Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

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  7. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482)

This visa, referred to as the TSS visa was introduced in March 2018 to replace the Temporary Work (skilled) subclass 457 visa which was abolished at the same time. The TSS visa is a temporary visa that is valid for either one to four years, depending on your nominated occupation, the visa stream, and your circumstances.

The TSS visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in genuinely skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian.

TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:

There are 3 available streams under the Temporary Skill Shortage scheme:

  • Short term stream for employers to source highly skilled overseas workers to fill short-term positions in a range of occupations. Lasting for a maximum of two years, or four years if an international trade obligation (ITO) applies. This stream is only valid for occupations on the following Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
  • Medium term stream for employers to source highly skilled overseas workers to fill medium-term critical skills needs for up to four years, with eligibility to apply for permanent residence after 3 years; or
  • Labour Agreement stream for an employer who has executed a labour agreement with the Commonwealth Government to source skilled overseas workers. This stream is subject to scrutiny and allowed only where there is a demonstrated need that cannot be met in the Australian labour market and the other streams of the TSS visa program are not available. It is not possible for an applicant to obtain a labour agreement for their employer as a labour agreement is an arrangement between a business or industry and a government authority.

Own at least one of the following percentages of your nominated main business:

  • 51 per cent, if the business has a turnover of less than AUD400 000 per year.
  • 30 per cent, if the business has a turnover of AUD400 000 or more per year.
  • 10 per cent, if the business is a publicly listed company.

There are 3 stages to the visa process:

Standard Business Sponsorship

To be approved as a Standard Business Sponsor the business must:

  • Be lawfully and actively operating in Australia
  • Show a commitment to training Australian citizens and permanent residents
  • Be compliant with workplace and other Australian laws

Nomination

An employer must nominate a skilled position within their business and demonstrate that the position is genuine and cannot be filled from within the Australian labour market. Approval of the nomination will require the employer to meet the following:

  • Labour Market Testing for a minimum period of 28 days
  • Offer a salary remuneration (TSMIT) of at least A$53,900 plus superannuation
  • Ensure the salary is within the market rate for the position offered
  • Pay a Skilling Australian Fund (SAF)

Visa application

Once the sponsorship and nomination has been approved the final stage is for the employee to submit an application who must:

  • Have qualifications and/or work experience relevant to those specified in the nomination
  • Have relevant English language skills
  • Obtain a satisfactory skills assessment (if required)
  • Provide evidence of registration or licensing (if applicable)
  • Meet health and character requirements

Skilling Australians Fund Levy

The Skilling Australians Fund levy (SAF Levy) has replaced the training benchmarks scheme. Charges may vary depending on whether a business has an annual turnover of more or less than $10 million. It is expected that:

  • Businesses with an annual turnover of under $10 million will be required to pay $1,200 per year for each Subclass 482 employee worker
  • Businesses with an annual turnover of $10 million or more will be required to pay $1,800 per year for each Subclass 482 employee

Our Services

Visa Globe Migration Agents assists TSS visa applicants and their employers throughout these applications, identifying the correct stream for the individual application and navigating the complexities associated with each. We provide advice and application management from start to finish to ensure the best possible outcome. We also provide representation in skills assessment applications where applicable.