If you’re looking for a TSS work visa in Australia, what do you need to know? What are the requirements for the visa? You’ll find out in this guide!
What’s the TSS Work Visa?
Firstly, TSS is short for Temporary Skill Shortage, and this probably tells you a little more about the visa. Essentially, it exists to help employers find talent for their business. Across the country, certain skill shortages exist. If the talent doesn’t exist in Australia, employers need to look further afield, and this is where the TSS visa comes in.
If the skills aren’t available in Australian nationals, employees can sponsor an overseas worker for a work visa. For this to work, the occupation needs to be listed by the government as one with a skills shortage. As long as the individual has the relevant experience, they can get a visa to live and work in the country.
In short, the business gets a skilled employee, the employee receives a visa to live in the country, and everybody wins.
Requirements for the TSS Work Visa
If you do not have an employer willing to sponsor your application, you cannot apply for this form of visa. Furthermore, you also cannot apply if your occupation is not on the relevant skill shortages lists. Currently, the list contains over 500 occupations that have genuine shortages in Australia.
There are three different types of TSS work visas:
- Short-Term Stream – This allows individuals to work in the country for two years so long as the occupation is on the STSOL (Short Term Skilled Occupation List).
- Medium-Term Stream – This allows individuals to work in Australia for four years so long as the occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List).
- Labour Agreement Stream – This allows individuals to work in the country for anywhere between one and four years. This time, the occupation needs to be present on the ROL (Regional Occupation List).
Furthermore, you will also need to meet certain other requirements before applying for a TSS work visa. For example, you’ll need to take an English test (unless you’re from an English-speaking country such as the UK or New Zealand). Additionally, you will need two years of experience in the relevant field while meeting health insurance and medical examination requirements.
As before, the health insurance requirement doesn’t apply to all applicants since Australia has a reciprocal agreement with some countries. This includes the UK, Belgium, New Zealand, Ireland, and the Netherlands.
Also, you will need to get a Police Clearance Certificate for any countries in which you have resided for more than one year.
Applying for a TSS Work Visa
In terms of the actual application process, see if you’re eligible using a free online assessment tool. Then, check with your employer that they have a valid SBS while approved by the Department of Home Affairs. If everything is in place, they will need to start the process by nominating you for the job.
After the employer meets their requirements, you’ll need to submit various documents to support your application. For example, this means proving your experience and qualification in the industry. If you need help, don’t be afraid to contact a third-party service for tailored advice.
Since TSS work visa applications are expensive, it’s important to get everything right on the first attempt. Costs can include travel expenses, government fees, health insurance, skills assessment, police clearance certificates, and more.
If all goes well, you will receive the visa and can work in Australia for the time suggested!
