If you’re a skilled professional dreaming of working abroad, Australia’s TSS visa program provides access to high-paying jobs, lifestyle benefits, and potential pathways to permanent residency. In 2025, employers across healthcare, trades, tech, and construction are actively hiring international talent with salaries of up to AUD 85,000 or more—and offering sponsorship through the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa (subclass 482).
This guide outlines the most in-demand jobs, visa process, salary expectations, and how to secure employer-sponsored work in Australia.
Table of Contents
What Is the TSS Visa (Subclass 482)?
The TSS visa allows Australian employers to sponsor foreign workers for skilled positions they can’t fill locally. It can lead to permanent residency under specific pathways.
Key Features
- Valid for 2–4 years, depending on occupation
- Allows full-time work with a sponsoring employer
- Includes family sponsorship (partner and children)
- Eligible for permanent residency through the 186 or 187 visa routes
- Occupation must be on the Short-Term or Medium-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL or MLTSSL)
Top Skilled Jobs in Australia Offering TSS Sponsorship (2025)
Here are high-demand skilled roles across sectors where employers commonly offer TSS visa sponsorship, with annual salaries ranging from AUD 60K to AUD 85K or more:
1. Registered Nurses (All Specialties)
- Salary: AUD 70,000 – 85,000
- Demand Areas: Aged care, emergency, surgical, ICU
- Requirements: AHPRA registration, English language test (IELTS/OET), nursing degree
2. Electricians
- Salary: AUD 65,000 – 80,000
- Demand Areas: Construction, mining, renewable energy projects
- Requirements: Licensing through the Offshore Technical Skills Record (OTSR), work experience
3. Software Developers & IT Analysts
- Salary: AUD 75,000 – 85,000
- Demand Areas: Cybersecurity, cloud computing, full-stack development
- Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in IT or related skills assessment by ACS
4. Motor Mechanics & Diesel Fitters
- Salary: AUD 60,000 – 75,000
- Demand Areas: Rural towns, logistics hubs, auto servicing centers
- Requirements: OTSR, experience, employer willing to sponsor and provide training
5. Early Childhood (Preschool) Teachers
- Salary: AUD 65,000 – 80,000
- Demand Areas: Urban and regional areas across all states
- Requirements: Teaching degree, English test, registration with Australian education board
6. Chefs and Cooks
- Salary: AUD 55,000 – 70,000
- Demand Areas: Hospitality, hotels, remote area resorts
- Requirements: 3+ years’ experience, cookery qualifications, Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (optional)
7. Carpenters & Joiners
- Salary: AUD 60,000 – 75,000
- Demand Areas: Housing construction, renovations, infrastructure
- Requirements: OTSR, qualifications, verified work history
8. Plumbers
- Salary: AUD 65,000 – 80,000
- Demand Areas: Commercial, residential, gas fitting sectors
- Requirements: Skills assessment, plumbing license application upon arrival
9. Welders & Metal Fabricators
- Salary: AUD 60,000 – 75,000
- Demand Areas: Shipbuilding, mining, pipelines, manufacturing
- Requirements: Certified training, at least 2 years experience, TSS sponsor employer
10. Construction Project Managers
- Salary: AUD 80,000 – 100,000
- Demand Areas: Urban infrastructure, rail, housing, energy
- Requirements: Degree or equivalent, project portfolio, English proficiency
TSS Visa Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a TSS visa, you must meet the following:
- Be nominated for a job on the STSOL or MLTSSL
- Have at least 2 years of relevant work experience
- Demonstrate English proficiency (IELTS overall 5.0 minimum or equivalent)
- Pass health and character checks
- Hold necessary licensing or accreditation (where applicable)
- Your employer must be a government-approved sponsor
How to Apply for a TSS Visa Job
Step 1: Check the Occupation List
Review Australia’s skilled occupation lists on the Department of Home Affairs website to see if your job is eligible.
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Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready
Prepare:
- Updated resume (CV)
- References and employment history
- Passport, academic certificates
- English test results
- Skills assessment (if required)
Step 3: Apply to Licensed Employers
Use job boards and apply directly to employers who are registered TSS sponsors.
Step 4: Secure a Job Offer
Once selected, the employer will initiate the TSS nomination process.
Step 5: Submit Your Visa Application
Lodge the 482 visa application through the ImmiAccount portal and wait for processing.
Where to Find TSS Visa-Sponsored Jobs
Top Job Boards:
- Seek.com.au – Use “482 visa” or “TSS visa sponsorship” in search
- JobSearch.gov.au – Australian government portal
- Indeed Australia – Add “visa sponsorship” as a filter
- Workforce Australia – Federal employment services
- CareerOne – Australian industry job board
Employers That Commonly Sponsor:
- Ramsay Health Care (Nursing)
- BHP & Rio Tinto (Trades, Mechanics)
- Accenture & Infosys (Tech roles)
- Compass Group (Hospitality)
- G8 Education (Teaching roles)
Advantages of Working in Australia on a TSS Visa
- High salary potential compared to other visa programs
- Quality of life and strong workplace protections
- Eligibility for PR via Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
- Spouses can work full-time, and children can access local schools
- Diverse, multicultural workforce with good support for newcomers
Common Challenges
- Regional vs. metro divide: Many jobs are located outside major cities
- Processing times: May range from 1 to 6 months, depending on the role
- Licensing hurdles: Some trades require local certifications
- Cost of living: Especially in cities like Sydney or Melbourne
With proper preparation, most challenges can be effectively managed, mainly when supported by an experienced employer or agent.
Bottom Line
Australia’s TSS visa is one of the most practical and powerful ways for skilled workers to live and work in a high-demand, high-reward country. Whether you’re a qualified nurse, software engineer, tradesperson, or project manager, you can start earning up to AUD 85,000 or more annually—and build a path to permanent residence in the process.
If you’re ready to start a new chapter in 2025, the time to act is now.
