Australia | UK | USA | Canada

Book English Test

Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124)

Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124)

This is a permanent visa for individuals with an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. To qualify, you must:

  • Be outside Australia when the visa is granted (if you are in Australia, see SC858).
  • Have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following areas and remain prominent in that field:
    • A profession
    • A sport
    • The arts
    • Academia and research
  • Be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization with a national reputation in your area of expertise.

Distinguished Talent Visa Requirements

Meeting the requirements for a Distinguished Talent Visa is challenging. You must:

  • Have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in your profession.
  • Remain prominent in your field.
  • Be an asset to the Australian community.
  • Have no difficulty securing employment or becoming independently established in your field in Australia.
  • Be nominated by:
    • An Australian peak body or organization
    • An Australian citizen
    • An Australian permanent resident
    • An eligible New Zealand citizen
  • The nominator must:
    • Have a national reputation in your field.
    • Be highly regarded across Australia.
    • Note: A reputation limited to one state or region is not considered ‘national.’

Visa Costs

  • Government fee: AU$4,110

Age Requirements

You can apply for this visa at any age. However, if you are under 18 or over 55 years old when you apply, you must demonstrate that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

English Requirements

All applicants must have functional English or will need to pay an additional charge, called the second installment, to be granted this visa.

Book a Consultation to Determine Your Eligibility

You need to provide evidence of your record of achievement, including:

  • Relevant qualifications and awards from internationally recognized institutions.
  • Advice from government, professional, scientific, cultural, sporting, or other relevant bodies in Australia.
  • A statement by your nominator supporting your record of achievement.
  • If you are under 18 or over 55 years old: Evidence that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
  • Proof of your ability to find employment or become independently established in your field in Australia.
  • You must demonstrate why you would have no difficulty obtaining employment or supporting yourself in Australia within your area of achievement. Income from employment unrelated to your area of achievement cannot satisfy the visa requirements, even if it forms part of your overall income.

Distinguished Talent Visa (PR)

The Distinguished Talent Visa is a permanent residence visa, allowing you and your family to:

  • Live indefinitely in Australia
  • Study in Australia
  • Work in Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia for five years (after this period, you will need to obtain a Resident Return Visa)
  • Apply for Australian citizenship
  • Enroll in the Australian government’s medical fund, Medicare
  • Sponsor eligible relatives for residency in Australia

Other Visas That May Suit Your Needs

  • Entertainment Visas
  • Visiting Academic Visas
  • Religious Worker Visas
  • Sports Visas