Introduction
Traveling abroad as young Nigerian maybe challenging due to high cost involve couple with this economic breakdown which we are currently facing. However, the dream of living and working abroad for new opportunities is possible with the right information and guidance. One of those countries that offer a possibility for many young and vibrant Nigerians is Australia.
However, as a Nigerian citizen, it wouldn’t be easy to move Down there but with the Australia’s Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa it is actually possible and easy to relocate with your family if you follow the procedure. This visa pathway seemed promising for someone with qualifications and experience to gain entry and gain skilled employment sponsorship. In this guide, I’ll share the full TSS visa application process based on my own journey so far applying from Nigeria. My hope is it gives you useful insights as you consider this option for yourself.
what is Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS)
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482) is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to come to Australia and work for an approved employer in a nominated occupation. Introduced in March 2018, this visa replaced the previous 457 visa and aims to address temporary skill shortages in the Australian workforce.
General Overview of the TSS Visa (subclass 482)
The TSS visa is divided into three streams, each catering to different types of skill shortages and employment needs in Australia:
- Short-Term Stream: This stream is designed for employers to address short-term skill shortages in their workforce. It allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for up to two years (or up to four years if an International Trade Obligation applies).
- Medium-Term Stream: The Medium-Term stream is for employers to source highly skilled overseas workers to fill medium-term critical skills shortages in Australia. It allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia for up to four years and may lead to permanent residency through pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
- Labour Agreement Stream: This stream is for employers who have negotiated a labor agreement with the Australian government. It allows skilled workers to stay and work in Australia as per the terms outlined in the labor agreement.
Essential Requirements for the TSS Visa (Subclass 482)
To qualify for the TSS visa (Subclass 482), applicants must meet several key criteria:
1. Sponsorship by an Approved Employer: A valid job offer from an employer who is approved by the Australian government as a sponsor is required.
2. Nomination of Occupation: Your employer must nominate an occupation from the relevant skilled occupation lists, such as the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), that matches your qualifications and experience.
3. Relevant Skills and Qualifications: You must possess the necessary skills, qualifications, and work experience for the nominated occupation.
4. English Language Proficiency: Depending on your stream and occupation, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency through a test like IELTS or provide evidence of exemptions.
5. Health and Character Requirements: Both you and any family members included in your visa application must meet health and character requirements. This may involve undergoing health examinations and providing police clearance certificates.
TSS Visa Application Process
The application process for the TSS visa typically involves these steps:
1. Employer Nomination: Your Australian employer must first lodge a nomination application for your role, demonstrating that the position meets the necessary criteria and that employment terms comply with Australian standards.
2. Visa Application: Once your nomination is approved, you can submit your visa application, providing supporting documents such as identification, qualifications, work history, and evidence of English proficiency, if required.
3. Health and Character Checks: You and any accompanying family members must undergo health examinations and provide police clearance certificates for all countries where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past decade.
4. Visa Decision: If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant notification, detailing the conditions of your stay in Australia, including work rights and other relevant terms.
Advantages of the TSS Visa
The TSS visa offers several benefits to skilled workers:
- Work in Australia: Gain valuable work experience with an approved Australian employer.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: The TSS visa can lead to permanent residency through pathways like the Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186), depending on your circumstances.
- Family Inclusion: You can include your spouse or partner and dependent children in your visa application.
- Access to Public Services: Enjoy access to Australia’s healthcare, education, and other public services.
Differences Between the Short-Term and Medium-Term Streams
It’s important to understand the differences between the two main streams of the TSS visa:
- Stay Duration: The Short-Term stream allows for a stay of up to two years, while the Medium-Term stream permits up to four years.
- Occupation Lists: Occupations for the Short-Term stream are on the STSOL, while those for the Medium-Term stream are on the MLTSSL.
- Permanent Residency: Only the Medium-Term stream offers a pathway to permanent residency after three years of work, provided you meet additional criteria.
Labour Agreement Stream
The Labour Agreement stream is designed for employers who have a labor agreement with the Australian government. Key aspects include:
- Tailored Agreements: These agreements are customized to meet specific employer needs and may include variations to standard visa requirements.
