Does Australia offer a Temporary Work Visa?
The Temporary Work Skilled Visa (Subclass 457) application is not open anymore.
Since April 2017, the Australian Temporary Work Visa has been canceled. The Prime Minister of Australia and the Minister of Immigration and Border Protection made an official statement describing a replacement for the permit – a new Temporary Skill Shortage Visa.
The Temporary Work Skilled Visa (Subclass 457) was created for professionals working in Australia. It used to be issued for a validity of 2 or 4 years to skilled migrants by an approved sponsor.
What is the Australian Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) is a renewed version of the previous Temporary Work Skilled Visa (Subclass 457). It was introduced in 2017 to support local businesses and address skill shortages.
Registration for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa requires:
-approved-sponsor nominated occupation
-appropriate skills relevant to the nominated occupation
-good command of the English language
On the Australian government website, you can find information if an additional medical check (including a chest x-ray) is essential.
You can proceed with the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa application via the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) or Temporary Residence Transition (TRT). This pathway will remain accessible for two years from its commencement on 1 July 2022.
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, depending on the selected application stream, remains valid for up to 4 years. However, there is one exception, as Hong Kong passport holders are allowed to stay in Australia for up to 5 years with the authorized permit.
What are the available types of Temporary Skill Shortage Visa?
Depending on the time you wish to spend in Australia and the activities you would like to pursue, you may choose from a few types of the Australian Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
Short-Term stream for an Australian visa
The Short-Term Temporary Skill Shortage Visa is issued for foreign skilled workers when the sponsoring employer is unable to find a suitable professional in Australia. The permit remains valid for up to 4 years if the International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies.
To be considered eligible for the Short-Term Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, you must:
-be employed at the post described in the skilled occupations list (MLTSSL)
-have at least 2 years of work experience in the field related to the nominated occupation
-have proof of relevant skills assessment
-perform work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity
-meet minimum requirements of English language proficiency
Once you obtain the permit, you are allowed to:
–take up employment in Australia
-travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa validity period
-apply for permanent residency (if applicable)
Medium-Term stream for an Australian visa
The Medium-Term Temporary Skill Shortage Visa aids each local employer by bringing a sponsored employee where they could not source any appropriately skilled Australian citizens. Once approved, the document remains in force for up to 4 years.
You are eligible for the Medium-Term Temporary Skill Shortage Visa as long as you:
-are employed at the post described in the skilled occupations list (MLTSSL) or Regional Occupation List (ROL)
-have at least 2 years of work experience in the field related to the nominated occupation
-have proof of relevant skills assessment
-perform work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity
-meet minimum requirements of English language proficiency
When your visa is authorized, you can:
-take up employment in Australia
-attend university in Australia
-travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa validity period
-apply for permanent residency (if applicable)
Labor Agreement stream for an Australian visa
If you are about to take up employment with an Australian employer under the Labor Agreement, you may apply for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. This Temporary Residence Visa is valid for 4 years from the issuing date.
To be considered eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa under the Labor Agreement, one is required to:
-be nominated to work on a specified post under the terms of the Labor Agreement
-have at least 2 years of work experience in the field related to the performed occupation
-have proof of relevant skills assessment
-perform work only for the sponsoring employer or associated entity
-meet minimum requirements of English language proficiency
As soon as your visa application is approved, you are permitted to:
-take up employment in Australia
-attend university in Australia
-travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa validity period
Subsequent Entrant stream for an Australian visa
The Subsequent Entrant stream allows family members and partners of the Temporary Work Visa and Temporary Skill Shortage Visa holders to apply for a separate travel permit. You can stay in Australia for as long as your visa is valid.
It is possible to apply for the visa via the Subsequent Entrant stream but you must either:
-be a partner or a dependent of the Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 457) holder
-be a partner or a dependent of the Temporary Skilled Shortage (Subclass 482) holder
Once your Australian travel permit is approved, you can:
-reside in Australia
-take up employment in Australia
-attend university in Australia
-travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa validity period
