Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa: Your Pathway To Relocating Abroad

Published June 28, 2025 · Updated June 28, 2025

Are you a skilled professional looking to work in Australia? Or an employer in need of international talent to fill a critical role? The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa might be the perfect solution. This visa is designed to help Australian employers address genuine skill shortages by bringing in qualified overseas workers when no suitable local workers are available.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, also known as the TSS Visa, including visa streams, eligibility, the application process, required documents, and tips for successful approval.

What Is Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) allows employers to sponsor foreign workers to fill positions in Australia when they cannot find a suitable Australian worker. It is a temporary visa that supports the Australian economy by addressing skill gaps in various industries.

The visa is divided into three main streams:

Short-Term Stream: For employers to fill short-term positions on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for up to two years, or up to four years if an international trade obligation applies.
Medium-Term Stream: For skilled occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), allowing a stay of up to four years and a pathway to permanent residency.
Labor Agreement Stream: For employers with a labor agreement negotiated with the Australian government, typically used in sectors with specific labor needs like agriculture, meat processing, or regional services.

Benefits of the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

This visa offers a wide range of benefits both for skilled workers and Australian employers. A look at the key benefits is these listed below.

Work in Australia Legally: The TSS visa allows you to live and work in Australia for the duration of the visa, tied to your sponsoring employer.
Bring Family Members: You can include family members (partner and dependent children) in your application. They will also be allowed to live, study, and work in Australia.
Pathway to Permanent Residency: Holders of the Medium Term Stream may be eligible to apply for a permanent employer-sponsored visa after working with the employer for a set period.
Travel Flexibility: You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like while your visa is valid.
Opportunity to Gain Australian Work Experience: The TSS visa lets you gain hands-on experience in the Australian job market, which is highly valued if you later apply for a permanent visa.

Who Can Apply For The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?

To apply for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, both the employer and the employee must meet specific eligibility criteria. Here are the employer eligibility requirements.

Standard Business Sponsorship Approval: The employer must be an approved sponsor or apply to become one before nominating a position.
Genuine Need for Skilled Worker: The business must demonstrate a genuine need to employ an overseas worker for a position listed on the approved occupation list.
Labor Market Testing (LMT): The employer must show evidence that they attempted to recruit Australians first, usually by advertising the position locally for at least four weeks.
Comply with Australian Workplace Laws: Employers must not have any record of breaching labor laws or underpaying staff.

Applicant (employee) eligibility requirements include:

Relevant Skills and Qualifications: You must have the qualifications and work experience for the nominated occupation. This often includes at least 2 years of recent work experience.
Occupation on the Skilled List: The occupation you are applying under must be listed on the STSOL, MLTSSL, or as part of a labor agreement.
English Language Proficiency: You must meet the English language requirements, which vary slightly between streams (e.g., an IELTS score of 5 for short-term and 5.5 for medium-term).
Health and Character Requirements: You will need to undergo a medical exam and provide police clearance certificates to demonstrate you are in good health and of good character.

Step-by-Step Application Process for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

Applying for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa involves multiple stages involving both the employer and the applicant. Listed below is the full application process.

Step 1: Employer Applies for Sponsorship: If the employer is not already an approved sponsor, they must apply for Standard Business Sponsorship. This includes proving they are legally operating and financially viable.
Step 2: Employer Submits Nomination: Once approved as a sponsor, the employer nominates the position to be filled. This includes details of the job title, salary, and justification for hiring an overseas worker.
Step 3: Applicant Submits Visa Application: After the nomination is approved, the skilled worker submits the TSS visa application via their ImmiAccount, including personal details, skills documents, and health certificates.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees: The application fee depends on the visa stream and starts from AUD 1,455 for the short-term stream and AUD 3,035 for the medium-term stream and may be higher for additional applicants or the labor agreement stream.
Step 5: Provide Biometrics and Attend Medicals: Applicants may need to provide fingerprints and complete a medical examination.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Decision: Processing times vary but generally range between 1 and 4 months, depending on the stream and case complexity.

Documents Required For The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

Preparing a complete and accurate set of documents is key to a successful TSS visa application. Here are the essential documents.

Valid Passport: Provide a scanned copy of the passport biodata page with at least six months of validity.
English Language Test Results: Valid IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic scores to prove language proficiency.
Skills and Qualifications: Certified copies of degrees, diplomas, or trade certifications relevant to the nominated occupation.
Work Experience Proof: Letters from previous employers detailing job roles, dates of employment, and duties performed.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): A detailed resume outlining your career history and qualifications.
Health Examination Reports: Medical examination results from a panel physician approved by Australian immigration authorities.
Police Clearance Certificates: Criminal background checks from countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past ten years.

Approved Occupation Lists for the TSS Visa

Your occupation must be listed on one of the approved occupation lists to qualify for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. Here are the main occupation lists needed.

Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL): Includes roles like marketing specialists, chefs, and customer service managers eligible for a two-year visa.
Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL): Includes occupations in high demand such as software engineers, registered nurses, and electricians with pathways to PR.
Regional Occupation List (ROL): Specific to regional areas and includes additional roles not available in the STSOL or MLTSSL.
Labor Agreement Occupations: Custom roles agreed upon between a specific employer and the government for unique labor market needs.

Costs Involved With The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

Visa costs vary depending on the stream and number of applicants. Listed below are the typical costs.

Visa Application Fee: Starts from AUD 1,455 for the short-term and AUD 3,035 for the medium-term stream. Additional charges apply for dependents.
Sponsorship and Nomination Charges: Employers are responsible for paying the Sponsorship Application Fee and the Nomination Fee, which are AUD 330 and AUD 540 respectively.
Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy: Employers must pay a levy ranging from AUD 1,200 to AUD 1,800 per year, depending on business size and visa duration.
Health and Insurance Costs: Applicants must also purchase adequate health insurance and pay for medical exams as part of the application.

Tips for a Successful TSS Visa Application

Applying for the Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa can be competitive and detail-oriented. These tips can improve your chances:

Apply with Complete Documentation: Missing documents are one of the leading causes of delays and rejections.
Ensure Your Occupation is Current: Always check that your job title is still listed on the relevant occupation list.
Meet the English Language Requirement: Even if you are confident in your English, a valid test result is required unless exemptions apply.
Work with a Registered Migration Agent: An experienced agent can guide you through complex cases and ensure accuracy.
Choose the Right Visa Stream: Pick the stream that aligns with your occupation and career goals. If you plan to apply for permanent residency, the Medium Term Stream is a better choice.

Conclusion

The Australia Temporary Skill Shortage Visa is an incredible opportunity for skilled professionals to work in one of the most dynamic economies in the world. It also allows Australian businesses to access a global pool of talent when local expertise is unavailable. With a well-prepared application, the TSS visa can lead to rewarding work experience and even permanent residency.

Whether you’re an employer seeking qualified staff or a skilled worker chasing a better future, understanding the TSS visa process is the first step toward success.