If you want to spend time working in Australia you will need a work visa, the type of visa you may get will depend on how long you want to stay, it is likely that you will need to have an occupation that is on a skills shortage list.

Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482)

Since March 2018, the Australian government has substituted the Temporary Work (Skilled) visa subclass 457 with the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa subclass 482 for immigration to Australia.

The TSS visa is a temporary permit, enabling the visa holder to reside in Australia whilst employed by the designated sponsor.

The visa is divided into two categories: the short-term and medium-term streams. In the short-term stream, applicants holding positions listed in the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) may obtain visas valid for over two years. In the medium-term stream, applicants holding positions listed in the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) can apply for a four-year visa, which also enables individuals to apply for permanent residency after three years.

How to Meet the Eligibility Criteria for the TSS Visa ?

Occupations:

The employer must list the occupation for which they are seeking workers in the Combined List of Eligible Skilled Occupations.

How to Apply for the TSS Visa:

The TSS visa application process comprises three stages.

1- The first one is Business Standard for Sponsorship (SBS), which requires the business to undergo approval as a “Standard Business Sponsor” to be considered eligible to nominate and employ TSS visa holders. In order to obtain this approval, the business must exhibit legal operation in Australia. Evidence of legal operation may entail having a valid ABN (Australian Business Number), business registration, submission of Business Activity Statements (BAS), financial statements, and a commitment to training Australian citizens and permanent residents, as well as compliance with Australian employment and other laws.

2- Nomination: Following receipt of the Business Standard for Sponsorship (SBS), the employer is required to nominate a particular occupation to be filled by an overseas worker. This stage has several obligations for compliance Labor Market Testing. To nominate a nurse for the TSS visa, the business must conduct labor market testing, demonstrating that it advertised and attempted to fill the position within Australia but was unsuccessful in hiring a local worker. The proof of this advertising is a vital component of the visa application. Usually, two advertisements in the previous four months are considered acceptable, with each running for at least 28 days. However, there may be variations and exceptions to these requirements in some cases. Employers are advised to seek guidance from a professional migration consultant to guarantee compliance with the labor market testing conditions.

3- Visa Application: Following approval as a Standard Business Sponsor and successful nomination of an occupation, the potential TSS visa holder may apply for the visa.

Please note that the TSS visa process can be complicated, and it is essential to follow all the relevant requirements and regulations. It is recommended to seek guidance from a professional migration agent to navigate the process effectively.

Salary Levels :

For positions brought forward under the Temporary Skilled Migration (TSMIT) section, the salary must have two components. First, the salary should exceed the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) set annually by the Australian government, currently standing at $70,000 plus benefits. Second, the intended salary should align with the market rate for that occupation to ensure that the candidate receives a salary equivalent to that of Australian workers in the same position.

Note: Certain professions may require a minimum salary beyond the TSMIT threshold.

Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy must be paid upon obtaining a TSS visa.Small businesses (annual turnover below $10 million) need to pay $1,200 annually for each TSS visa, while large businesses have to pay $1,800 for every employee nominated for a TSS visa.

If an employee applies for a four-year visa, the full levy must be paid at the time of nomination. For instance, if a large business nominates an employee for four years, they must pay $5,400 upon nomination.

Visa Application:

The visa application is the last step in the process. At this stage, applicants are required to meet the necessary criteria, which includes possessing the required skills for the nominated occupation and satisfying health and character standards.

Frequently Asked Questions about TSS visa:

• Can my employer, who previously sponsored me under the 457 visa program, use the same business to sponsor my TSS visa?

Yes, your TSS visa application and nomination can be lodged using the same business.

• Can I include my family members in my visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and children as dependent family members in your visa application. They will have the opportunity to work and study in Australia without restrictions.

• Can a visa be renewed after its expiration?

In case your visa was granted for a job that appears on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), you are eligible to reapply for a Two-Year Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. For those individuals whose occupations appear on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), it is possible to renew the TSS visa for a period of four years or apply for permanent residency after three years.

Temporary Graduate visa – Subclass 485

Australia Subclass 485 Visa,commonly known as the TR visa, is a temporary work visa for graduates who have completed at least two years of study in Australia. Although the process for obtaining the visa may seem straightforward, the regulations surrounding it can be complex.

