Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia (TSS): Updated 2025

The Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage TSS Visa Australia helped solve many critical labour shortages in Australia. Employers in Australia were allowed to bring in overseas skilled workers if there were not enough suitable people locally. From December 7, 2024, the TSS visa stopped being used, and the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa was introduced as part of Australia’s reform of its immigration system. Yet, cases submitted before 16 March will still be processed using the earlier TSS visa rules. The guide provides new information about the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia, including who is eligible, the different streams available, how much the visa costs, what it offers and the possible path to permanent residency.

Latest Facts & News (2025)

Here are the latest facts and news surrounding the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

1. On December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa became effective after officially replacing the TSS Visa.

2. Applicants will from November 23, 2024 be required to have only 1 year of relevant work experience which is a drop from the earlier 2-year requirement.

3. It now only takes 2 years of working for the same employer with a TSS visa to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) under the TRT stream.

4. Compared to before, employers do not need to list their roles on Workforce Australia through LMT. You now have 6 months to use a job ad which provides more flexibility.

5. There is no age limit for people who want to apply for the TSS visa.

6. Regarding family inclusion, spouses and dependent children can go to Australia to study and work.

7. Alternative English language requirements have been suggested below:

• You need a minimum IELTS score of 4.5 (or an equivalent) for a short period.

• For the medium-term stream, you need at least an IELTS score of 5.0 (similar to other scores).

8. The Minimum Salary Threshold ensures workers do not receive pay below this value.

• People’s pay must exceed the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR).

• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for 2025 is $73,150, so the earning amount should be higher than this.

9. Visa Duration:

• The validity of a short-term stream is up to 2 years from the date of issuance.

• The medium-term stream: This type of visa expires in up to 4 years.

• Now, it’s quicker and easier for visa holders to switch employers or sponsors.

Also Read: Freshers' Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide

What is the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia (TSS Visa)?

Here are the major details about the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• Under the Subclass 482 visa (Temporary Skill Shortage visa), skilled workers moved to Australia by being sponsored by an employer.

• Its purpose was to address a shortage of workers by bringing skilled people from other countries.

• From December 7, 2024, the Skills in Demand (SID) Visa will replace the TSS visa.

• Nevertheless, those applications filed before September 2024 will go through the process under the TSS visa rules.

• Based on the stream you followed, you could get a short or medium stay visa.

• Australia offered a chance for those skilled to stay permanently through the Employer Nomination Scheme.

Is The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa for Australia Still Available? Updated 2025

This section covers all questions regarding the availability of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• No new TSS visas are being issued after December 7, 2024, because the SID Visa was launched.

• But, TSS visa holders and those whose applications are pending will not be affected.

• They will keep their visa valid until the original expiry date, and nothing in their stay or work status will change.

• Permanent residency (PR) is still available for those who will soon hold a TSS visa.

• From now on, people interested in working in Australia as skilled workers should follow the SID Visa process instead of applying for the TSS visa.

Streams of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia in 2025

The Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia is divided into three main streams:

Short-Term Stream

Here are details about the short-term stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• Suitable for those who wish to work in occupations recorded on the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).

• You can stay for up to 4 years if your company meets international trade obligations.

• Made for individuals granted work visas for a limited time, and not for those wishing to live in the country permanently.

• All applicants should prove during the assessment that their visit is only temporary.

• Anyone applying must satisfy the English requirement with an IELTS mark of 4.5 or equivalent.

• There is only one opportunity to renew onshore, so this path does not allow long-term stays in Australia.

Medium-Term Stream

Here are details about the medium-term stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• Allows job applications appearing on either the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

• Skilled employment might be suited to people with a visa lasting up to 4 years.

• Makes it easier to achieve permanent residency once the conditions are met.

• It is necessary to achieve an IELTS score of 5.0 or something similar.

• People looking for permanent roles in Australia will find this helpful program.

Labour Agreement Stream

Here are details about the labour agreement stream of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• This applies when a person’s occupation is missing from the regular skilled occupation lists.

• The transfer process needs a labour agreement that the employer and the Australian government negotiate.

• Allows controlling how much a salary should be, how well someone speaks English and the experience needed for each job in the industry.

