• Meet the English language proficiency requirement.
• Meet the health and character requirements.

There are three streams under the Temporary Skill Shortage visa

• Short-Term Stream: This stream is for employers who need to fill a skilled position for up to two years. This stream may be extended for another two years, but it does not provide a pathway to permanent residency.

• Medium-Term Stream: This stream is for employers who need to fill a skilled position for up to four years. This stream provides a pathway to permanent residency after three years of work in Australia.

• Labor Agreement Stream: This stream is for employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government.

Applicants for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa must also meet the minimum salary threshold, which is currently set at $53,900 per year and must meet certain other requirements such as having adequate health insurance. The TSS visa is a popular option for skilled workers who want to work in Australia.

Holders of the TSS Visa (Temporary Skills Shortage) can live and work in Australia while working full time for their sponsoring employer and may be joined by their Partner and children. In certain circumstances holders may be eligible to convert to Australian Permanent Residency status. .

Occupations dictate length and type of Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

If you have an occupation on the Short Term Skilled Occupations List (STSOL) you’ll be eligible for a TSS Visa lasting up to four years in total (the TSS visa for STSOL applicants is renewable once after two years so making four years).

If you have an occupation on the MLTSSL (Medium & Long Term Strategic Skills List) the initial visa is valid for up to four years and can convert into Australian permanent residency after three years.

Do I need a job offer to apply for a TSS Visa for Australia?

Yes, the first stage in your Temporary Skill Shortage Visa journey is to secure an offer of employment and the role must fall under one of the categories in the list above. Both the position description and the TSS visa applicant’s employment and education history must reflect the description provided by ANZSCO.

With this in mind it’s usual for an applicant to prove their experience and qualifications through the tried and tested Skills Assessment process. As a minimum, TSS Australia Visa applicants and required to possess a minimum of two years relevant work experience in their occupation.

Do I have to do an English test for a TSS Visa Application?

Applicants for the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand are not required to sit and pass an English test for their Temporary Skills Shortage Visa application.

Is there an age limit for the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa Australia?

Unlike the Skilled Migration categories there is no upper age limit for the temporary skills shortage visa.

Will an employer pay for my relocation with a TSS Visa?

Each company and employment offer is different. For some technical and heavy weight roles full relocation is often provided.

Is there a medical for the Australian Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

Yes, health and character criteria will need to be satisfied which means Police clearance certificates and medicals are required for ever applicant over 16 years of age.

Application process for a TSS Visa to Australia

1. Secure a job offer in Australia
2. The company must become an approved standard business sponsor
3. Employer nominates the position
4. Demonstrate Labor Market Testing (LMO)
5. Salary must be over AUD $53.900
6. Company must pay the skills fund training levy
7. Visa application

TSS Visa Standard business sponsorship (SBS)

To employ a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa holder an Australian business must first become an approved Standard Business Sponsor by demonstrating a ‘lawful and active’ operation in Australia. To meet these criteria a business will need to:

1. Hold a current ABN (Australian Business Number)
2. Registered their business name
3. Supply business accounts & activity statements
4. Demonstrate a commitment to training local citizens
5. Show compliance with workplace laws

TSS Visa Nomination

After the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa standard business sponsorship application an employer is free to nominate a role within the business which must be filled by an International Candidate although to do this they must demonstrate they’ve tested the local labor market. This process is called Labor Market Testing (LMO) and means an employer must be able to evidence they’ve placed two advertisements within the past six months for a minimum period of 21 days.

Minimum salary for TSS Visa holders

The minimum salary for those on a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa must be above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT). This threshold is currently $53,900. Also, the remuneration must be within the going market rate for the role.

TSS Visa Training Levy

Employers must pay into a new Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) at nomination stage with the amounts payable set out below: The contribution is calculated according to the number of years for which the visa is required and will be payable in full at time of nomination. Small businesses with turnover less than AUD $10M will pay $1,200 per nomination per year for a Temporary Skills Shortage Visa. With larger businesses contributing $1,800 per international employee per year.

Making a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa application

Not until this final stage does the application focus again on the individual who at this time must now demonstrate they have the right skills, experience and qualifications for the role usually proved through the third party Immigration Skills Assessment process. The final stage being health and character checks for the applicants.

How does an employer sponsor someone on a TSS visa?

An employer must become an ‘approved business sponsor’. The business must be operating lawfully and satisfy certain other criteria. Once a business is an approved sponsor this status usually lasts for five years and other applicants can be sponsored.

Work Experience Requirements for the TSS Visa Class

Two years full time work experience in the nominated occupation (or closely related field) undertaken within the last five years although part time experience may be considered.

TSS Visa Condition 8607

The TSS Visa Condition 8607 means that Temporary Skills Shortage Visa holders who wish to change occupations (not employer) must have a new nomination approved and a new visa granted before they start work in a new occupation.

What are TSS Visa caveats

Some TSS visa occupations are subjected to extra caveats. For example, the Government may specify that an applicant be sponsored by a business that turned over at least $1 million in the 12 months prior to the nomination being lodged. Other examples of visa caveats include applicants being paid a higher minimum salary than applies to most TSS visas, sponsors being located in specific postcodes, sponsors having a minimum number of full time employees.

TSS Visa Processing Time

The Australian Government released many streamlining initiatives to coincide with the launch of the TSS Visa and its widely anticipated that the entire process could be completed in a two to three months.

Temporary Skills Shortage Visa to PR

If your occupation is on the MLTSSL for Australia then we can convert your TSS visa into PR after three years. However, if your occupation is on the STSOL list then it will not convert into PR at any stage.