TSS

Increases to skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025 482494ENS VisasTSS

Increases to skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025

On 24 March 2025, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that skilled visa income thresholds will be increased by 4.6% from 1 July 2025. What are the changes? These income thresholds impact a number of visa categories, and a summary table is below: Income Threshold Change from / to (AUD) Impact Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) $73,150 to $76,515 This…

Mihan Hannan24 March, 2025

Applying for a Partner visa while holding a Subclass 482 visa 482ImmigrationPartner VisaSkills in DemandTSS

Applying for a Partner visa while holding a Subclass 482 visa

The Skills in Demand (SID) Subclass 482 visa, formerly Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, is valid for up to 4 years and permits the holder to work in Australia only for their sponsoring employer. A Partner visa allows the spouse or de facto partner of an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, to be sponsored for Australian…

Jordan Tew19 March, 2025

New Core Skills Occupation List 482Employer SponsoredOccupation ListsSkills in DemandTSS

New Core Skills Occupation List

On 3 December 2024, the Australian Government announced the release of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), which is to apply to the upcoming Skills in Demand (SID) visa. See announcement here. The SID visa has been expected to replace the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa in “late 2024”, and it now appears that this will occur on…

Jordan Tew3 December, 2024

I’ve left my employer, what does this mean for my 482 visa? (Updated: 1 November 2024) 457 visaEmployer SponsoredTSS

I’ve left my employer, what does this mean for my 482 visa? (Updated: 1 November 2024)

There are a number of reasons for employees to leave their employers, both voluntarily and non-voluntarily. For individuals on Skills In Demand (SID) Subclass 482 visas (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa), there is an additional layer of complexity due to certain visa conditions applicable. What visa conditions are applicable to me? All SID visa holders are subject to condition…

Jordan Tew1 November, 2024

The definitive guide to Labour Market Testing (LMT) for Subclass 482 nomination applications (updated: 3 Jul 2024) Labour Market TestingTSS

The definitive guide to Labour Market Testing (LMT) for Subclass 482 nomination applications (updated: 3 Jul 2024)

For certain visa types a sponsor must demonstrate to the Department that they are unable to find a suitable Australian worker to fill the role. In these applications, the sponsor will need to provide evidence that they have tested the local labour market. Subclass 482 nomination applications are subject to a specific requirement to provide evidence of labour market testing…

Mihan Hannan3 July, 2024

May 2023 Migration Update: Increase to TSMIT and pathway to permanent residency for short-term TSS visa holders 482Employer SponsoredTSS

May 2023 Migration Update: Increase to TSMIT and pathway to permanent residency for short-term TSS visa holders

Following the Migration Review last month (see here) the Minister for Home Affairs (Hon Clare O’Neil) announced two changes that would take effect shortly, being the: increase of the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000. The TSMIT is the minimum remuneration threshold employers must meet to sponsor workers; and access to permanent residency for “short-term” Temporary…

Jordan Tew9 May, 2023

Major changes to Australia’s migration program 186482Employer SponsoredENS VisasTSS

Major changes to Australia’s migration program

Last week, the "Review of the Migration Systems Report" was released to the public. This report was commissioned by the Minister for Home Affairs in September 2022 to undertake a comprehensive review of Australia's migration systems, inviting submissions from the public and relevant stakeholders. The 195 page report addressed the shortcomings of the existing systems and processes, and proposed a…

Jordan Tew2 May, 2023

February 2023 announcements at the Australian Financial Review Workforce Summit 482Employer SponsoredTSS

February 2023 announcements at the Australian Financial Review Workforce Summit

On 21 February 2023, the Minister for Home Affairs (Hon Clare O’Neil) gave a speech at the Australian Financial Review Workforce Summit (see here). In this speech, the Minister talked about the ways in which Australia’s migration system is broken and what practically needs to be done to fix it. What were identified as issued? The Minister highlighted three main…

