Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482

The Temporary skill shortage visa subclass 482, also known as the TSS visa, is one of the critical ways Australia addresses labour market shortages by allowing Australian businesses to sponsor skilled workers from overseas. 

The TSS visa was introduced in 2018 as a replacement for the 457 visa, reflecting the changing economic needs of Australia and its emphasis on protecting local jobs while filling skill gaps in industries critical to the nation's growth. 

This article gives an all-inclusive explanation of the Subclass 482 visa, including streams, eligibility conditions, application procedure, and the benefits itself.

What is a Temporary Skill Shortage visa? 

The TSS is a temporary skill shortage visa program designed. To help employers recruit skilled professionals from around the world if they don’t find suitable candidates in Australia. This visa program helps Australian businessmen sustain productivity and remain competitive in the market. 

Based on the visa stream of this visa program, this visa can last up to 1 to 4 four years. However, it may also become the pathway to permanent residency in Australia. 

Streams under Temporary Skill Shortage visa 

The subclass 482 visa is majorly divided into three streams. 

• Short-term stream - This stream is designed to cater to short-term skill shortages. The validity of this stream is two years for occupations listed on the short-term skill shortage list. 
• Medium-term stream - This stream is made to cater to medium and long-term skill shortages. The validity of this stream is four years for occupations listed on the medium and long-term skill shortage list. 
• Labour agreement stream - This stream is made for occupations that are not listed on the standard occupation list but are covered under a labour agreement between the employer and the Australian government. 

TSS Australia visa: Eligibility criteria for Indians

TSS visa applicants must pass the eligibility criteria regarding skills, qualifications and employment. It also requires the employer to fulfil sponsorship obligations for nominating overseas employees.

1. General Requirements for Applicants

• Occupation: The applicant's occupation should correspond to the selected occupation list.
• Skills assessment: Some occupations require that applicants undergo formal skills assessment by an assessing authority.
• Work experience:  It is necessary to have at least two years of relevant job experience.
• English proficiency: For the Short-Term Stream: An IELTS score of at least 5.0 overall, with no single band falling below 4.5 (or comparable exam results). The medium-term stream has more stringent standards for English language proficiency.
• Health and character checks: Applicants must meet health and character requirements, including police clearance certificates and medical examinations.

2. Requirements for employers

• Standard business sponsorship: The applicants must be approved as standard business sponsors.
• Labour market testing (LMT): The application should prove that the employee has genuinely tried to fill the position locally before getting their international applicant hired.
• Compliance with employment standards: There needs to be a match of offered positions with the market salaries, meaning the worker won't be underpaid.
• Training obligations: They need to contribute towards the Skilling Australians Fund SAF in developing local skills.

Documents required for the Australia TSS visa 

The following information explains the document requirements for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

• Proof of English language proficiency 
• Valid passport
• Passport-sized photographs 
• Skill assessment report 
• Valid health insurance (it will cover you during your entire stay in Australia)
• Police clearance certificate 
• Professional qualification certificates

Below is a simplified guide for you to understand the TSS visa application process.

• Employer sponsorship approval

Employers must become approved standard business sponsors (SBS) by applying through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. They must provide proof of lawful business operations, such as registration documents, and pay the required sponsorship fee. Approval can take weeks or months.

• Labour market testing (LMT)

Employers must prove they attempted to hire Australian workers by advertising the job locally for at least 28 days. The job ad must include details like the title, duties, salary, and location. Evidence of these efforts is submitted during the nomination process.

• Nomination of the position

Employers nominate the position they need to fill. The role must appear on a relevant Australia skillied occupation list (STSOL, MLTSSL, or ROL) and offer a salary above the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT). Employers must also pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy based on business size.

• Eligibility check for applicants

The applicant must ensure their occupation is listed, have at least two years of work experience in the field, and meet English proficiency requirements (e.g., an IELTS score of 5 overall for most streams).

• Document preparation

Applicants need identity proof (passport), work experience letters, academic qualifications, English test results, medical clearance, police checks, and a skills assessment if required for their occupation.

• Application submission

The visa application is submitted online through the ImmiAccount portal. Applicants include the employer’s nomination reference number and pay the application fee.

• Processing and decision

Processing times vary depending on the stream (4–7 months on average). Both parties can track progress through ImmiAccount. If approved, the applicant receives a visa grant letter; if refused, reasons for the decision and appeal options are provided.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa subclass Australia fee  

The following information explains the fee structure of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Subclass 482 Visa for Indians.

TSS visa processing time 

The processing time of a TSS visa may vary. But, if you provide all documents and every information as prescribed for the short-term stream, your application may get processed within 36 days. However, if you don’t offer the prescribed information at the mentioned time, your application may get processed within 60 days.