Global Talent Visa-Independent Program

Global Talent Visa-Independent Program

The Global Talent Visa-Independent Program (GTI) is designed to offer a streamlined and priority visa pathway for highly skilled and talented individuals to migrate to Australia permanently. The Australian government aims to attract top talent from around the world in specific “target sectors.”

National Innovation Visa: Replacing the Current Global Talent Visa

From late 2024, the government will introduce a new National Innovation Visa, replacing the current Global Talent Visa (subclass 858). This new visa will target exceptionally talented migrants who can drive growth in sectors of national importance.

Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

A new Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will be established to attract international businesses and exceptional talent to Australia. This initiative, designed to support post-COVID recovery and boost local jobs, builds on the existing Global Talent Initiative.

What is the GTI (Global Talent Visa) Program?

The Department of Home Affairs collaborates with Australian universities, industry bodies, and state and territory governments to attract highly skilled and talented individuals. Global Talent Officers are located in major cities such as London, Shanghai, Singapore, Berlin, and Washington, D.C. These officers work with key industries to invite individuals to apply for the GTI program.

The department seeks individuals skilled in one of the seven target sectors who can either earn a salary meeting the Fair Work High-Income Threshold or are high-performing recent PhD, Master’s, or Honours graduates. Access to the program is through a referral from Global Talent Officers or a nominator.

Target Sectors

1. Resources
2. Agri-food and AgTech
3. Energy
4. Health Industries
5. Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space
6. Circular Economy
7. DigiTech
8. Infrastructure and Tourism
9. Financial Services and FinTech
10. Education

You can read more about these target sectors at the end of this page.

Expected Salary Threshold

The high-income threshold is adjusted annually and is set by Fair Work Australia. This year, the threshold is $175,000. The Department will assess the applicant’s ability to meet this threshold based on:

• The applicant’s current salary
• A job offer outlining the salary
• Qualifications as a recent PhD or Master’s graduate in one of the target sectors

For more information, see the Fair Work High-Income Threshold.

Benefits of the GTI Program

The GTI Program offers several benefits, including:

• Priority processing
• No age limit for applicants

How to Apply

To apply for the GTI program, you must:

1. Obtain a unique identifier issued by the Global Talent Officers.
2. Secure a nominator.
3. If successful in the first two steps, apply for the visa.

Highly skilled professionals referred to the Department may be invited to apply for a Distinguished Talent Visa (subclass 124 or subclass 858).

Use our Global Talent Assessment Form to:

• Refer a highly skilled individual at the top of their field to the Global Talent Independent program (to receive a global talent unique identifier), or
• Lodge a Distinguished Talent Visa application through the Global Talent Independent program (you will need a global talent unique identifier).

Unique Identifier

A unique identifier will be provided to individuals who meet the program requirements. You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) using the Global Talent Contact form. Once submitted, you will receive an acknowledgment of your EOI submission. There is no standard processing time for the EOI, but due to COVID-19, processing may take longer than usual.

Nominator

Applicants need a nominator to support their application. The nominator must have a national reputation in the same field as the applicant and be one of the following:

• An eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident
• An eligible New Zealand citizen
• An Australian organization

Depending on your industry, your nominator could be your university, employer, industry body, or peers. The Department may assess several factors to determine the nominator’s national reputation, such as:

• Record of achievements
• Leadership in the industry
• Professional associations with leading organizations and industry bodies
• Employment history
• Contributions to international journals
• Participation in local and international conferences

Visa Application Process

Once you have received your unique identifier, you can apply for the Distinguished Talent Visa, regardless of whether you are inside or outside Australia. This visa falls under the subclass 858 for those currently in or out of Australia. Previously, if you were outside Australia or held an unsuitable visa, you needed to apply for the subclass 124 Distinguished Talent Visa.

Global Talent Independent Program Changes – Masters and Honours Students

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) program now excludes Masters and Honours students from receiving invitations based solely on their academic qualifications.

This policy change affects all future Expressions of Interest (EOI) assessments and applies to EOIs submitted by candidates who have not yet received an invitation to the Global Talent program by January 20, 2021.