You can apply for this visa between the completion of your course of study and the expiration of your student visa. Ensure the use of proper metrics, units and avoid any fillers. Given the tight deadline for submitting your application, it is essential to avoid any mistakes during the application process. This article explores common problems related to this visa.

• Processing Time

Several documents are required when filing a Subclass 485 visa application. To ensure acceptance, these documents must be submitted at the time of application. They may not be accepted later, including during a judicial review. Some of the required documents include:

*Health Insurance Documents for the primary applicant and family members,and Police Clearance Certificates for all family members aged above 16 years.

*English Language Proficiency Certificate is necessary for the Subclass 485 visa.

The Subclass 485 visa has two primary branches:

• Post Study Work Visa, intended for individuals who completed their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees and seek to prolong their stay in Australia. Typically, it grants at least two years’ stay, and
• Graduate Work Visa. This stream is intended for individuals who have obtained a qualification relevant to an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL). It allows for an 18-month stay.

You must indicate clearly which stream you are applying for when applying for a Subclass 485 visa, and changes cannot be made once the application has been submitted.

It may generally be more advantageous to apply for a Post Study Work visa for the following reasons:

-This visa provides at least 2 years of validity, whereas the Graduate Work visa only offers 18 months.

-The Graduate Work visa is solely applicable to individuals whose occupation and field of study correspond to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), in contrast to the Post Study Work visa, which has no such limitations.

-The Post Study Work visa does not necessitate a skills assessment.

-The Graduate Work visa is a viable choice for those who finished their studies in Australia before November 2011 or obtained vocational qualifications like Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma, or Advanced Diploma.

-It is crucial to carefully review which visa stream matches your qualifications and future plans, as no changes are permitted after submission.

Skills Assessment for the Graduate Work Visa

To obtain the Graduate Work visa (Subclass 485) listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), select a profession from the SOL and get a positive skills and expertise assessment.When seeking a skills assessment, remember:

You must submit documents showing that your skills assessment has been lodged when applying for your visa.

Changing your chosen occupation after submitting your application is not possible, so take great care when selecting your occupation to ensure the best possible assessment outcome.

It’s crucial that the selected occupation aligns closely with your field of study, as you may be required to explain how your educational background will be applied to your chosen profession.

Inclusion of dependents.

When applying for the Subclass 485 visa, you have the option to include your spouse, children and de-facto partner in your application, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.  They must either be in Australia at the time of lodging the application or have intentions to apply for a student visa.

After receiving the visa, you may also add dependent family members as “subsequent entrants”. This is a great choice for those who are getting married or have family members who wish to join them in Australia but did not have the chance to apply for a student visa.

Please ensure that you adhere to all the essential procedures and satisfy the standards for adding dependents to your application to assure a hassle-free process.

Skilled – Recognised Graduate visa (Subclass 476)

The Skilled Recognised Graduate Visa (Subclass 476) is a type of work visa available in Australia, also referred to as the Graduate Engineering Visa. This visa is intended for engineering graduates from recognized international universities who have recently completed their studies. A major benefit of this visa is that it doesn’t require prior work experience relevant to your degree. You can use this visa to temporarily reside and work in Australia for up to 18 months. After 12 or 18 months of working in Australia, you are eligible to apply for one of the subclass visas (189, 190, or 491) which could result in permanent or provisional residency in Australia.

The Subclass 476 Australia Visa requires that you be under 31 years of age, hold a recent engineering degree from either the University of Tehran or Amirkabir University, and have graduated within the last two years.

To be eligible to apply for the Subclass 476 visa in Australia, it is required that you demonstrate proficiency in the English language (minimum IELTS score of 6) and have obtained a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from recognized universities within the past two years.

Accepted Fields of Study for Subclass 476 Visa:

The Subclass 476 visa in Australia is exclusively intended for engineering graduates. Thus, this visa only accepts applications from individuals with engineering qualifications in various disciplines, including but not limited to:

• Civil Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Telecommunications Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mining Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Automation and Control Engineering

If you have graduated in renewable energy or systems engineering from a recognized institution, you may be eligible to apply for the Subclass 476 visa in Australia.

Language Requirement for Subclass 476 Australia Visa:

To obtain the Subclass 476 visa in Australia, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language when submitting your application to the Department of Home Affairs. Therefore, providing one of the following language proficiency requirements is mandatory:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System):A minimum overall band score of 6.0 is typically required.

