TSS - Business (Long Stay) visa – Standard Business Sponsorship

Temporary Skills Shortage Visa

From March 2018 the Australian Government will introduce a new work visa – the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa.

Announced in April of 2017 by Malcolm Turnbull, the TSS visa is a temporary visa allowing stays of up to 2 years or up to 4 years depending on the occupation of work and will need sponsorship by a business or organisation accredited by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

The length of visa – 2 year or 4 year – will depend on the occupation of work. The government charges for a single applicant will be:

AUD $1,150 for the 2 year visa
AUD $2,400 for the 4 year visa

Sponsoring Business Requirements

Market rates - to pay an Australian market salary rate:

remuneration at or above $53,900 plus superannuation; and
remuneration and other terms and conditions no less favourable than that offered to an equivalent Australian employee.

Labour Market Testing – explore local recruitment options in a non-discriminatory manner before sponsoring

Training - to contribute to a national skills training fund

AUD $1,200 for businesses with turnover < AUD $10m
AUD $1,800 for businesses with turnover >AUD $10m


Visa Applicant Requirements

Skills/Experience - appropriate skills/qualifications and at least two years’ work experience in their occupation
English - demonstrate language ability equivalent to a minimum IELTS 5 in each test component
Health and character - meet standard requirements (including police checks)

Longer-term options

holders of 2 year visas - may have the option to apply for a second visa subject to a continuing offer of employment.
holders of 4 year visas - may have the option to apply for permanent residency after three years employment subject to support from their visa sponsor.

For more information on the types of occupations that can be sponsored, please click here – Combined Occupation List.

TSS Immigration is ideally placed to advise employers and skilled people on the specific requirements for this new visa, and to assist with the electronic lodgement and supporting documentation required.

457 Visas

Until the TSS visa is introduced, the Australian subclass 457 visa remains available for use by businesses that wish to sponsor skilled workers.