Candidates who submitted an EOI before the policy changes and have not been invited are encouraged to review their eligibility and consider reapplying when they meet the new requirements.

New Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate they are highly skilled in one of the target sectors and:

• Prove they are internationally recognized with evidence of outstanding and exceptional achievements.
• Still be prominent in their field of expertise.
• Provide evidence that they would be an asset to Australia in their field of expertise.
• Have no difficulty obtaining employment in Australia or becoming established in their field.
• Have a recognized organization or individual in Australia endorse them as global talent in the same field as the applicant.

Candidates must meet a high standard and show an exceptional track record of professional achievement, which may include:

• Senior roles
• Patents
• Professional awards
• International publications
• Memberships

Applicants should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold.

Assessment Criteria:

The Department considers:

• Current salary shown through payslips or a contract.
• Future job offers outlining remuneration.
• Recent PhD graduates and certain PhD students with relevant qualifications in the target sectors.

What is the Distinguished Talent Visa?

The Distinguished Talent Visa is for individuals globally recognized for their exceptional achievement in a profession, sport, arts, or academia and research. This visa allows you and your family to live in Australia permanently.

When applying for the visa, the Department will consider:

• Your Contribution: It must benefit the Australian community, economy, or enhance Australia’s social, cultural, academic, or sporting standing.
• Recognition: You must be internationally recognized and prominent in your field for the past two years.
• Employment Capability: You must demonstrate the ability to find work in your area of expertise in Australia.
• Nominator Requirement: You must have a nominator with a national reputation in the same field as you.

Cost of the Visa:

• Main applicant: $4,710
• Dependent (over 18 years old): $2,360
• Dependent (under 18 years old): $1,180

2020/21 Financial Year Overview

For the 2020/21 financial year, 15,000 spots have been allocated, which is three times more than the previous financial year. The breakdown of grants for the GTI visa across 7 target sectors, based on statistics from the 2019-2020 Migration Program by the Department of Home Affairs, is as follows:

• Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science, and ICT: 28%
• MedTech: 26%
• Energy and Mining Technology: 20%
• AgTech: 9%
• Space and Advanced Manufacturing: 8%
• FinTech: 6%
• Cybersecurity: 3%

Visa Name Change and Pathways

On February 27, 2021, the Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) visa was renamed the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa. From this date, either a Distinguished Talent (subclass 124) or a Global Talent (subclass 858) visa can be granted to eligible applicants inside or outside Australia, provided they are not in immigration clearance when the decision is made.

There are two pathways for the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa:

1. Global Talent Visa Pathway: Potential candidates with relevant skills and experience in a priority sector should refer to the Global Talent visa webpage for application information. Eligible candidates will be invited to apply and are encouraged to lodge their visa application as soon as possible, providing invitation details for priority processing.
2. Distinguished Talent Pathway: This pathway is in high demand and is reserved for the most exceptional individuals. The average processing time is 18-20 months.

Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

Amid the global uncertainty caused by COVID-19, the Government launched the JobMaker Plan to stimulate economic growth. As part of this initiative, the Prime Minister established the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce to attract top businesses and talent to Australia. The Taskforce targets companies capable of bringing new technologies, cutting-edge research, development, intellectual property, and capital to Australia.

It also focuses on exceptionally talented individuals who can drive innovation and invites highly skilled professionals in future-focused industries to develop their ideas in Australia. The Taskforce facilitates the relocation of senior executives, company staff, and their families with flexible visa arrangements to accelerate their transition into Australia, connecting them with industry and supportive business ecosystems.

Recent Changes and Taskforce Involvement

As of February 27, 2021, changes were made to enhance Australia’s appeal as a relocation destination and streamline the process for exceptional talent and high-value businesses to relocate and support Australia’s post-COVID economic recovery. The Taskforce can directly nominate exceptionally talented candidates who will significantly contribute to the Australian economy.