• Such industries as meat processing, dairy and others with their worker needs widely use this system.

Also Read: Best City In Australia For Jobs, Students & Visitors

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia Requirements in 2025

Applicants and employers must meet the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia requirements:

Employer Requirements

Here are the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia requirements for the employer:

• Has to be running according to all legal requirements.

• Doing so should demonstrate why overseas workers are needed.

• Labour Market Testing (LMT) is usually compulsory (unless there are exemptions).

• You must give the worker a salary above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) and the Australian Market Salary Rate (AMSR).

• Have to contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF).

Applicant Requirements

Here are the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia requirements for the applicant:

• Should obtain a valid endorsement from a sponsor that the government has approved.

• Starting November 2024, you must have at least one year of work experience in the chosen profession.

• Must possess the capabilities and experience required for the job by Australian rules.

• Ensure your English skills are high enough for the visa stream you wish to use.

• Go through the required health and character checks to prove eligibility and safety for entering Australia.

• Ensure you have valid health insurance during your entire stay in the country.

• You must supply evidence that you intend to enter Australia temporarily.

Latest Step-by-Step Application Process for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia in 2025

Here is a small step-by-step application process outline for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

1. Sponsorship Application

The organisation starts the process of becoming a standard business sponsor.

2. Nomination Application

The employer picks out a specific job and the candidate who fits it.

3. Visa Application

• Next, the candidate sends in the TSS visa application.

• Make sure you add any essential documents with your application.

• Pay the required fees and make sure to go to your biometric appointment.

Current Benefits of the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia in 2025

Here are the benefits of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• Ten thousand visas allow you to work in Australia for 1 to 4 years.

• Add your spouse/partner and your children, for whom you are dependent, to the visa application.

• The Australian education system allows children to participate in public education.

• During the visa period, dependents are allowed to find work or pursue their studies as they desire.

• All Americans must have health insurance that offers access to healthcare services.

• Allows those who are eligible to obtain pe

• It makes it possible to switch employers after getting approval from the Department of Home Affairs.

Also Read: What is the Average Salary in Australia per Month

Latest Pathway from Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia to Permanent Residency in 2025

Here’s the pathway to switch from the Temporary Skill Shortage TSS visa Australia to PR:

• There is a PR pathway in the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).

• By 2025, employees will only be required to stay with the employer for 2 years (was 3).

• You should choose the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream.

• Employers must pick the same job and job code when nominating the employee.

• Individuals must fulfil all the criteria for character, English skills and health.

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia: Costs & Processing Times in 2025

Here are the costs and processing times for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

Actual costs may vary with dependents.

Common Occupations Eligible for the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia in 2025

Here are the common occupations for the Temporary Skill Shortage TSS visa Australia:

1. Listed on STSOL, MLTSSL, and ROL.

2. Popular occupations include:

• Software Engineer

• Registered Nurse

• Chef/Cook

• Civil Engineer

• Electrician

• Welder

• Accountant

• Motor Mechanic

3. Full list available on the Home Affairs website.

Top Australian Companies Offering Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia Sponsorship in 2025

Here are the top companies offering sponsorship for the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia:

• Commonwealth Bank of Australia – USA

• BHP – Mining & Resources

• Deloitte – Consulting & Technology

• Rio Tinto's industrial and mining divisions

• Telstra is a company specialising in telecommunications.

• Infosys is a company specialising in IT Services.

• PwC’s Accounting & Risk Services

• Woolworths – Sales & Distribution

Also Read: Which State Is Easiest To Get PR In Australia?

Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia vs. Skills in Demand Visa: What’s Changed in 2025?

Here is a clear outline of the changes from the Temporary Skill Shortage visa Australia to the Skills in Demand Visa:

Conclusion

The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia was essential to Australia’s skilled migration process for several years. Many experts from other countries came to Australia for jobs, used their skills to support the country’s economy and could apply for permanent residency through their employer. Even though the SID Visa has replaced the TSS visa, anyone still in the process or working towards PR through the TSS framework should know the details of this visa. Contact TerraTern for expert assistance today!