News & InsightsA new niche category under the TSS (formerly known as 457 visa) program commenced 1 July 2018 designed for those highly skilled specialist workers who fall between the cracks where their skills are in need, but the occupations are not otherwise categorised as eligible for a TSS visa, or are restricted in their use.
Whilst the pilot sits within the TSS program, an application cannot be made without first negotiating access to the program with the Department of Home Affairs.
The Government sees that the pilot would be used in one of the following ways:
- for established businesses to access highly skilled visa applicants who can bring their cutting-edge skills to Australia to contribute to innovation
- for start-up businesses to sponsor highly skilled visa applicants, again with cutting edge skills, to introduce new ideas, create new jobs, new skills or new technology. The business must operate in a STEM field and have endorsement from the independent GTS startup advisory panel.
We will be watching with great interest to see how this new pilot is taken up by business in Australia.
If the TSS visa program does not ‘fit’ your business needs, and you would like to know more about the Global Talent Scheme, please contact us for more information.