GLOBAL TALENT INDEPENDENT PROGRAM (GTI) - 858 VISA
Table of Contents
Australian Lawyers and Migration Agents Advice - Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)
Our Australian Immigration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents are
experienced and ethical. We can assist clients in our offices in Brisbane, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, UK and Lisbon, Portugal.
In addition, our Australian qualified Lawyers can advise clients worldwide, with a fast and efficient Consultation by telephone
or Zoom Video call, where they advise you about:
- Visa eligibility assessment
- Information about the visa process
- Advice regarding the Migration Skills Assessment application
- Advice regarding supporting documents including: Qualification certificates,
Work references and Identification
- Advice regarding Employer Sponsorship application requirements
- Advice regarding minimum Salary earnings for the position
- Advice regarding how to sit an English language test and required score
- Advice regarding how to apply for Police Clearance certificates
- Preparation of Medical examination and Chest x ray referral letter and advice
where to undergo health checks
- Visa Processing time guidance
- Information about the Government Visa Application fee and Migration Agent /
Lawyer's fees for complete visa application assistance
Contact VisaConnect's Australian Immigration Lawyers and
Migration Agents in 2023 for advice and assistance with your Global Talent
Independent Program (Global Talent 858 Visa) application!
Features - Global Talent Independent Program
The Global Talent Independent Program was officially launched on
4 November 2019. It offers a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly
skilled and talented individuals to work and live permanently in Australia. Note
that the planning level Quota of places for GTI has been increased to 15,000 in the
budget announced in October 2020 for the program year 2020-2021.
- Top future-focused fields - The program is designed to attract skilled
migrants at the elite future-focused fields to Australia. The program brings the
best talent from around the world.
- Opportunities for Australians - Transferring skills, promoting
innovation, and creating job opportunities for Australians
- Global Talent Offices - The Department of Home Affairs has Global
Talent Officers in Berlin, Dubai, New Delhi, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, and
Washington DC. Also, they work with Australian universities, industry bodies, and
state and territory governments to attract global talent to Australia
Exceptional Talent - Global Talent Visa (GTI)
Exceptional Talent is where a Professional Skilled worker has the drive to succeed and make a difference, and these Taleneted
People have demonstrated their ability to:
- Generate multiple jobs particularly in areas that fill critical supply chain and talent gaps
- Serve as a leader in your field with international distinction
- Commercialise your ideas at scale
- Make your mark as an innovator or serial entrepreneur
- Have been recognised with international distinction as a leader in culture, science, the arts, or commercial enterprise
- Have the potential to make a significant economic impact
- Act as a connector between industries
- Bring exceptional new skills and knowledge to Australia
- Create a vision for how your future success contributes to Australia’s future success
- Contribute to the relevant industry ecosystem in Australia
- Obtain employment or become established in your field
Benefits - Global Talent Independent Program
The benefits of the Global
Talent independent program include the following:
- Streamlined visa pathway - facilitated through the Global Talent,
Subclass 858 visa program.
- Priority processing - complete applications expected to be
finalised within one month.
- Permanent visa - the program provides permanent residency on
grant of the visa.
- Live and work anywhere in Australia.
Target Sectors - Global Talent Visa (GTI)
The following are the Sectors of Employment, which will be
targeted for the GTI Program:
1. Resources - This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Engineering
- Geology
- Metallurgy
- Waste management
- Energy saving technology
- Extraction and processing
2. Agri-food and AgTech - The application of technology to agriculture
and food production. This sector revolves around modern technology and
innovations together with traditional agriculture (includes horticulture and
aquaculture) at all stages of the food supply chain including production, supply,
demand and distribution. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Seed technology
- Nanomaterials
- Biofuels
- Supply chain and packaging
- Wearable technologies
3. Energy - the development and improvement of energy and mining
technologies. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Clean energy
- Resource robotics
- Computational metallurgy
- Geostatistics
- Benefication
- Battery/energy storage
4. Health Industries - The application of technology to research or
medical practices, with a focus on making medicines or medical devices more
effective, accessible and affordable through new technology, knowledge and
techniques. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Medical and biomedical technology
- Pharmaceutical and vaccine research and development
- IT biochemistry
- Digital health
- Implantables and wearable devices
- Genomics
5. Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space - The industries include:
Space technology and manufacturing involving a highly skilled and innovative
workforce and Advanced manufacturing across the entire value chain of
manufacturing including research, design, logistics, and after sales service of
manufacturing products. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Astrodynamics
- Satellite systems
- Rocket and avionics systems