- Stay Period: The length of stay and other conditions are determined by the labor agreement.
- Additional Requirements: In addition to general TSS visa requirements, applicants must meet the specific criteria outlined in the labor agreement.
Transition from 457 Visa to TSS Visa
In March 2018, the TSS visa (Subclass 482) replaced the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa (Subclass 457). Notable changes include:
- Occupation Lists: The TSS visa introduced the STSOL and MLTSSL, replacing the previous Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL).
- Salary Standards: The TSS visa introduced mandatory minimum salary requirements to ensure that visa holders are paid competitive market rates.
- Visa Conditions: New conditions include mandatory Labour Market Testing (LMT) and the introduction of the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for certain applications.
Employer Responsibilities
Employers sponsoring workers under the TSS visa must adhere to specific obligations:
- Fair Employment Terms: Ensure that employment terms comply with Australian workplace standards, including paying the visa holder at least the market salary rate.
- Training Contributions: Employers must contribute to the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy unless exempt.
- Reporting Obligations: Employers must notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to the visa holder’s employment status or circumstances.
Tips for TSS Visa Applicants
The TSS visa application process can be complex. Here are some tips to help you navigate it successfully:
- Early Preparation: Start preparing your documents and researching requirements well in advance.
- Professional Advice: Consider consulting a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer for expert guidance.
- Accuracy in Application: Ensure all information in your application is accurate and supported by proper evidence.
- Organize Health and Character Checks: Schedule necessary health examinations and gather police clearance certificates early in the process.
Conclusion
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (Subclass 482) offers skilled workers a valuable opportunity to work in Australia while contributing to its economy. By understanding the requirements, application process, and obligations, you can confidently take the first step towards a successful career in Australia’s dynamic labor market.
Practical method on how to apply for TSS
Skills Assessment
The first step was getting my skills assessed by VETASSESS, one of Australia’s credential assessment authorities. I submitted my Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management and 5 years work experience in construction project roles for review.
A few months later, I received confirmation my qualifications were comparable to an AQF Diploma level in Australia. This verified that my education and experience met the minimum requirement for the TSS visa. It was such a relief!
Streamlining with ANZSCO Code
Next, I had to identify the most suitable 6-digit occupational category under ANZSCO for my skills and previous roles. After consulting online job portals and discussion forums, I determined the best match was ANZSCO 234911 Project Builder. This streamlined classification would be important when researching and applying for jobs later on.
Finding an Employer Sponsor
With positive skills assessment and ANZSCO code in hand, I began actively searching Australian employers in the construction industry and infrastructure development sector sponsoring overseas hires. LinkedIn proved very helpful during this stage
After a few months of applications, I was overjoyed to receive an official temporary employment contract from a large construction firm in Perth, Western Australia! The company was willing to sponsor me through the TSS visa process.
Creating an EOI
With an qualifying job offer, I proceeded to Craft an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs Skill Select system. This involved submitting information like my skills assessment, English language ability evidence, qualifications and work references.
Shortly after, I received an invitation to apply for the TSS visa with the job offer. The EOI phase streamlined my application and gave me early promising signs of approval it seemed.
TSS Visa Application
Next was lodging my full online TSS visa application including documents like:
- Certified qualifications, skills assessment and credentials
- Police clearances from all past countries of residence
- Upfront health examinations including chest x-ray and blood tests
- Payslips and bank statements showing financial stability
It was an anxious waiting period, but to my excitement, I was granted the TSS visa within 6 months! I couldn’t wait to finally move to Perth and start my new life in Australia through this critical working visa pathway.
Conclusion
If you’re a professional hoping for fresh overseas opportunities – I encourage you to seriously research the Temporary Skill Shortage visa option. With diligent application preparation and worldwide talents in demand, it opens doors for Nigerians to gain skilled employment in wonderful nations like Australia. Please feel free to contact me if any part of the TSS process needs more clarification. I’m happy to assist others achieve their migration dreams.