The TSS visa is for skilled workers who want to work in Australia temporarily.
This visa involves a three-step process:
Step 1: a sponsorship application by the employer
Step 2: a nomination application for a skilled position by the employer
Step 3: a visa application by the proposed employee
The three steps above must be completed in order. You do not, however, have to wait for each application to be approved to move onto the next step.
As an overseas worker, you can apply for this visa 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 Bridging A B or 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.
Accredited sponsors have certain leniencies in this respect.
Short-term stream (can be initially sponsored for up to two years and again for a further two years, however exceptions apply)
You might be able to get a visa under this stream if, in addition to the above general requirements, you:
- have worked in your nominated occupation, or a related field, for at least two years
- are a genuine applicant for entry and stay as a short term visa holder
- will be working directly for your sponsor or for an associated entity of your sponsor, unless the nominated occupation is exempt from this requirement
Medium-term stream (can be sponsored for up to four years)
You might be able to get a visa under this stream if, in addition to the above general requirements, you:
- have worked in your nominated occupation, or a related field, for at least two years
- will be working directly for your sponsor or for an associated entity of your sponsor, unless the nominated occupation is exempt from this requirement
Labour agreement stream
You might be able to get a visa under this stream if, in addition to the above general requirements, you:
- are nominated in an occupation included in a labour agreement which your employer has entered into with the Department
- have worked in your nominated occupation, or a related field, for at least two years (unless this is not required under the labour agreement).
What you can do
This visa allows you to travel to and from Australia for the duration of your visa