This visa (referred to as the TSS visa) enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian.

This visa targets use of overseas workers to address short-term skill shortages, while Australian workers get priority.

TSS visa holders can work in Australia in their nominated occupation for their approved sponsor under one of three streams:

• Short-Term stream
• Medium-Term stream
• Labour Agreement stream

Short-Term stream

This is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you on a temporary basis, only in occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list. It can be used to fill positions for a maximum of two years, or four years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.

Medium-Term stream

This is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you for periods of up to four years in occupations listed on

the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Labour Agreement stream

This stream is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you and has entered into a labour agreement with the department – see labour agreements.

If you are the primary visa holder, you can work in Australia in your nominated occupation for an approved sponsor (or an associated entity of a sponsoring Australian employer).

Family members can work and study in Australia. There is fee for additional family members who are coming to Australia with you.

You can stay in Australia from one to four years, depending on your nominated occupation, the visa stream and your circumstances.

You might be able to get this visa as an overseas worker, if you:

• have been nominated for a position by an approved sponsor and that nomination has been approved
• meet any required skills and qualifications requirements including completing any skills assessments required
• meet English language requirements
• if in Australia, hold a substantive visa, a subclass 010 (Bridging A) visa, a subclass 020 (Bridging B) visa or a Subclass 030 (Bridging C) visa

You must have the skills to fill a position nominated by an approved business for an approved occupation.

Obtaining the visa is a three-step process:

1. a sponsorship application by the employer
2. a nomination application for a skilled position by the employer
3. a visa application by the proposed employee