This Temporary Skill Shortage visa is a temporary visa allowing employers to hire skilled workers from overseas to temporarily fill shortages in their current workforce. Not all shortages can be filled as they must be seeking to fill skilled workers only. There is a list of occupations which can use this visa sponsorship program which is reviewed bi-annually to ensure that the list is updated to reflect the ongoing labour market trends of Australia.
There are two main streams available for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa:
Short Term Stream
The visa may be granted for 2 years with an option to renew at the end of the first 2 years. The visa period may vary if international trade obligations apply.
The occupation will be found on the Short Term Skills Occupation list (STSOL).
There is no option to transitioning into a permanent visa.
A summary of the requirements are;
- The employer must be an approved standard business sponsor
- The employer must demonstrate a need to employ you and this position
- The employer must meet its own set of requirements to sponsor you including its financial capacity to provide work to you, showing the company is legally and actively operating etc.
- The employer must complete labour market testing
- You must have positive skills assessment (certain passport holders for certain occupations must have a positive skills assessment before lodging the application)
- You must have 2 years relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or relevant field
- You must have the necessary experience and qualifications required for the occupation
- You will need to maintain adequate private health insurance
- Demonstrate that you are a genuine temporary entrant
- Demonstrate IELTS overall 5.0 (each band score above 4.5) (or equivalent)
Medium Term Stream
This visa may be granted for 4 years. After working for 3 years, the employer may nominate you to transition into the permanent visa (Subclass 186).
The occupation will be found on the Medium to Long Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
A summary of the requirements are;
- The employer must be an approved standard business sponsor
- The employer must demonstrate a need to employ you and this position
- The employer must meet its own set of requirements to sponsor you including its financial capacity to provide work to you, showing the company is legally and actively operating etc.
- The employer must complete labour market testing
- You must have positive skills assessment (certain passport holders for certain occupations must have a positive skills assessment before lodging the application)
- You must have 2 years relevant work experience in the nominated occupation or relevant field
- You must have the necessary experience and qualifications required for the occupation
- You will need to maintain adequate private health insurance
- Demonstrate IELTS overall 5.0 (each band score above 5.0) (or equivalent)
There is also another stream available for occupations that are not currently listed on the occupation list. This stream is called the Labour Agreement stream. A separate agreement is reached whereby the Commonwealth Government agrees upon the employer to nominate/employ a certain number of skilled workers to work in that occupation.
