Australia has long been a dream destination for individuals seeking a prosperous career, high-quality lifestyle, and diverse cultural experiences. For many, the pathway to realizing this dream involves securing a visa that allows them to live and work in the Land Down Under. Two popular options for skilled professionals are the Skilled Independent Visa and the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa.

1. Australia has long been a dream destination for individuals seeking a prosperous
career, high‐quality lifestyle, and diverse cultural experiences. For many, the pathway
to realizing this dream involves securing a visa that allows them to live and work in
the Land Down Under. Two popular options for skilled professionals are the Skilled
Independent Visa and the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa. In this comprehensive
guide, we will delve into the intricacies of each visa, helping you make an informed
decision about the best route to turn your Australian dream into a reality.
Understanding the Basics
Skilled Independent Visa ﴾subclass 189﴿—The Skilled Independent Visa,
subclass 189, is a points‐based visa designed for skilled workers not sponsored by
Choosing Your Australian Dream: Skilled
Independent Visa vs Temporary Skill
Shortage Visa Explained
Andrew Philip
Business Development Manager
Published Feb 7, 2024
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2. an employer, family member, or a state or territory. This visa category falls under the
General Skilled Migration ﴾GSM﴿ program, allowing individuals to live and work
anywhere in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the subclass 189 visa, applicants must:
· Possess skills and qualifications listed on the Australian Skilled Occupation List
﴾SOL﴿.
· Score a minimum number of points based on factors such as age, English language
proficiency, work experience, and education.
Temporary Skill Shortage ﴾TSS﴿ Visa ﴾subclass 482﴿
The Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, subclass 482, is designed for employers to
address temporary skill shortages in their workforce. This visa allows skilled workers
to be sponsored by an employer for a specified occupation, enabling them to work
in Australia temporarily.
Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for the subclass 482 visa, applicants must:
· Have a valid job offer from an Australian employer.
· Be nominated for an occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
· Meet certain skill and English language requirements.
Points System: Skilled Independent Visa
Age—The applicant’s age plays a crucial role in the points calculation for the
Skilled Independent Visa. Points are awarded based on the following categories:
· 18–24 years: 25 points
· 25–32 years: 30 points
· 33–39 years: 25 points
· 40–44 years: 15 points
English Language Proficiency
Proficiency in the English language is another vital factor. Points are awarded based
on performance in English language tests such as IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL.

3. · Superior English: 20 points
· Proficient English: 10 points
· Competent English: 0 points
Work Experience—Accumulated work experience in a nominated occupation also
contributes to the points total:
· 3–5 years: 5 points
· 6–8 years: 10 points
· 8 years and above 15 points
Education—Educational qualifications are assigned points based on the level of
achievement:
· Doctorate: 20 points
· Bachelor’s degree or higher: 15 points
· Diploma or trade qualification: 10 points
Navigating the Points System: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
While the TSS Visa does not operate on a points system like the Skilled Independent
Visa, it does require applicants to meet specific criteria, including:
Skills Assessment—Applicants for the TSS Visa must undergo a skills assessment to
ensure that their qualifications and experience align with the requirements of the
nominated occupation.
English Language Proficiency—Similar to the Skilled Independent Visa, applicants
for the TSS Visa must demonstrate proficiency in English through recognized
language tests.
Genuine Temporary Entrant ﴾GTE﴿ Requirement—Applicants must satisfy the
Department of Home Affairs that their intention is temporary and they genuinely
plan to stay in Australia for the duration of their visa.
Duration and Pathways to Permanent Residency
Skilled Independent Visa—The Skilled Independent Visa is a permanent

4. residency visa, allowing individuals to live and work in Australia indefinitely. Once
granted, visa holders can also sponsor eligible family members for permanent
residence.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa—The TSS Visa is a temporary visa with a validity
period determined by the nominated occupation. It offers two streams: The Short‐
Term stream ﴾up to 2 years﴿ and the Medium‐Term stream ﴾up to 4 years﴿. While the
TSS Visa itself is not a direct pathway to permanent residency, it may serve as a
stepping stone. Individuals can explore other options, such as employer‐sponsored
permanent visas, to extend their stay in Australia.
Employer Involvement: TSS Visa
Sponsorship—The TSS Visa requires the sponsorship of an Australian employer.
Employers must be approved sponsors and nominate the skilled worker for a
specific occupation.
Labour Market Testing ﴾LMT﴿—Employers must demonstrate that they have
conducted Labour Market Testing to ensure that there are no suitable Australian
workers available for the nominated position.
Pros and Cons of Skilled Independent Visa and Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
Skilled Independent Visa Pros
1. Permanent Residency: Grants the freedom to live and work in Australia
indefinitely.
2. Flexibility: No requirement for employer sponsorship, allowing individuals to
choose their place of residence and employer.
3. Access to Services: Access to healthcare, education, and social services on par
with Australian citizens.
Cons
1. Competitive: The process is competitive due to a points‐based system, and
meeting the eligibility criteria can be challenging.
2. No Immediate Job: Does not guarantee employment upon arrival, requiring
individuals to secure a job independently.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa

5. Pros
1. Employer Sponsorship: Offers a pathway for skilled workers to work for an
Australian employer in a nominated occupation.
2. Flexibility: Allows for changes in employment and location, provided the new
employer is an approved sponsor.
3. Potential Pathway to Permanent Residency: While not a direct pathway, the TSS
Visa can lead to employer‐sponsored permanent residency.
Cons
1. Temporary Nature: Temporary stay with no guarantee of permanent residency.
2. Occupational Limitations: Restricted to working in the nominated occupation for
the sponsoring employer.
Application Process
Skilled Independent Visa
1. Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive assessment of the nominated occupation.
2. Submit Expression of Interest ﴾EOI﴿: Lodge an EOI through the Skill Select
system.
3. Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa based on the
points score.
4. Visa Application: Lodge the visa application within the specified time frame,
providing all required documentation.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa
1. Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from an Australian employer.
2. Nomination: The employer nominates the skilled worker for a specific occupation
and obtains approval.
3. Visa Application: Submit the visa application, including supporting documents,
within the specified time frame.
Summary:

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Choosing between the Skilled Independent Visa and the Temporary Skill Shortage
Visa is a decision that requires careful consideration of individual circumstances and
long‐term goals. While the Skilled Independent Visa offers the promise of
permanent residency and independence, the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa provides
an opportunity for immediate employment through employer sponsorship. It’s
essential to weigh the pros and cons, assess eligibility, and plan for the future to
make an informed decision that aligns with your Australian dream. Whether you
aspire for a life of permanence or seek to gain valuable work experience temporarily,
Australia welcomes skilled individuals.
Originally published at https://medium.com on December 15, 2023.
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