The TSS visa (482 visa) replaced the 457 visa in March 2018 and left many employers and employees confused. While there are certain changes in place, there are not as many as often portrayed and the visa process also remains similar.
There are basically 3 steps involved if you wish to hire a non-Australian citizen or permanent resident.
1.Become an approved Standard Business Sponsor
If you still have a valid 457 visa sponsorship, then this can also be used to hire employees under the 482 visa.
You need to be lawfully operating in Australia and to provide documents such as the ABN registration certificate.
For a full document checklist you can contact us and/or refer to the official Government’s website.
2.Nominate the occupation
At this stage the employer shows how the nominated position fits into the business and that the market salary rate will be offered. You can nominate positions from this list. If there are caveats for the nomination, the business will need to meet those. If and which caveats apply to a certain position can be found here.
The business also proves that Labour Market Testing has been in place.
3.Visa application
The applicant will have to provide evidence of at least 2 years relevant work experience in the nominated occupation. The work experience must also be met in addition to any requirements as outline by ANZSCO.
For example: If you are nominating a marketing specialist, you can check ANZSCO here. You will then see what skills are required (in this case a formal qualification of at least a Bachelor degree or 5 years of experience if the nominee doesn’t hold a degree).
You will also see the tasks and duties the specific occupation usually includes.
What are the costs?
Standard Business Sponsorship: $420
TSS Nomination: $330
TSS Visa (Short Stream – up to 2 years): $1150
TSS Visa (Medium Stream – up to 4 years): $2400
SAF (Skilling Australians Fund): This amount depends on the business’ turnover in the 12 months prior to lodging the nomination.
Turnover greater than $10 million: SAF Levy is $1,800 for each year of the 482/TSS visa
Turnover less than $10 million: Levy is $1,200 for each year of 482/TSS visa
There are also several reasons for refunding the SAF levy such as refusal of sponsorship or nomination application.
In urgent cases, you don’t need to wait for the sponsorship to be approved before lodging the TSS/482 visa nomination and visa. This can be added to the pending sponsorship application.
If for example you have an applicant you wish to hire and he/she is currently in Australia on a substantive visa, then you can lodge the sponsorship which will keep the applicant in Australia lawfully while waiting on his/her new visa.
The overall processing times are currently 2 – 3 months. The current Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold is $53,000 plus Super.
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