Jordan Tew23 February, 2023

Age exemption for legacy 457 workers applying for ENS visas and the removal of onshore renewal restrictions for certain TSS visa holders in STSOL occupations 186457 visa482Employer SponsoredTSS

Age exemption for legacy 457 workers applying for ENS visas and the removal of onshore renewal restrictions for certain TSS visa holders in STSOL occupations

Recent changes to Australia's employer sponsored program includes: an age exemption for "legacy 457 workers"; and removal of onshore renewal restriction for eligible Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) visa holders in occupations on the Short‑term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). These are in addition to previous changes (see here) providing certain Temporary Work (Skilled) (Subclass 457) (Subclass 457) and Subclass 482…

Mihan Hannan6 April, 2022

New pathway to permanent residence for short-term stream TSS / 457 visa holders (Updated 21 March 2022) 457 visa482Employer SponsoredTSS

New pathway to permanent residence for short-term stream TSS / 457 visa holders (Updated 21 March 2022)

On 17 March 2022, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs (Alex Hawke) introduced a highly anticipated legislative instrument (LIN22/038) enabling short-term stream Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Subclass 482 visa holders who remained in Australia during the pandemic with a pathway to permanent residency. This pathway will be available via the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of…

Jordan Tew21 March, 2022

What is the process for “renewing” your TSS visa? 482TSS

What is the process for “renewing” your TSS visa?

So you’ve been enjoying the Australian sunshine, working whilst holding a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, and your employer raises the question of  of renewing your TSS visa in Australia. Although TSS visas have set expiry dates and cannot be extended or renewed in the conventional sense, a further TSS visa application may be possible to extend your stay. If…

David Huynh18 August, 2021

What is a Labour Agreement and why is it relevant to employer sponsored visas? 186482494Employer SponsoredENS VisasLabour AgreementsTSS

What is a Labour Agreement and why is it relevant to employer sponsored visas?

A labour agreement is a negotiated agreement between a company and the Department of Home Affairs (Department) to be able to sponsor foreign nationals for a visa. Typically, it is utilised where “standard” visa programs are not of assistance, hence why a special arrangement must be entered into. There are also several different types of labour agreements, each serving a…

Jordan Tew18 August, 2021

What are the common reasons for a TSS visa refusal? 482TSS

What are the common reasons for a TSS visa refusal?

Applicants frequently seek our assistance after having their visa applications refused. Having a visa refusal, especially when lodged in Australia, can have significant impacts for future applications (such as being barred from future applications). When factoring in the financial and time investment in preparing a visa application, it is therefore critical to get the application right the first time. Common…

David Huynh6 August, 2021

Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa checklist 482Employer SponsoredTSS

Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa checklist

The 482 visa is a temporary, employer sponsored visa for skilled foreign workers employed in specified occupations and allows employers to sponsor workers with suitable skills and qualifications where a suitable Australian worker cannot be sourced. It also offers some pathways to permanent residency, making it an appealing option for workers wanting to stay in Australia on a more long-term…

Emily Young8 June, 2021

Temporary immigration measures to increase support to Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector 408CovidStudentTSS

Temporary immigration measures to increase support to Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector

On 8 May 2021, Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke announced temporary measures to increase support to Australia’s tourism and hospitality sector. This includes increased access to the 408 visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event stream) and the removal of existing fortnightly work limits placed on student visa holders. These temporary changes are part of the government’s response to support Australia’s economic recovery…

Emily Young11 May, 2021

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration releases its interim report on Australia’s Skilled Migration Program 482CovidEmployer SponsoredENS VisasImmigrationLabour Market TestingTSS

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration releases its interim report on Australia’s Skilled Migration Program

On 18 March 2021, the Joint Standing Committee on Migration (the Committee) presented an interim report for its inquiry into Australia’s skilled migration program. It makes 12 welcome recommendations focused on Australia’s recovery from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also makes submissions in relation to Australia’s international competitiveness in attracting entrepreneurs, venture capital, start-ups, and the best…

Mihan Hannan20 March, 2021

COVID-19 Update: New concession arrangements for TSS / 457 visa holders applying for employer sponsored permanent residence 482Employer SponsoredENS VisasTSS

