Temporary Skill Shortage Visa – A Guide for Employers Sponsoring Skilled Workers in Australia
Australia is a country that welcomes skilled workers from all around the world to contribute to its economy. To attract these skilled workers, the Australian government has created a number of visa programs that allow individuals to work in Australia for a temporary or permanent basis. One such visa program is the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which is designed for employers who are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers in their businesses.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the Temporary Skill Shortage visa, its eligibility criteria, application process, and some tips and tricks for employers to successfully sponsor skilled workers in Australia.
What is a Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to work in Australia for up to four years. The TSS visa program replaced the previous 457 visa program in 2018.
The TSS visa program is divided into two streams:
Short-Term stream: This stream is designed for employers to fill a temporary skill shortage with foreign workers for up to two years. The occupation must be listed on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Medium-Term stream: This stream is designed for employers to fill medium to long-term critical skill shortages with foreign workers for up to four years. The occupation must be listed on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
Eligibility Criteria for TSS Visa
To sponsor a skilled worker under the TSS visa program, an employer must meet the following eligibility criteria:
The employer must be lawfully operating in Australia.
The employer must provide evidence that the nominated occupation is genuine and is necessary to their business.
The employer must provide evidence that they have tried to find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.
The employer must meet the minimum salary requirements set by the Australian government.
The employer must have a valid Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) or be an approved overseas business sponsor.
The employer must meet the training requirements set by the Australian government.
Eligibility Criteria for Skilled Worker
To be eligible for the TSS visa, the skilled worker must meet the following criteria:
The skilled worker must have an occupation that is listed on the relevant list for the stream they are applying for.
The skilled worker must have the required qualifications and skills for the nominated occupation.
The skilled worker must have the necessary English language proficiency level.
The skilled worker must have a clean criminal record.
The skilled worker must meet the health requirements set by the Australian government.
Application Process for TSS Visa
The application process for the TSS visa involves several steps:
Employer lodges a nomination application: The employer must lodge a nomination application with the Australian government, providing evidence that the nominated occupation is genuine, and the employer meets the eligibility criteria.
Skilled worker lodges a visa application: Once the employer’s nomination application is approved, the skilled worker can lodge their visa application.
Visa grant: If the visa application is successful, the skilled worker can enter Australia and start working for the employer.
Tips and Tricks for Employers Sponsoring Skilled Workers in Australia
Sponsoring skilled workers from overseas is a popular way for Australian businesses to fill skills gaps and grow their companies. However, the process can be complex and time-consuming, with many requirements and regulations to navigate. Here are some tips and tricks for employers sponsoring skilled workers in Australia.
Understand the visa options: There are several visa options available for employers sponsoring skilled workers, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa. Each visa has its own requirements, benefits, and limitations, so it’s important to understand which one is best suited for your business needs.
Check the occupation list: The Australian government maintains a list of eligible occupations for skilled workers. Before you start the sponsorship process, ensure that the occupation you are looking to sponsor is on the list and meets the required qualifications and experience.
Get your business ready: To sponsor skilled workers, your business needs to meet certain requirements such as being a registered business in Australia and complying with relevant laws and regulations. Ensure that your business is prepared and has the necessary documentation in place before starting the sponsorship process.
Identify eligible workers: Once you’ve decided on the visa option and checked the occupation list, identify potential skilled workers who meet the criteria. This may involve conducting recruitment activities or identifying existing employees who are eligible for sponsorship.
Meet sponsorship obligations: Employers who sponsor skilled workers have certain obligations to meet, such as providing suitable employment conditions and paying the worker’s salary in line with Australian standards. It’s important to understand these obligations and comply with them throughout the sponsorship period.
Plan for visa application costs: Sponsoring skilled workers can be expensive, with visa application fees, sponsor fees, and associated costs such as health and police checks. Plan for these costs in advance and ensure that your business is financially prepared.
Seek professional advice: The process of sponsoring skilled workers can be complex and involve a range of legal and regulatory requirements. Consider seeking professional advice from a migration agent or employment lawyer to ensure that you are meeting all obligations and following the correct procedures.
In conclusion, sponsoring skilled workers can be a valuable way for Australian businesses to fill skills gaps and grow their companies. By understanding the visa options, meeting obligations, and seeking professional advice, employers can navigate the sponsorship process with confidence and success.