The TSS Labor Agreement: What You Need to Know
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa program is a program designed to enable Australian employers to sponsor workers from overseas to work in Australia for a temporary period. This program replaced the previous 457 visa program in 2018.
As part of the TSS program, there is a labor agreement that employers can enter into in order to sponsor foreign workers for occupations that are not covered by the standard TSS visa requirements. This labor agreement is known as the TSS Labor Agreement (TSSLA).
What is the TSS Labor Agreement?
The TSSLA is a bespoke agreement between an employer and the Australian government that sets out the terms and conditions under which the employer can sponsor overseas workers for a temporary work visa. The agreement is designed to address skills shortages in specific industries or regions of Australia.
The TSSLA enables employers to sponsor overseas workers for a range of occupations that are not covered by the standard TSS visa requirements. These might include occupations that require a lower level of skill, or occupations that are not on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
What are the benefits of the TSS Labor Agreement?
The TSSLA can provide a number of benefits to both employers and employees. For employers, the TSSLA enables them to sponsor workers for occupations that are not covered by the standard TSS visa requirements. This can help to address skills shortages in specific industries or regions of Australia.
For employees, the TSSLA can provide a pathway to sponsorship that may not have been available under the standard TSS visa requirements. This can provide opportunities for overseas workers to work in Australia for a temporary period, gain valuable experience, and potentially apply for permanent residency in the future.
How to apply for the TSS Labor Agreement
To apply for the TSSLA, employers must first identify the specific skills shortages that they are seeking to address. They must then negotiate with the relevant industry association or government agency to develop an agreement that meets the needs of their business and the requirements of the TSS program.
Once the agreement has been developed, employers can lodge an application with the Department of Home Affairs. The application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the employer will need to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of the TSS program and the terms of the TSSLA.
Final Thoughts
The TSS Labor Agreement is a valuable tool for Australian employers seeking to address skills shortages in specific industries or regions of Australia. It provides a pathway to sponsorship for overseas workers for a range of occupations that are not covered by the standard TSS visa requirements.
If you are an employer seeking to sponsor overseas workers for a temporary work visa, it is worth exploring the options available under the TSS program and the TSSLA. By doing so, you may be able to find a solution that meets the needs of your business and the requirements of the Australian government.