COVID-19 Update: New concession arrangements for TSS / 457 visa holders applying for employer sponsored permanent residence

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely disrupted Australia’s labour market. Many workers who are employed by businesses operating within Australia have been stood down, have had their hours reduced or have been required to take unpaid leave. This includes Subclass 482 (TSS) and Subclass 457 (457) visa holders. You can read more about the obligations for employers and visa holders in…

Mihan Hannan24 November, 2020

Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS) visas for the Tech industry 482TSS

Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass 482) (TSS) visas for the Tech industry

Australia’s tech industry has spawned its fair share of tech unicorns and global success stories. In order to continue Australia’s enviable economic growth, it’s imperative that our immigration policy is flexible enough to seize the significant economic and social opportunities that digital technologies bring. We believe that the adoption of new technologies is bringing well-paying jobs for people of all…

Mihan Hannan6 October, 2020

New Priority Migration Occupation List & Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirements (updated: 10 September 2020) 482CovidEmployer SponsoredLabour Market TestingTravel restrictionsTSS

New Priority Migration Occupation List & Labour Market Testing (LMT) Requirements (updated: 10 September 2020)

A new Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) has been released today which will provide for priority processing of Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa applications for certain critical workers in the health care, construction and IT sectors. A new legislative instrument has also been issued which adds the requirement to advertise on the Government’s Jobactive website in addition to existing…

Jordan Tew10 September, 2020

457 / TSS visa sponsors in the time of COVID-19: An employer’s (rough) primer (updated: 13 May 2020) 457 visa482CovidEmployer SponsoredSponsorshipTSS

457 / TSS visa sponsors in the time of COVID-19: An employer’s (rough) primer (updated: 13 May 2020)

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, governments all around the world have clamped down the borders in order to stem the transmission of the virus. Australia is no exemption. Having a well-developed immigration program means that failure to comply with obligations (for both visa holder and visa sponsors) can have significant ramifications. Despite a shifting immigration landscape, this article attempts…

Mihan Hannan13 May, 2020

COVID-19: Visa options for temporary visa holders in Australia with upcoming expiry dates 400 Visa408457 visa482CovidTSSVisitorWorking Holiday

COVID-19: Visa options for temporary visa holders in Australia with upcoming expiry dates

On 4 April 2020 the Australian government announced a number of updates for temporary visa holders. You can read a summary of these updates here. Among other things, the government advised that: “Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves over the next six months are strongly encouraged to return home. For these individuals it's time to go home,…

Mihan Hannan22 April, 2020

Red Cross assistance for temporary visa holders in Australia Protection VisasStudentTSS

Red Cross assistance for temporary visa holders in Australia

On 11 April 20120 the Red Cross confirmed that they are receiving funding from the Australian Government for the next six months to deliver emergency relief and casework support. You can read the latest information about this from the Red Cross here. These funds are for people on temporary visas who have no way to support themselves and who have…

Mihan Hannan14 April, 2020

Coronavirus and Temporary Visa holders (a 4 April 2020 update) 457 visa482CovidEmployer SponsoredStudentTSSWorking Holiday

Coronavirus and Temporary Visa holders (a 4 April 2020 update)

Whilst citizens, permanent residents and many New Zealanders have access to unconditional work rights and government payments (including the new JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments), temporary visa holders do not. This has placed both these visa holders and their employers in a difficult situation. On 4 April 2020 The Hon Alan Tudge MP, Acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and…

Mihan Hannan6 April, 2020

457 / TSS visa holders in the time of COVID: A visa holder’s (rough) primer 457 visa482CovidEmployer SponsoredTSS

457 / TSS visa holders in the time of COVID: A visa holder’s (rough) primer

In response to the COVID outbreak, governments all around the world have clamped down on borders in order to stem the transmission of the virus. Australia is no exemption. Having a well-developed immigration program means that failure to comply with obligations (for both visa holder and visa sponsors) can have significant ramifications. Despite a shifting immigration landscape, this article attempts…

Mihan Hannan30 March, 2020

The classification challenge in immigration: what is a Data Scientist as defined in ANZSCO? Employer SponsoredENS VisasGeneral Skilled MigrationTSS

The classification challenge in immigration: what is a Data Scientist as defined in ANZSCO?