Additional changes include a temporary work visa option to facilitate the rapid temporary deployment (up to 18 months) of critically skilled staff to Australia, establishing a ‘beachhead’ for business relocation. This option is available through the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408), Australian Government Endorsed Events stream, and Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery event, with up to ten visas available to the relocating business under this stream.

COVID-19 Impact

Due to COVID-19, the processing time for most visas and EOIs has been delayed. Global Talent Officers previously posted overseas are now working in Australia.

Education Sector

Some candidates for the Global Talent Visa Program (GTVP) have demonstrated their achievements in the education sector through their academic appointments.

A senior academic or researcher appointment at Australian Academic Level D or E, or their international equivalents in fields other than Education, may indicate an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in the education sector. Candidates should provide evidence such as publications, citations, patents, awards, and other accolades.

Academics and researchers in fields other than Education who are below Australian Academic Level D, or its international equivalent, are considered favorably only if they have other exceptional and outstanding achievements in the field of Education.

PhD Graduates

Candidates can provide evidence of completing the academic requirements (prior to conferral) for a relevant PhD to demonstrate an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.

PhD graduates may be considered prominent in their area of academia and research for three years from the conferral date of the qualification. Decision-makers also consider whether applicants have remained engaged in their field if they graduated more than 12 months before the application.

PhD Students

Relevant PhD studies, regardless of graduation date, are now considered for assessing prominence in the area. PhD students must demonstrate a prior internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a priority sector.

Exceptional Benefit for Applicants Under 18 or Over 55 Years Old

Applicants under 18 or over 55 years old must demonstrate that they would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

Athletes and Artists Under the Distinguished Talent Pathway

Guidance has been clarified regarding assessing international recognition for athletes and artists applying for the Distinguished Talent (DT) pathway.

Eligible New Zealand Citizen Nominators Must Be Onshore at the Time of Visa Application

An eligible New Zealand citizen is a New Zealand citizen who is a protected Special Category visa holder within the meaning of Section 7 of the Social Security Act 1991. Special Category visas remain valid only while the holder is in Australia. New Zealand citizens outside Australia do not hold a Special Category visa and are not eligible to complete a Form 1000.

Target Sectors and Specializations for the Global Talent Visa

This section provides examples of specializations within each priority sector. The listed specializations are not exhaustive and are representative only, providing an indication of what each sector covers for transparency.

For prioritization, consideration is given to whether the candidate’s achievements relate to the specializations outlined below for each sector. It is anticipated that novel specializations will continue to emerge within these sectors for priority processing:

Resources

• Advanced visualization technologies, e.g., sensors
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies
• Beneficiation technologies (improving the economic value of resources like ore)
• Expertise in energy-saving technologies for extracting and processing ores, such as ore body mapping, geophysical tools and drilling, mineral refinement, automated trucks and robotic equipment, or grinding and processing technologies
• Resource waste management

Agri-Food and AgTech

• Agricultural big data analytics
• Commercialization experience within the industry
• Future proteins for human and animal consumption
• Food and beverage technology
• Technologies related to farm equipment, weather, seed optimization, fertilizer and crop inputs, and irrigation
• Precision measurement and application of farm inputs like nitrogen and pesticides, gene editing, nanomaterials, and synthetic biology
• Predictive technologies for planting times, climatic forecasting, and crop cycles
• Wearable technology, including ear-tag trackers for animal management

Energy

• Advanced visualization technology (e.g., sensors)
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies
• Automation and robotics (e.g., smart sorting technologies for recycling)
• Beneficiation technologies (i.e., improving the economic value of ore)
• Recycling technology (e.g., feedstock recycling or E-waste processing)
• Traceability technologies (e.g., experience with sophisticated material trading systems that make material sources more transparent to consumers)
• Expertise in fields such as hydrogen technology, clean technologies, renewables and hybrids (including solar and wind power), battery/energy storage design, bioenergy and biofuels, micro-grid design, and supporting the transition to net-zero carbon emissions

