Temporary Skill Shortage Tss Visa
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482 Visa (Skills in Demand Visa – Former TSS Visa)
The Subclass 482 visa, previously known as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, has now been replaced by the Skills in Demand (SID) visa as part of Australia’s updated migration framework (effective 7 December 2024).
This visa allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers when suitable local candidates are not available. It helps businesses fill labour shortages while maintaining priority for Australian workers.
Key Benefits
- Work in Australia in a nominated skilled occupation
- Opportunity to gain valuable international work experience
- Potential pathway to permanent residency
- Flexibility for applicants to apply from inside or outside Australia
Sponsorship Requirement
To apply for this visa:
- You must be nominated by an approved employer
- The employer must be registered as a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or an eligible overseas sponsor
- The business must prove that the position is genuine and cannot be filled locally
Application Process
Step 1: Sponsorship Approval
The employer must apply to become an approved sponsor and demonstrate that their business is legally operating.
Step 2: Nomination Application
The employer nominates a specific role, including salary details and evidence of efforts to hire Australian workers.
Step 3: Visa Application
The applicant submits their visa application and must meet skills, qualification, health, and character requirements.
Streams (Previous TSS Structure)
Although replaced, the earlier 482 visa structure included:
- Short-Term Stream
- Medium-Term Stream
- Labour Agreement Stream
These categories have now evolved into the new Skills in Demand visa pathways.
Work Experience Update
From 23 November 2024, the minimum work experience requirement has been reduced from 2 years to 1 year for eligible applicants.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants generally must:
- Be nominated for an occupation on the relevant skilled occupation list
- Have relevant qualifications and work experience
- Meet English language requirements (if applicable)
- Satisfy health and character requirements
Employer Obligations
Employers must:
- Conduct Labour Market Testing (LMT) to show efforts to hire locally
- Offer a salary that meets Australian market standards
- Pay the required Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy
- Ensure employment conditions meet Australian workplace laws
Salary Requirements
The offered salary must:
- Meet or exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Be comparable to the Australian market salary rate for the role
Family Members
Applicants can include:
- Spouse or partner
- Dependent children
Family members usually receive work and study rights in Australia.
Visa Conditions
Visa holders must:
- Work only in their nominated occupation
- Maintain employment with an approved sponsor
- Apply for a new visa if changing occupation
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Many 482 visa holders may be eligible to transition to permanent residency through visas such as:
- Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
Recent updates have expanded PR pathways for more occupations.
Transition from Older Visas
- The Subclass 457 visa was replaced by the TSS 482 visa
- The TSS 482 visa has now been replaced by the Skills in Demand visa
- Existing visa holders can continue under their current conditions until expiry
Skills in Demand Visa (New System)
Australia has introduced a three-tier visa system under the Skills in Demand framework:
Specialist Skills Pathway
- For high-income professionals (approx. AUD 135,000+)
- Fast processing times
- Limited annual places
Core Skills Pathway
- Main pathway for most skilled workers
- Based on updated occupation lists
- Salary must meet minimum thresholds
Essential Skills Pathway
- For lower-income but critical sectors (e.g. care industries)
- Expected to be regulated and capped
Key Features of the New System
- Visas may be granted for up to 4 years
- Easier job mobility between employers
- Clearer pathways to permanent residency
- Improved labour market processes
Labour Market Testing Changes
- Advertising requirements are being simplified
- Some previous requirements (e.g. specific job platforms) may be removed
- A new occupation list system is being introduced
Important Notes
- Applications submitted before 6 December 2024 are assessed under old rules
- Existing TSS visas remain valid until expiry
- Policy changes may continue as the new system is implemented
Get Expert Advice
- For accurate and up-to-date guidance, it is recommended to consult a registered migration agent before applying.