You may also need to achieve a specific score in each of the four language components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking).

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic):A minimum overall score of 50 is generally necessary.

OET (Occupational English Test):A minimum score equivalent to a B grade in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is often required.

Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):A minimum score of 169 is typically necessary.

Please note that the specific English language proficiency requirements may vary or change over time, so it’s essential to check the latest requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a migration agent for the most up-to-date information before applying for the Subclass 476 visa.

Can your family members also apply for a visa?

The presence of family members can enhance your comfort and productivity. The Australian government has considered ways to have family members join you. Therefore, your spouse, children, stepchildren, or your spouse’s children can also apply concurrently for a visa with you.

Costs of obtaining the Subclass 476 Visa:

The visa fee to be paid to the Australian Department of Home Affairs is $425 AUD. Additionally, for every family member applying for a visa, regardless of their age, a fee of $425 AUD per person must be paid.

Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (SESR) (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa, subclass 494, is designed to allow employers in regional areas of Australia to sponsor skilled workers from overseas to fill positions that they can’t find locally.

Here are some key points about this visa:

Employer Sponsorship: To be eligible for this visa, you need to have a job offer from an approved employer in a designated regional area of Australia. The employer must also obtain approval as a Standard Business Sponsor.

Skilled Occupation: Your nominated occupation must be on the relevant skilled occupation list, and you must have the necessary skills and qualifications for that occupation.

Regional Area: This visa is typically for positions located in designated regional areas of Australia. These areas are defined by specific postcodes and are typically outside major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Temporary Visa: The subclass 494 visa is a provisional visa, which means it grants you temporary residence in Australia. Initially, it’s granted for up to five years.

Path to Permanent Residency: After holding the subclass 494 visa for a specified period and meeting certain conditions, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the subclass 191 (Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)) visa.

This visa provides opportunities for skilled workers to live and work in regional areas of Australia while addressing skill shortages in those regions. It’s important to note that the specific requirements and conditions may vary, so it’s advisable to consult the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek guidance from a registered migration agent for up-to-date and tailored information based on your situation.

To be eligible for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) in Australia, you need to meet the following initial requirements:

1. Nomination by an Approved Employer: You must be nominated by an employer who has been approved by the Australian Department of Home Affairs as a Standard Business Sponsor.
2. Relevant Job Offer: You must have a job offer for a position that aligns with the relevant skilled occupation list. This means your nominated occupation should be on the list, and your job offer must match the requirements for that occupation.
3. Positive Skills Assessment: You need to have a positive skills assessment for the specific occupation related to your job offer. Skills assessments are typically conducted by relevant assessing authorities to ensure you possess the necessary skills and qualifications for the occupation.
4. Age Requirement: Your age must be less than 45 years old when you apply for the visa.
5. English Language Proficiency: You should demonstrate English language proficiency by providing evidence of achieving a minimum score of IELTS 5 or an equivalent English language test result.

It’s important to note that meeting these initial requirements is just the beginning. There are additional conditions and criteria you must satisfy to successfully apply for and obtain this visa. Additionally, immigration laws and policies can change over time, so it’s essential to consult the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information tailored to your specific circumstances.

Subsequent Entrant for Visa Subclass 494 in Australia:

The Subsequent Entrant pathway is designed for family members of the primary visa holder of the Subclass 494 visa who intend to join the primary visa holder in Australia. The primary visa holder of this visa type can work and study in regional areas of Australia for up to five years.

One key advantage of this pathway for family members is that they are not required to provide evidence of English language proficiency, such as an equivalent of an IELTS score of 5, which is a requirement for primary visa applicants. However, family members who do not meet the English language requirement must pay an additional fee.

Please note that each family member seeking to enter Australia through this pathway, as a subsequent entrant, must be listed in the primary visa holder’s application, and the relationship between the primary visa holder and the family member must be substantiated.

The Subsequent Entrant pathway allows families to stay together while the primary visa holder works and studies in regional Australia. It’s important to consult the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or seek advice from a registered migration agent for the most up-to-date and accurate information tailored to your specific circumstances, as immigration rules and policies can change over time.

