Regional TSS Visa (Subclass 482)

1. Purpose: The Regional Stream encourages skilled professionals to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia, supporting regional economic growth and addressing local skill shortages.
2. Eligible Regional Areas: Regional areas include all of Australia except Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Perth. Applicants must live and work in approved regional zones as defined by the Australian Government.
3. Occupation List: The Regional Stream uses the Regional Occupation List (ROL), which features occupations specifically in demand within regional Australia. This list may differ from the Short-Term or Medium-Term occupation lists used in other TSS visa streams.
4. Visa Duration: The Regional TSS visa allows employment in regional Australia for up to four years. Applicants may be eligible to renew or extend their visa if their employer continues to require their services.
5. Employer Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by an approved regional employer who can demonstrate a genuine need for your skills. Employers must comply with Department of Home Affairs regulations, including fair working conditions consistent with Australian workplace standards.
6. English Language Proficiency: Depending on your nationality and occupation, you may need to meet the English requirement by achieving the required score in an approved test such as IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic,or Cambridge English.
7. Salary Threshold: The offered salary must meet or exceed the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for your occupation, ensuring parity with local employment standards.
8. Health and Character Requirements: You and any family members included in your application must satisfy Australia’s health and character requirements. This generally involves completing medical examinations and providing police clearance certificates from relevant countries.
9. Visa Application Process: The Regional TSS visa application includes three stages:
   • 1. Nomination: Employer nominates the position with the Department of Home Affairs.
   • 2. Application: Applicant submits required documentation, including proof of skills, experience, and English ability.
   • 3. Approval: The Department reviews both the employer’s nomination and the applicant’s eligibility before issuing the visa.