Australia’s new Temporary Skilled Shortage (TSS) visa has been introduced, replacing the previous Temporary 457 visa.
The TSS visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian. It facilitates targeted use of overseas workers to address temporary skill shortages, while ensuring that Australian workers get priority.
TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:
– The Short-Term stream;
– The Medium-Term stream; and
– The Labour Agreement stream.
The Short-Term stream is available if an employer wishes to sponsor you on a temporary basis in an occupation listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list (STSOL). It can be used to fill positions for a maximum of two years (or four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies).
The Medium-Term Stream is available if an employer wishes to sponsor you for periods of up to four years in an occupation listed on either the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).
Finally, the Labour Agreement Stream is available if an employer wishes to sponsor you and has entered into a labour agreement with Australia’s Immigration Department.
There is no age requirement for this visa, although applicants must demonstrate evidence that they meet suitable English language requirements.
Visit the Australian Government’s Home Affairs website for more information on the eligibility criteria.
Article published 20th March 2018