The Temporary Skills Shortage (subclass 482) visa was replaced by the Skills in Demand visa (also subclass 482) in December 2024.

A Business can sponsor someone for this visa if they cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to do the skilled work. The business must be a Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) or an Overseas Business Sponsor (OBS) to sponsor a client under the TSS visa.

There are three (3) streams to the TSS visa:

• Core Skills Stream 
• Specialist Skills Stream 
• The Labour Agreement stream

You can select the stream that applies to you by referring to the Consolidated Skilled Occupations list. If your occupation make you eligible under the short-term stream then maximum time period that your TSS visa will be approved for is two (2) years. If your occupation makes you eligible under the medium-term stream, then the maximum time period that your TSS visa will be approved for is four (4) years.

Core Skills Stream 

This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can’t source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

With this visa, you can

Specialist Skills Stream 

The Specialist Skills Stream targets top-tier professionals with significant industry experience in critical sectors. It supports roles requiring advanced qualifications, skills, and substantial work experience. Employers can sponsor eligible overseas workers to address pressing skill shortages.

Key Features of the Specialist Skills Stream

1. Target Occupations:
   Applicants must work in occupations listed under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6, including:
   • Group 1: Managers (e.g., IT Project Managers, Chief Executives)
   • Group 2: Professionals (e.g., Engineers, ICT Specialists, Medical Practitioners)
   • Group 4: Community and Personal Service Workers (e.g., Healthcare Assistants)
   • Group 5: Clerical and Administrative Workers (e.g., Contract Administrators)
   • Group 6: Sales Workers (e.g., Sales and Marketing Managers)
2. Note: Occupations must be listed on the Specialist Skills Occupation List.
3. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT):
   The SSIT ensures that only highly skilled professionals are eligible. The SSIT for applications lodged between 7 December 2024 and 30 June 2025 is AUD $135,000 per annum. Applicants must meet or exceed this salary threshold through an approved job offer.
4. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
   • Applicants may apply for permanent residency through the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186) after completing three years of continuous employment with the sponsoring employer.
5. Priority Processing:
   • Nomination and visa applications under this stream are prioritised due to their economic importance.

Eligibility Criteria for the Specialist Skills Stream

To be eligible for the Specialist Skills Stream, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Occupation Requirements:

• Must be nominated for an occupation within ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
• The occupation should be listed on the Specialist Skills Occupation List, indicating highly skilled, in-demand roles.

Salary Requirements:

• The employment contract must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) of AUD $135,000 annually, applicable for applications submitted from 7 December 2024 to 30 June 2025.
• Salary must be confirmed through a formal job offer from an approved Australian employer.

Skills and Experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications (bachelor’s degree or higher) in the nominated field.
• A minimum of five years of full-time work experience in a related area.

English Language Proficiency:

• Applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ English language requirements.
• Acceptable tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or equivalent.

Health and Character Requirements:

• Applicants must pass mandatory health and character assessments.

Application Process for the Specialist Skills Stream:

Employer Sponsorship:

• Obtain a job offer from an approved Australian employer eligible to sponsor under the Specialist Skills Stream.

Nomination Approval:

• The employer submits a nomination application to the Department of Home Affairs, including evidence of the job offer, salary details, and the necessity of the applicant’s skills.

Visa Application:

• After nomination approval, the applicant submits a visa application, including all necessary documents such as work experience certificates, qualifications, language test results, and health assessments.

Why Employers Should Consider the Specialist Skills Stream:

• Address Skill Shortages: Access to top international talent to fill critical gaps.
• Enhance Competitiveness: Gain a competitive edge with global expertise.
• Long-Term Planning: Ability to sponsor professionals for permanent residency, ensuring long-term retention.

Important Considerations for Applicants:

• Salary Compliance: Ensure the employment contract specifies a salary of at least AUD $135,000 per year.
• Occupation Eligibility: Verify that the job title and responsibilities match those in ANZSCO Major Groups 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6.
• Valid Sponsorship: Only employers approved by the Department of Home Affairs can sponsor applicants.

Conclusion:

The Specialist Skills Stream under the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) is an excellent pathway for highly skilled professionals seeking career growth and potential permanent residency in Australia. With a competitive income threshold and clear eligibility criteria, it aims to attract top-tier talent to address Australia’s critical skill shortages.

Labour agreement Stream 

This visa is for skilled workers nominated by employers who have a Labour Agreement. It lets you live and work in Australia temporarily. Labour agreements are developed between the Australian Government (represented by the Department) and employers.

With this visa, you can