- Urban mobility
- Military equipment acquisition and sustainment
- Automation and robotics
- Nano-manufacturing
- Sustainable manufacturing and life-cycle engineering
6. Circular Economy - Solutions to reduce waste and pollution, recycle
and renew products and materials for continued use, and regenerate natural
systems. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Bioenergy
- Sustainable production
- Recycling
- Waste treatment
- Waste to energy technology
- Emissions technology
- Ecologically sustainable manufacturing
7. DigiTech - Enhancing capabilities in the following areas: Data
management and analysis, Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning,
Robotics Advanced mathematics and statistics, Start ups and entrepreneurs in the
industry, and Cyber-Security. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Quantum computing
- Cyber sciences
- Cyber security
- Artificial intelligence
- Blockchain, IoT
- Big data
- Disruptive technology
- Smart cities
- Machine learning
- Network engineering
- Cloud computing
8. Infrastructure and Tourism - This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Travel and tourism infrastructure
- Water infrastructure
- Energy infrastructure
- Regional development
9. Financial Services and FinTech - This sector is focused on the
application of technology to finance, with a focus on enhancing financial
services through new technology. This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Neobanking
- Payment systems
- Wealth and regtech
- Blockchain
10. Education - This sector includes the following specialisations:
- Cutting edge skills in emerging fields of the industry
- Developing advanced educational systems and curricula
- Improving the education infrastructure in Australia
- Digital data and eResearch platforms
Global Talent - Subclass 858 Visa
The Global Talent Visa Program requires that Applicants provide
evidence of their 'Talent', which requires that they meet the eligibility criteria
below:
1. Internationally Recognised - prove they are internationally
recognised with evidence or a record of outstanding achievements.
This does not require the applicant to be practising their field internationally
(although this would be advantageous). The following factor would be considered including if the
field itself is recognised in multiple countries and the achievements of the applicant would be similarly
recognised in those countries, senior positions in internationally renowned
organisations, and completion of major international projects with significant
impact.
a. Record - This is not required to be over a specific period of time as even a
single significant achievement has the potential to be recognised as a
record. This is beneficial for applicants with limited experience.
However, acording to Migration policy, there is a preference for a "sustained
record of achievement" that is unlikely to diminish in the future.
b. Exceptional and Outstanding Achievements - Exceptional and outstanding achievement is the act of accomplishing something extraordinary that
places the individual above the average. The Applicant must have an an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of
the following areas:
(i) a profession;
(ii) a sport;
(iii) the arts;
(iv) academia and research
Individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement are usually those who are leaders in their particular field.
Examples of a 'record of exceptional and outstanding achievement', include undertaking and
presenting Research. Immigration Policy states this is "the act of accomplishing something extraordinary that places the individual above the average. Individuals with an internationally recognised
record of exceptional and outstanding achievement are usually those who are leaders in their particular
field." This may include:
- Senior roles
- Patents
- Professional awards
- International publications
- Memberships
2. Specialised Assistance in matters of Security - The Applicant can satisfy Schedule 2, 858.212 of the Migration regulations if
the applicant has provided specialised assistance to the Australian Government in matters of security. Evidence of specialised assistance is provided by written advice
to the processing officer by the Global Talent & Regional Outreach section confirming that advice has been received
from the responsible Minister or the Director-General of Security in relation to the applicant.
3. Prominent - still regarded as Prominent in their field of expertise.
Prominence can potentially be demonstrated by recognised experience of
achievements, or continued involvement in the area (eg. teaching, judging,
maintaining memberships, public speaking, writing, participating in lower
levels/competitions in the area). Also, 'Prominence' can be demonstrated through
internet publications, and Social media presence. The applicant is not required to be known outside of the area. The applicant should be recognised as
prominent by those within the area. The applicant should stand out in the area, and be considered as
important.
4. Asset to Australia - provide evidence that they would be an asset to
Australia, in their field of expertise. As an asset there must be perceived value
in settling in Australia and the benefit must be to the Australian community, eg.
the public. The benefit must not be restricted to a small group, community or
single employer. Examples of being an 'Asset to the Community' include Mentoring,
Training and contribution to Research or Knowledge. Evidence of being an 'Asset to Australia' includes:
- Evidence that they have created a product/ technological advancement that is unique, and cutting edge in nature;
- Evidence demonstrating that the applicant’s research fills a significant knowledge gap and will be of benefit to industry, business or academia in Australia, or
- Evidence of their involvement in establishing a start-up company.
