The Government is introducing the TSS visa in early March 2018. There will be three options available under this new visa program:

• Short-term stream - this is for employers to source genuine temporary overseas skilled workers in occupations included in the Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) for a maximum of two years (or up to four years if an international trade obligation applies)
• Medium-term stream - this is for employers to source highly skilled overseas workers to fill medium-term critical skills in occupations included on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) for up to four years, with eligibility to apply for a permanent residence after three years.
• Labour Agreement stream - this is for employers to source overseas skilled workers in accordance with a labour agreement with the Commonwealth, on the basis of the demonstrated need that cannot be in the Australian labour market and standard visa programs are not available, with the capacity to negotiate a permanent residence option. 

       ¹Employers in regional Australia will have access to a broader range of occupations when the TSS visa is introduced.

At the time of lodging a TSS Nomination application, employers will need to select an employment period up to:

• 1 year or 2 years for the Short-term stream (unless an international trade obligation applies); and
• 1 year, 2 years, 3 years or 4 years for the Medium-term stream and Labour Agreement stream.

Source: Dept of Home Affairs

Photo: CTTO