Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program
The Global Talent Independent (GTI) visa (subclass 858) is a targeted visa program to attract highly skilled technology professionals in the following sectors to Australia:
- Resources
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Energy
- Health Industries
- Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
- Circular Economy
- DigiTech
- Infrastructure and Tourism
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Education
The Australian government has also indicated that they will consider expressions of interest for a Global Talent visa from highly skilled individuals that are outside the above target sectors; however, they must be of exceptional standard and are less likely to be successful.
Main Requirements Of The Global Talent Independent (GTI) Visa
Applicants interested in a GTI visa must have an Australian organisation or person that has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant’s skills that is willing and able to nominate them for the program.
Applicants who are aged 18 years or older must demonstrate that they have at least ‘functional’ English. Applicants that cannot meet this requirement are still eligible for the Global Talent visa; however, a secondary visa application charge is payable.
All applicants must demonstrate that they are likely to earn or ‘have the ability to attract’ a salary of at least A$162,000.
The Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program does not have an age requirement. However, the Department has indicated that if an applicant is under 18 or over 55 yeas of age they must demonstrate an ‘exceptional benefit’ to Australia.
Application Process For The Global Talent Independent Visa
Step 1 – Expression Of Interest
The first step is to lodge an Expression of Interest to be considered for the GTI Visa Program. The Department will then assess your claims, your nomination and the expression of interest.
Step 2 – Invitation/Unique Identifier
If you are invited by the Department of Home Affairs you will be issued with a Unique Identifier (UI) to enable lodgement of your visa application.
Step 3 – Visa Application
Once you have been issued with your UI, you are able to apply for your Global Talent visa online. This is done via the Global Talent visa (subclass 858) regardless of if you are located in or outside of Australia.
GTI Visa – Eligibility Criteria
To be granted a visa under the Global Talent Visa Program, a candidate must demonstrate that they are highly skilled in one of the 10 target sectors and demonstrate that they will be able to attract a salary that meets the high income threshold.
The ‘Target Sectors’ are:
- Resources
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Energy
- Health Industries
- Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
- Circular Economy
- DigiTech
- Infrastructure and Tourism
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Education
Talent Requirements
Applicants must be able to demonstrate:
- they are internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding achievements
- they are still prominent in their field of expertise
- they provide evidence that they would be an asset to Australia, in their area of expertise
- they have no difficulty obtaining employment in Australia or becoming established in their field
- they have a recognised organisation or individual in Australia nominate them as global talent, in the same field as the applicant
High Income Threshold Requirement
Candidates should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold of AUD162,000. This figure is adjusted annually on 1 July.
In assessing this, the Department will consider:
- current salary shown through payslips or a contract, or
- future job offers outlining remuneration, or
- recent PhD graduates in the target sectors.
Make Your Expression Of Interest Count
The Australian government has committed to attracting the best and brightest talent from around the global to Australia via this program. Further information on the GTI Visa can be found on our article here.
Ethos Migration Lawyers can assist you to prepare a strong, well presented and cohesive Global Talent visa application through each stage maximising your chances of success.
Our firm has been interviewed by various media outlets including the Australian Financial Review for expert commentary on the Global Talent visa schemes and are well placed to assist you with your journey.
Next Steps in Obtaining a Global Talent (GTI) Visa
If you would like further information on the subclass 858 Global Talent Independent Visa Program, or wish to schedule a consultation please contact our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents on 1300 083 843 or via email at info@ethosmigration.com.au.
Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Frequently Asked Questions
The Global Talent (subclass 858) visa is permanent residency visa for individuals who can demonstrate they have exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. It is designed to attract ‘the best and brightest’ to Australia and provides a streamlined pathway for highly skilled professionals to live and work permanently in Australia.
There are two pathways for the global talent visa. The first pathway is the ‘Global Talent’ stream which requires you to submit an Expression of Interest and be invited to apply. The second pathway is the ‘Distinguished Talent’ stream which does not require an invitation, and enabled you to apply directly for the visa. If applying in the ‘Distinguished Talent’ stream, you must have a record of superior achievement, be internationally reknown in your field of expertise.
There is no ‘minimum’ English requirement for this visa, however if any applicants cannot demonstrate at least ‘Functional English’ they will be required to pay a second instalment of the visa application charge.
If submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Global Talent stream, it is recommended you provide evidence of your English skills to maximise your chances of being invited to apply.
There is no age limit for the global talent visa however, if you are under 18 years old, or 55 years or older you must be able to demonstrate that you will provide ‘exceptional benefit to the Australian community’.
Examples of exceptional benefit can include:
- A statement regarding your professional plans upon arriving in Australia and how those plans will benefit Australia
- Evidence of a job offer or employment in Australia
- Service agreements or business contracts in Australia
To qualify for a global talent visa, you must be able to demonstrate your talent and ability to work in the ten ‘future-focused’ sectors set by the Australian government. If you are applying via the Distinguished Talent stream, you must be able to demonstrate that you will benefit the Australian community and that you are internationally recognised with a record of achivement. Your achievements must be exceptional and outstanding which means that you are prominent in your field, you have superior abilities to others in your field and you are acclaimed as exceptional in any country where your field is practices. Additionally, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a record of sustained achivement that is unlikely to deminish in the near future.
Yes, if you are granted a Global Talent (subclass 858) visa, you will have permanent residency in Australia and may be eligible for Australian citizenship after a certain amount of time as a permanent resident.
The global talent visa, is not necessarily a ‘easy visa to get’ however, if you are working in one of the target sectors and are able to demonstrate your achievement, it is worth considering submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Global talent visa.