TSS Visa (subclass 482) VS ENS Visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream
TSS Visa (subclass 482)
The TSS Visa (subclass 482) is a temporary work visa that allows employers to sponsor foreign workers for positions in Australia. The visa can be granted under two main streams:
Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) (up to 2 years).
Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (up to 4 years), which also provides a pathway to permanent residency after 3 years under the Temporary Residence Transition stream of the ENS Visa.
ENS Visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream
The ENS Visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream is a permanent residency visa. This stream is designed for workers who:
Are sponsored by an Australian employer for a position listed on the MLTSSL.
Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation.
Do not require prior work experience in Australia, as long as they meet the other eligibility criteria.
Detailed Comparison Between TSS Visa (subclass 482) and ENS Visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream
Aspect
TSS Visa (Subclass 482)
ENS Visa (Subclass 186)- Direct Entry Stream
Type of Visa
Temporary visa (2 or 4 years)
Permanent residency visa
Occupation list
Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
Must be on the MLTSSL
Pathway to Permanent Residency
Only available after 3 years of work in Australia if on the Medium-Term Stream
Immediate permanent residency upon approval
Eligibility
Requires employer sponsorship for an occupation on the STSOL or MLTSSL
Requires employer sponsorship for an occupation on the MLTSSL
Skills Assessment
Required for certain occupations
Required for every occupation
Work Experience Requirement
Work experience in the nominated occupation may be required for the Medium-Term Stream
No work experience in Australia required for the Direct Entry Stream
Visa Duration
Up to 2 years for STSOL and up to 4 years for MLTSSL
Permanent residency
Key Differences in Eligibility and Requirements
Occupation Lists:
TSS Visa (subclass 482) allows applicants to apply under either the STSOL (for short-term occupations) or MLTSSL (for medium-term occupations). The STSOL is primarily for occupations in demand for short-term employment, while the MLTSSL is for occupations in demand for a longer period (4 years).
ENS Visa (subclass 186) only accepts occupations that are listed on the MLTSSL, making it a more selective pathway for those seeking permanent residency.
Work Experience:
The TSS Visa (subclass 482) typically does not require work experience for the Short-Term Stream, but for the Medium-Term Stream, some occupations may require work experience. However, this work experience can often be gained outside of Australia.
For the ENS Visa (subclass 186) under the Direct Entry Stream, applicants are required to have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in the nominated occupation. This is one of the key eligibility requirements for this permanent residency visa.
Pathway to Permanent Residency:
The TSS Visa (subclass 482) does not offer permanent residency immediately. However, after working in Australia for 3 years under the Medium-Term Stream, an applicant can apply for permanent residency through the Temporary Residence Transition Stream of the ENS Visa (subclass 186).
The ENS Visa (subclass 186) offers immediate permanent residency upon approval, making it a more direct pathway to long-term career prospects and settlement in Australia.
Visa Duration and Career Stability:
The TSS Visa (subclass 482) is temporary, meaning it only provides a short-term stay (2-4 years depending on the stream). While it provides the opportunity to live and work in Australia, it does not offer the same long-term stability and security as the ENS Visa (subclass 186).
The ENS Visa (subclass 186), on the other hand, offers immediate permanent residency, providing greater job security, long-term career growth, and access to social services, including Medicare.
Which Visa is Best to Choose?
If your occupation is on the STSOL (Short-Term Skilled Occupation List):
You must apply for the TSS Visa (subclass 482), as the ENS Visa (subclass 186) does not allow direct entry for occupations on the STSOL.
This visa offers temporary work opportunities, but there is no direct pathway to permanent residency. This visa allows you to stay up to 4 years and after this you would need to explore other visa options like 186 transition visa.
If your occupation is on the MLTSSL (Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List):
If you want immediate permanent residency, the ENS Visa (subclass 186) under the Direct Entry Stream is the best option. This visa provides a direct path to permanent residency and job security.
If you are not yet eligible for the ENS Visa (subclass 186) because you do not have the required 3 years of work experience, you may apply for the TSS Visa (subclass 482) under the Medium-Term Stream. After working for 2 years on this visa, you can transition to the ENS Visa (subclass 186) for permanent residency.
Final Recommendation:
For immediate permanent residency: The ENS Visa (subclass 186) – Direct Entry Stream is the best option if your occupation is on the MLTSSL and you have the required 3 years of work experience in the nominated occupation.
For temporary work with a potential pathway to permanent residency: The TSS Visa (subclass 482) under the Medium-Term Stream is an option, but you would need to transition to the ENS Visa (subclass 186) after 2 years of employment in Australia.
In summary, the ENS Visa (subclass 186) provides better long-term security, offering immediate permanent residency, while the TSS Visa (subclass 482) is a temporary solution with a pathway to permanent residency, but requires additional time and work experience.