In many industries, some of the most in-demand occupations or specialities did not exist 10 or even 5 years ago, and the pace of change is set to accelerate. In recognising that Data Scientists are a “new and emerging” occupation not currently covered by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)…

Jordan Tew1 November, 2019

Policy updates regarding employment contract requirements for TSS visas Employer SponsoredEmployment ContractsTSS

Policy updates regarding employment contract requirements for TSS visas

Note: This blog post is retained for historical purposes. The Department has since clarified that they have removed the policy requirement for employment contracts to have an end date for TSS visa applications. Immigration policy changes frequently - always speak to an immigration lawyer for up to date advice.  Recent policy updates in relation to the Temporary Skill Shortage (Subclass…

Mihan Hannan23 October, 2019

Setting up a business in Australia? What visas do you need for your foreign employees? 400 Visa457 visaBusiness VisitorTSSVisitor

Setting up a business in Australia? What visas do you need for your foreign employees?

Foreign companies looking to establish a business in Australia often require non-Australian employees to travel to Australia to help set up their business and bring specific, proprietary knowledge of the business to Australia. Depending on the purpose with which the employee is coming to Australia and the duration of stay, there are likely to be three main visa options that…

Mihan Hannan15 September, 2019

Immigration policies encouraging the Technology and Innovation sector towards South Australia 457 visaImmigrationInnovationLabour AgreementsTSS

Immigration policies encouraging the Technology and Innovation sector towards South Australia

On 13 May 2019, Immigration South Australia (SA) released further information relating to two Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) for the State, one of which targets “innovation and technology”. Over the past year, the Australian Government have been implementing Immigration policies in a bid to increase a greater push in innovation and tech towards South Australia. This is primarily captured…

Jordan Tew16 May, 2019

The Hitchhikers immigration guide to remote working in Australia (updated 10 May 2023) TSSVisitorWorking Holiday

The Hitchhikers immigration guide to remote working in Australia (updated 10 May 2023)

In the words of the sagely Seekers, “the world is a a’Turnin’”. Long distance communication is simpler, cheaper and more accessible than ever before. The home telephone is a’Dyin’ and video conferencing is so vanilla. Truly, Sci-Fi channel style communication through Virtual Reality (VR) is just over the horizon. According to Jeremy Bailenson, founding director of Stanford's Virtual Human Interaction Lab,…

Mihan Hannan10 April, 2019

11 March 2019 updates relating to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa Labour AgreementsOccupation ListsSponsorshipTSS

11 March 2019 updates relating to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa

On 11 March 2019, the Department of Home Affairs (Department) announced various updates including: changes to the relevant occupation lists; the introduction of a “Health Workforce Certificate” for certain medical practitioners; a new category for businesses to become “Accredited” Business Sponsors; and Labour Agreement updates for: Aged care providers; and Minister of Religion labour agreements. Below is our summary of…

Mihan Hannan13 March, 2019

Navigating the health requirements for your Australian visa application ENS VisasHealthImmigrationTSS

Navigating the health requirements for your Australian visa application

Applicants and members of the family unit who apply for a visa may need to undertake health examinations to prove that they meet the health requirement. In some cases, non-applying family members may also need to undertake health examinations. Who needs to undertake the health examinations? Usually, it is the visa applicant and members of their family unit who are…

Mihan Hannan7 March, 2019

OPINION: Why start-ups appear unlikely to use the GTS – we ponder on the GTS pilot three quarters of the way in 457 visaENS VisasGlobal Talent SchemeInnovationOccupation ListsTSS

OPINION: Why start-ups appear unlikely to use the GTS – we ponder on the GTS pilot three quarters of the way in

On 1 July 2018, the ‘Global Talent Scheme’ (GTS) pilot was rolled out for an expected 12 months, comprising of two streams: Established businesses stream for businesses that are either publicly listed or with an annual turnover of at least $4 million in each of the past 2 years; and Start-up stream for certain start-ups operating in a technology or…

Jordan Tew22 February, 2019

Do you really need a work visa to Australia? Or are you just undertaking “Business Visitor Activities”? Business VisitorTSSVisitor

Do you really need a work visa to Australia? Or are you just undertaking “Business Visitor Activities”?

