Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

The new visas will come into force in March 2018 ( click here for more information).

The TSS visa programme will be comprised of a Short-Term stream of up to two years and a Medium-Term stream of up to four years.

While more than 650 jobs are currently available for 457 holders, that number will be reduced by 200 under the new program. The new visa classes will have higher requirements than the current 457 program, including:

  • "a higher standard of English";
  • "a proper police record, a criminal check";
  • a two-year work experience requirement; and
  • "mandatory labour market testing".

Fact sheets that provide more detail about the reforms are available at:

Detailed information on changes to occupations is available (18 April 2017). See: List of eligible skilled occupations

Some of the reforms such as review of the current skilled occupations list will take effect immediately whilst the rest of the changes are expected to be fully implemented by March 2018. More...

This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.