This visa enables employers to address labour shortages by bringing in skilled workers where employers can't source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

With this visa, you can

- work in Australia for up to 2 for your sponsor or work in Australia for up to 4 years if an International Trade Obligation (ITO) applies, or up to 5 years if you are a Hong Kong passport holder
- study (you won’t receive government assistance)
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid
- if eligible, apply for permanent residence
For this stream of the visa, you must be sponsored to work in an occupation listed on the Short term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL).
Your visa will come with conditions attached to it. To see your conditions refer to your visa grant letter or use VEVO.

Include family

You can include other family members (called 'secondary applicants') in your visa application. The family members you can add will depend on whether you currently hold a subclass 457 or TSS visa.

Apply from

Usually, you can be in or outside Australia when you apply for this visa, but not in immigration clearance.
However, you must be outside Australia if all the following apply:
- you have held more than one TSS visa in the Short-term stream
- you hold a TSS visa in the Short-term stream and you were in Australia when you applied for that visa
- applying outside Australia is not inconsistent with an ITO
If you are applying in Australia, you must hold:
- a substantive visa, or
- a Bridging visa A, Bridging visa B or Bridging visa C

Processing time

We assess applications on a case-by-case basis, and actual processing times can vary due to individual circumstances including:
- whether you have lodged a complete application, including all necessary supporting documents
- how quickly you respond to any requests for additional information
- how long it takes to perform required checks on the supporting information provided
- how long it takes to receive additional information from external agencies, particularly in relation to health, character, and national security requirements
We might ask for more information. We are not obligated to request further information or documents and can make a decision on the information provided. It is your responsibility to ensure all relevant supporting/evidentiary documentation is attached to your application.