5. Easily Obtain Employment in Australia - have no difficulty obtaining
employment in Australia or becoming established in their field of expertise. The
intention is the ensure they are not dependent on welfare support in Australia and
can become economically independent within their area and maintain that
independence ongoing. The applicant’s own financial situation by itself is not relevant but could support establishing themself
independently in Australia. Evidence of ability to obtain employment in Australia includes the following:
- Employment contracts or offers of employment related to the area of achievement for work in Australia. This may be evidenced by current and future employment opportunities from employers, employment/recruitment agencies, universities or organisations involved with the area of achievement in Australia;
- Evidence of self-employment or opportunities to establish a viable business within the area of achievement;
- Evidence of sponsorships, scholarships, grants or other payments intended to support the applicant while they are engaged in activities related to the area of achievement;
- Evidence of academic qualifications in their area of achievement. E.g. PhD or Masters degree;
- Evidence of high scores (overall grade-point average of 80 out of 100) during the completion of their Masters degree or Bachelor Honours degree, or
- Demonstrated track records of previous employment in their area of achievement.
6. Nomination - Be Nominated on a completed approved Form 1000, by a
prominent Australian with a reputation in your field or by an Australian
Organization. The Nominator must be an: a. Citizen of Australia; b. Permanent Resident of Australia; c. Eligible New Zealand citizen;
d. Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field. The nominator does not need
to personally know the applicant. Examples of successful nominators include leading education institutions, national
sportspersons (included retired but still active in the field), directors of
Australian national organisations, including the ACS or Talent Attraction Taskforce (from 27 February 2021),
peak professional associations, prominent artists and academic professors.
Nomination Form 1000 - The Nominator must describe how the applicant has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement,
is still prominent (in their field), and would be an asset to the Australian community. If the nomination is by an Australian organisation, an explanation of how the organisation has acquired a
national reputation in the same area or field as the application is required. In addition to the national reputation requirement above, the person is required to provide further information
covering the applicants prominence in their field, how the applicant would be an asset to the Australian community, and how the nominated will be
able to easily find work or establish themself independently in Australia. This is not a pre-approval for the nomination, but it is lodged as part of the visa application.
Nominator Examples - Examples of successful nominators include leading Educational Institutions, National Sportspersons
(included retired but still active in the field), Directors of Australian National organisations, Peak professional associations, prominent artists and academic professors.
The nomination under the GTI EOI does not need to be the same as the nomination in the visa application.
National Reputation - For an individual nominator consideration is given by association. Specific examples in policy include:
- A senior academic such as a Professor at a university recognised internationally for teaching
excellence and cutting edge research would meet the requirements regarding national reputation
- A nominator employed by a lead ICT company as an ICT professional would be assessed as having a
national reputation if that company is a multi-national technology company, one of the world’s largest
employers, or a leader in creating technological innovations
The Nominator must make a Statement "to attest to your achievements and international standing", and the Nominators must
have evidence of their national reputation in the same area as the GTI Applicant, and evidence of their status in Australia, including the following:
- Solid Track record of achievements
- Evidence of High calibre
- Leadership in the relevant field of expertise
- Professional Associations with lead organizations and industry bodies
- Current and previous employment history
- Participation at Conferences both in Australia and Internationally
- Contributions to a number of international Journals which would be utlised by Researchers, Academics and Organizations undertaking work in the same field of research
7. Age - You can apply at any Age, but if you are under 18 years or over 55
years, you must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
8. English Language ability - Applicants must have 'functional English
language ability (An average IELTS Test band score of at least 4.5 for each of the
4 test components).
9. Health and Character requirement - Provide evidence of good character and
undergo medical examination.
10. Exclusions - There is an exclusion which prohibits applications where at the time of application for the GTI, the applicant is the holder of a subclass 491 or 494 visa, or where this was the last substantive visa
held by the applicant, unless the visa has been held for at least 3 years at the time of application.
ACS Nomination Process
The process and steps to obtain ACS
Nomination are listed below:
1. Email a CV/Resume to ACS - explaining why you would be an asset to the
Australian tech sector.
2. ACS may request further information - and will advise if ACS can proceed
with a nomination.
3. Pay ACS Fee, if eligible - pay the fee of $500 AUD, and prepare the
following information:
- Colour scan of passport bio-page
- Evidence of Visa Invitation from Department of Home Affairs (if
applicable)
- Confirmation of which target sector(s), the Applicant believes would apply to
them
- Evidence and Details showing you are internationally recognised, and your
achievements are also exceptional and outstanding
- Evidence and Details showing you are still prominent in your field
- Evidence and Details showing your settlement in Australia will be an asset to
the Australian community
- Evidence and Details showing your contribution will be of benefit to
Australia as a whole
4. Phone Call or Video Interview - may be required and ACS can
investigate an Applicant's background.
5. ACS issues Nomination Support Letter and Form 1000
Student Eligibility for the GTI Program as at 20 January 2021
New student eligibility requirements for the Global Talent Visa GTI Program were
introduced in the Procedural Instruction update of 20 January 2021:
- Bachelor with Honours, Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research graduates - No longer eligible solely based
on having achieved a qualification in a priority sector.
