On March 18th 2018 the new TSS visa replaced the old 457 visa. We have summarised the information most important for visa applicants and visa holders to know about this new TSS visa.
1.What if I am still waiting for a decision on my 457 visa?
Applications that have been submitted before the 18th of March 2018 will continue to be processed under the “old” rules. We have also summarised the transition regulations for current 457 visa holders and 457 visa applicants. You can find all possible scenarios here .
2. What streams fall under the TSS visa?
The TSS Visa has 3 streams.
For the Short-term stream
- Your occupation must be on the STSOL
- You need to have relevant work experience of at least 2 years
- You genuinely intend to stay as a short term visa holder
- You will work directly for the sponsor unless exempt from this
For the Medium-term stream
- Your occupation must be on the MLTSSL
- You need to have relevant work experience of at least 2 years
- You will work directly for the sponsor unless exempt from this
Labour agreement stream
This stream is for people who have negotiated a labour agreement with the Department.
3. How many years of work experience do I need to have?
You have to have at least 2 years of work experience in the nominated occupation. This can be waived if you are sponsored under a Labour Agreement.
4. What is the English requirement for the TSS visa?
For the Short-term stream you need to have an average of 5 in IELTS, with no scores under 4.5. Find all scores and alternative tests here .
For the Long-term stream you need to have at least 5 in each band and it is not enough to have an average of 5.
5. What is the Health requirement for the TSS visa?
This visa is subject to criterion 4007, which means that if the applicant has a health problem, they can still be granted a visa if the cost to the community is “not undue”.
6. What occupation lists should I look at?
You can find an updated combined list of all occupations here.
7. Is there a work restriction on the TSS visa?
The work restriction is similar to the previous 457 visa in that the person can only work for the sponsor in the occupation they have been sponsored under. Once granted, you must start work within 90 days of grant or arrival in Australia. The visa risks being cancelled if the visa holder stops working for more than 60 days.
8. How much does the TSS visa cost?
- Short Term Stream: $1,150
- Medium Term Stream: $2,400
- Labour Agreement Stream: $2,400
9. Is a 457 sponsorship approval also valid for the TSS Program?
Yes, an existing sponsorship approval can be used for the TSS visa as well. A new TSS Sponsorship Approval is valid for 5 years.
10. What are the Labour Market Testing Requirements for the TSS visa?
LMT means that employers who wish to sponsor someone on a TSS visa must first prove that they have first tried to fill the position with an employee in Australia. This usually involved showing that the position has been advertised but there were no suitable candidates available.
11. How will the Market Salary be assessed?
It is expected that the minimum salary will be specified for some occupations (see also caveats ).
The general Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold remains at a minimum of $53,000. The salary must be at least the Annual Market Salary for that position.
12. Are there any changes to nomination requirements?
Yes, there are a few minor changes in the nomination requirements for the TSS visa. The TSS visa will only be for full time positions. The period of nomination must be exactly specified sating whether the nomination is for 1, 2, 3 or 4 years. The nomination costs must be paid by the sponsor.