Health Industries

• Antimicrobial resistance
• Biochemistry and cell biology
• Biostatistics
• Biotechnology
• Biomedicine and bioengineering
• Cell and gene therapies – genomics
• Clinical trials
• Digital health
• Health economics
• Implantable and wearable devices (e.g., 3D-printed custom devices, bionics, and prosthetics)
• Infectious diseases
• Medical devices
• Medical physics
• Microbiology and immunology
• Nanotechnology and genomics
• Neuroscience and neurology
• Pharmaceuticals
• Precision medicine
• Point-of-care diagnostics
• Regenerative medicine

Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space

Defence

• Augmented and virtual reality
• Cybersecurity
• Expertise in military equipment acquisition, sustainment, and evaluation
• Robotics and automation
• Sensors and analytics

Advanced Manufacturing

• Advanced materials
• Additive manufacturing (3D printing), materials resilience, and repair
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Automation and robotics
• Bio-manufacturing and biological integration
• Biotechnologies
• Digital design and rapid prototyping
• Digitization and automation
• Nano-manufacturing and micro-manufacturing
• Precision manufacturing
• Sustainable manufacturing and lifecycle engineering

Space

• Aviation in space
• Experience beneficial to the National Civil Space Priority Areas:
  • Position, navigation, and timing (PNT) infrastructure (global navigation satellite systems)
  • Earth observation technology and services
  • Communications technologies and services (lasers for data communication, quantum technologies for secure communication, and hybrid radio and optical communications)
  • Space situational awareness and debris monitoring (including space traffic management)
  • Leapfrog R&D (new rocket technology, high-tech materials, space medicine, synthetic biology, quantum communications, in-orbit servicing, and optical wireless communication technologies)
  • Robotics and automation on Earth and in space
  • Access to space, including international space missions and launch activity
  • Engagement with international space and astronomy regulatory bodies

Circular Economy

• Artificial intelligence and digital technologies
• Bioenergy generation
• Bio-methane production
• Commercialization experience within the industry
• Development of sustainable production and supply chain practices that reduce atmospheric, land, and marine pollution
• Energy infrastructure
• Recycling and responsible manufacturing to support industries (plastics, paper, glass, tyre components, e-waste, and lithium batteries)
• Reducing emissions and increasing efficient use of natural resources (including energy, water, and materials)
• Waste treatment (management and reuse) and emissions technology
• Waste-to-energy (WtE) technology (the ability to generate reliable baseload electricity that also diverts waste from landfill and reduces carbon emissions)

Digitech

• Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning
• Automation
• Big data
• Blockchain technology
• Cloud computing
• Cybersecurity detection, prevention, and response services
• Data and eResearch infrastructure
• Data management and analysis
• Data science
• Disruptive technologies
• Front-end development
• Internet of Things
• IT integrated with control systems for plant and machinery
• Machine learning engineering
• Network engineer/architect
• Quantum information and computing
• Robotics
• Senior experience in developing and producing digital games and immersive technology
• Smart cities
• Smart tech
• Software and product management/development
• Start-ups and entrepreneurs in the industry
• Systems integration
• 3D printing

Infrastructure and Tourism

Infrastructure

• Potential or ability to:
  • Drive economic development in regional communities
  • Develop gateways to support Australia’s international competitiveness
  • Improve and expand Australia’s energy infrastructure
  • Improve water security across Australia

Tourism

• Potential or ability to:
  • Increase the economic benefits to Australia from tourism
  • Target high-value travelers in markets and tourism segments that deliver the greatest returns
  • Foster a sustainable and innovative tourism industry

Financial Services and FinTech

• Automated and predictive financial advice
• Blockchain technology
• Commercialization experience within the industry
• Digital wallets
• Financial advice (e.g., automated and digital)
• Financial data analytics, compliance, and ‘RegTech’
• Micro-savings
• Next-generation lending, investment, and wealth management
• Online banking
• Platform banking and payments (e.g., contactless)

Education

• Cutting-edge innovation within the Education sector
• Research and education infrastructure planning
• Characterization (Technologies in advanced microscopy and microanalysis that underpin modern science, medicine, engineering, and industrial innovation)
• Digital Data and eResearch Platforms
• Platforms for Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences