If you’re considering working in Australia as a skilled tradesperson or professional, you’ve likely come across two important acronyms: OSAP and TSS. OSAP & TSS are Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) programs, Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) is a skills assessment service for people with trade skills gained overseas or in Australia for the purpose of migration. To work as a skilled trades worker in Australia, a candidate generally needs to undergo a skills assessment to achieve a trade qualification for the purpose of migration. The assessing body for this is TRA and the two main programs for this are OSAP & TSS. Both are key visa programs designed to bring skilled workers into the country, but they serve different purposes and suit different career goals. Understanding how each one works—and which is right for you—can help you make informed decisions about your future in Australia.
What is OSAP?
OSAP stands for the Offshore Skills Assessment Program. It’s not a visa, but rather a requirement in the visa application process for certain occupations.
Purpose: OSAP is used to assess whether overseas-trained tradespeople have skills and qualifications comparable to Australian standards. It’s primarily aimed at applicants for permanent and temporary skilled migration visas who learned their trade outside Australia.
How It Works:
- Your practical skills and experience are evaluated by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), such as ACTS Visa Skills .
- The assessment includes document checks, interviews, and in many cases, a hands-on practical test.
- Once approved, you receive a skills assessment outcome, which is needed to support your visa application.
Best For:
- Tradespeople with overseas qualifications who want to travel permanently or apply for employer-sponsored roles.
- Individuals seeking to validate their skills to match Australian licensing and standards.
What is the TSS Visa?
TSS stands for Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482). It is a temporary work visa that allows skilled workers to be sponsored by an Australian employer when a suitable local worker cannot be found.
Purpose: The TSS visa helps fill immediate skill shortages in the Australian workforce. It can act as a pathway to permanent residency but is initially temporary.
Key Features:
- Employer Sponsored: You must be nominated by an Australian employer.
- Valid for 2 to 4 years, depending on the occupation.
- Can include family members on your application.
Streams:
- Short-Term Stream: For occupations on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL). Maximum stay is 2 years (renewable once).
- Medium-Term Stream: For occupations on the Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Eligible for up to 4 years and pathways to permanent residency.
- Labour Agreement Stream: For skilled workers nominated under special agreements.
Who Needs a TSS Visa?
- Foreign workers who have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- Those whose occupation appears on one of the skilled occupation lists.
- Applicants with at least 2 years of relevant experience in their field.
Best For:
- Skilled workers seeking temporary employment in Australia.
- People open to transitioning to permanent residency after gaining local experience.
- Those sponsored by companies that need their skills immediately.
Key Differences Between OSAP and TSS
| Feature | OSAP | TSS Visa |
| What it is | Skills assessment program | Temporary work visa |
| Main Purpose | Validates trade skills for migration | Allows skilled workers to work in Australia temporarily |
| Required For | Skilled visa applicants without Australian qualifications | Foreign workers sponsored by an Australian employer |
| Outcome | Skills assessment result | Visa grant |
| Duration | N/A – it’s an assessment | 2–4 years (with possible extension or PR pathway) |
| Work Rights | N/A – does not grant work rights | Full work rights for the sponsoring employer |
| PR Pathway | Indirect – used in PR visa applications | Direct – some streams lead to permanent residency |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose OSAP if:
- You’re applying for a permanent skilled visa and need to prove your trade qualifications.
- You trained or worked in your trade overseas and don’t hold an Australian certificate.
- You want to establish your credentials before applying for a visa.
Choose TSS if:
- You already have a job offer from an Australian employer.
- You want to move to Australia quickly and temporarily, with the possibility of staying longer.
- You meet the experience requirements and have an occupation on a skilled list.
Final Thoughts
Both OSAP and the TSS visa are essential components of Australia’s skilled migration framework, but they serve different purposes. OSAP is about proving your skills, while TSS is about using your skills in the workforce.
If you’re unsure which path to take, it’s worth speaking with a registered migration agent or your prospective employer. Whether your goal is temporary work, permanent residency, or simply gaining recognition for your trade, there’s a pathway in Australia for you.