With the complexity of obtaining work authorisation in Australia, many businesses often look to a variety of temporary visas which permit “business visitor activities” (but not work authorisation) to send foreign employees into Australia. These visas are generally simple to prepare and fast to process, and includes the: Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) (ETA); eVisitor (subclass 651) (eVisitor) visa; or…

Mihan Hannan15 February, 2019

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy and it’s impact on employer sponsored visas 457 visaENS VisasImmigration UpdatesSponsorshipTSS

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy and it’s impact on employer sponsored visas

On 22 May 2018, the Migration Amendment (Skilling Australians Fund) Bill 2018, and the Migration (Skilling Australians Fund) Charges Bill 2017 received royal assent. On 6 August 2018 legislation was released confirming that the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy will be effective from 12 August 2018. SAF levy Employer sponsored nomination applications lodged on or after 12 August 2018 must…

Mihan Hannan8 August, 2018

Explainer: The TSS Visa for Australia (former 457 Visa) produced for YBF Ventures 457 visaSponsorshipTSS

Explainer: The TSS Visa for Australia (former 457 Visa) produced for YBF Ventures

One of our firms partners Jordan Tew, providing a brief explainer to York Butter Factory (YBF) about the new Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa. Listen to what he has to say for a brief overview of the program, and feel free to get in touch with us directly at [email protected] for further information. Thanks to Joe Harrington and YBF for…

Jordan Tew28 June, 2018

Traffic Light Bulletin: 2018 Mid-Year Update to Occupation Lists 457 visaENS VisasOccupation ListsTSS

Traffic Light Bulletin: 2018 Mid-Year Update to Occupation Lists

The Department of Jobs and Small Business is responsible for reviewing the composition of the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Regional Occupation List (ROL) to identify occupations that would benefit from skilled migration for the purpose of meeting the skill needs of the Australian economy. Theses lists then impact the…

Mihan Hannan22 June, 2018

Immigration Update: Skilling Australians Fund and Labour Market Testing 457 visaENS VisasImmigration UpdatesTSS

Immigration Update: Skilling Australians Fund and Labour Market Testing

On 9 May 2018 Bill’s establishing the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) and tightening existing labour market test (LMT) criteria were passed in Parliament. Although a commencement date for the new legislation has not yet been determined, the changes are expected to come into effect in June 2018. Skilling Australian Fund Levy Legislation The Bill to establish the SAF Levy passed…

Mihan Hannan15 May, 2018

Comparison of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa to the prior 457 visa 457 visaImmigration UpdatesTSS

Comparison of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) visa to the prior 457 visa

On 18 March 2018, the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (Class GK) (Subclass 482) visa came into effect, while applications for the Subclass 457 visa were closed. This represented the culmination of near a year of gradual changes since the Australian Department of Home Affairs (the Department) announced the reforms to the Subclass 457 visa program in April 2017. Below is…

admin23 March, 2018

Our take on the new visa scheme to attract skilled global talent (Global Talent Scheme) 457 visaENS VisasGlobal Talent SchemeImmigration UpdatesTSS

Our take on the new visa scheme to attract skilled global talent (Global Talent Scheme)

The 457 visa was replaced over the weekend by the new Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa - the culmination of nearly a year of gradual changes being implemented and uncertainty for many businesses and individuals. Since the government’s announcement of the reforms to the 457 visa programme, the changes have largely been criticised by many prominent figures in the tech…

Jordan Tew20 March, 2018