The changes include the implementation of:
The new Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) (referred to by the Department as the ‘TSS visa’) and also included related changes to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (subclass 186) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187) visa programs.
These changes are consistent with the Australian Government’s announcement on 18 April 2017 and were publicly announced yesterday by the Minister of Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, see Government delivers next wave of reform on 457 visas. (http://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/alantudge/Pages/government-delivers-next-wave-of-reform-on-457-visas.aspx)
For more information visit – Australia’s skilled visas. (https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/work/skilledvisas)
The new skilled visa streams
Short-term stream
This stream is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you (as an overseas skilled worker) on a temporary basis only in occupations listed on the Short-term Skilled Occupation list (STSOL) for a TSS visa – see lists of eligible skilled occupations. 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 stream is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you (as an overseas skilled worker) 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) for a TSS visa – see lists of eligible skilled occupations.
Labour agreement stream
This stream is available if your employer wishes to sponsor you (as an overseas worker) and has entered into a labour agreement with the Department – see labour agreements.
Eligibility – All streams
Who could get this visa
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 – see Sponsors
- 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
- have substantially complied with any conditions that apply or applied to your last visa
- meet health and character requirements
- meet the requirements of the stream in which you apply.
Approved sponsor
Before you can apply for a TSS visa, your proposed employer will need to lodge a nomination application for you. They will only be able to do this if they are an approved sponsor or have at least lodged an application to become a standard business sponsor. Further information below is provided for employers on the sponsorship and nomination processes – see Sponsors.
Age
There is no age requirement for this visa.
English language
You must provide evidence that you meet the English language requirements.
Skills, qualifications and experience
You must provide evidence that you have the necessary skills, qualifications and employment background to perform the nominated occupation – see Skills, qualifications and employment background.
If these changes concern or affect you feel free to contact us for further clarification.