As of the 2023 financial year, here are the costs associated with the Subclass 494 visa in Australia:

1. Visa Application Charge (Main Applicant): AUD 4,045
2. Visa Application Charge (Additional Applicant over 18): AUD 2,025
3. Visa Application Charge (Additional Applicant under 18): AUD 1,015

Please be aware that these fees are subject to change, and it’s crucial to verify the most up-to-date information on the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs or consult with a registered migration agent for accurate and current pricing.

Obtaining the Subclass 494 visa in Australia comes with several advantages:

1. Full-Time Work and Study: You and your family members can work and study full-time in Australia.
2. Five Years of Residence: You are granted five years of residence in Australia initially.
3. Pathway to Permanent Residency: After three years of holding the Subclass 494 visa and meeting specific criteria, you can apply for permanent residency in Australia.
4. Path to Australian Citizenship: Holding a permanent residency visa opens the path to Australian citizenship for you and your family members.
5. Rapid Processing: The Subclass 494 visa typically has a faster processing time compared to other permanent residency visas.
6. No High-Level English Requirement: Unlike some other visas, you do not need to demonstrate a high level of English proficiency, such as IELTS scores of 6 or 7.
7. Cost-Effective: The visa application charges for the Subclass 494 visa are relatively affordable compared to some other Australian visas.

Please note that the Subclass 494 visa program and its benefits can change, so it’s essential to consult with a registered migration agent or refer to the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most up-to-date information and eligibility criteria.

Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

The Subclass 186 visa, also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), is a permanent residency visa aimed at skilled individuals sponsored by an approved Australian employer.

Ways to Migrate to Australia with the Subclass 186 Visa:

1. Direct Entry Stream (DE): This pathway is for individuals who have been nominated by an Australian employer and have never, or only briefly, worked in Australia. It typically requires a skills assessment and competent English language skills.
2. Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream: This pathway is for individuals who have held a Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa in the Medium-Term stream for at least three years and have been nominated by their employer for permanent residency. They must also be under 45 years of age and have Competent English.
3. Labor Agreement Stream: If your employer has a labor agreement with the Australian government, you may be eligible for this stream. Labor agreements are designed for employers in specific industries or regions with skill shortages.

The Subclass 186 visa is a pathway to permanent residency in Australia and offers various options depending on your qualifications, work experience, and the employer’s needs. Each stream has specific requirements and criteria, so it’s essential to consult with a migration agent or review the official guidelines to determine the most suitable pathway for your situation.

Requirements for Migration to Australia with the Subclass 186 Visa:

1. Age Limit:
   • For applicants using the Direct Entry Stream (DE), you must be under 50 years of age.
   • For the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) Stream, the age limit is up to 45 years.
2. Employer Nomination: You must be nominated by an approved Australian employer for a specific occupation. This nomination must be approved at least six months before applying for the visa.
3. Skills and Qualifications: At the time of lodging your visa application, you must possess all the necessary skills and qualifications required for the nominated occupation.
4. English Language Proficiency: You must have sufficient proficiency in the English language. Typically, this is demonstrated through the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6 in each of the four language skills, or equivalent English language qualifications.

Meeting these requirements is essential for obtaining a Subclass 186 visa and migrating to Australia through this program. It’s important to note that additional criteria and documentation may apply depending on the specific stream of the visa and individual circumstances. Consulting with a registered migration agent or referring to the official guidelines is advisable to ensure a successful application.

The benefits of the Subclass 186 visa in Australia are as follows:

1. Permanent Residency: This visa allows you and your family members who obtain it to live in Australia permanently.
2. Work and Study: You can work and study in Australia without restrictions while holding this visa.
3. Medicare: You have access to Australia’s Medicare healthcare system, which provides medical services and coverages.
4. Sponsor Relatives: You can sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence in Australia.
5. Path to Citizenship: If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Australian citizenship after holding this visa for a certain period.
6. Travel: You can travel to and from Australia for up to five years without the need for additional visas (after five years, you may need a Resident Return Visa or another visa to return).

In summary, the Subclass 186 visa offers a pathway to permanent residency in Australia, allowing you and your family to live, work, study, and access healthcare in the country. It also provides opportunities for sponsoring relatives and eventually applying for Australian citizenship, making it an attractive option for those seeking to settle in Australia.