- PhD graduates who completed their studies within the past three years - Still Eligible for GTI. However, candidates who achieved their qualification overseas
from a non-Australian Education Institution must demonstrate that their PhD meets Australian standards.
- PhD students nearing completion of their degree - Required to demonstrate that they have a prior record of exceptional and outstanding
professional achievement, and that their PhD will meet Australian standards.
- International Record - Students can demonstrate an International record with the following evidence: Academic qualifications, Transcripts showing 80%+ results,
Academic awards/recognition, Research of international interest and significance, Research presented at international forums, How research can be used to inform academia, Governments or industry, Evidence of how research will
advance Australia’s competitiveness, Potential for innovation and productivity increases.
Salary Threshold - Global Talent Independent Program
Candidates must be able to obtain a salary at or above the Fair
Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), which is currently
AUD $162,000, as at 1 July 2022, and this figure is adjusted annually on 1 July.
To determine if the applicant meets the Salary requirements the Department of Home
Affairs will consider the following factors:
- Current salary - evidenced by Payslips or a contract of
employment
- Future job offers - outlining remuneration
- Recent PhD or Masters Graduates - in the target sectors
Expression of Interest - GTI
The Expression of Interest (EOI) is a pre-requisite to applying for the GTI. The EOI provides broad discretion to the Department of Home Affairs to assess and authorise an application
for the visa. This discretion empowers the Department of Home Affairs to streamline the visa process and prevent 'undesirable' applications. To apply for an Expression of Interest, the Applicant
must respond to all questions and provide information and documents, which support your claims to be Global Talent. Note that EOI's do not expire, so you do not need to submit a second application. Provide details of your personal contribution, skills and expertise in your identified field and how your
research/achievement places you at the top of your field impacting internationally that will lead to an
advancement in your field. Supporting evidence for an EOI includes:
1. Mandatory Documentation - Passport of all Applicants, Nomination details, including Nominator's Passport, and completion of Nomination for Global Talent - Form 1000.
2. CV/Resume
3. Employment and Qualifications - Employment status and Work Reference Letters, evidence of current Income, Academic Transcripts and Qualifications certificates.
4. Professional associations - evidence of memberships
5. Industry Awards, Scholarships
6. Presenting/Participation at International Conferences/Events
7. Publications, patents
8. Profile and Overview of how the Applicant is Global Talent - including
your internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
and your ability to make a significant contribution to the Australian
economy.
9. Online Profile - including Company Website Profile, LinkedIn, Twitter,
Facebook, online Articles and other Social Media presence.
Application Process - 858 Global Talent Visa
To apply for the Global Talent Independent Program, the applicant
must do the following:
- Submit an Expression of Interest to the Department of Home
Affairs.
- Obtain a Nomination from an Australian citizen or Australian company, with a
national reputation in your occupation.
- A Global Talent Officer will examine your educational and professional
qualifications to determine if you meet the requirements to be invited to apply
under the Global Talent Independent Program You will receive a response via email
advising if you have been invited to apply and receive an 'Invitation to apply for the GTI Program'. This will
include a unique invitation reference identifier and an invitation code.
- If the applicant meets the GTI requirements, they can apply for the Global
Talent Visa, Subclass 858, with priority processing.
- Prepare and submit key documents for the GTI application, including: Submission (presentation of favourable issues and positives of applicant's case),
Client CV, Client Personal Statement, Nominator Statement, and Evidence of Claims.
- Pay the Department of Home Affairs, Visa Application Charge. The Base Application Charge is currently $4,180 AUD, and the Additional Applicant Charge for over 18 is $2,055
and the Additional Applicant Charge for Applicant's under 18 is $1,030 AUD.
- Evidence of Functional English Ability - All Applicants over 18 years of age must provide evidence of functional English language ability otherwise they will need to pay a second instalment
of the visa application fee. Functional English means an average IELTS Test band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components.
- Undergo Medical examinations and Chest X rays and Biometrics
- Police Clearance Certificates - apply for Character certificates for all applicants over 16 years of age and from each country in which you have
lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
- Processing times - As at 01 October 2021 - 75% of 858 visa applications are decided in 73 days and 90% of 858 visa applications are decided in 3 months.
- Hong Kong Passport Holders - Priority Processing - In July 2020, an announcement was made to start prioritising EOI's and visa applications from Hong Kong passport holders and residents of Hong Kong. The Australian government
is offering new and extended visa options to students and skilled workers from Hong Kong. This will help Hong Kong passport holders to remain in Australia, with pathways to permanent residency. These changes
will be implemented through updates to regulations and procedural instructions.
Benefits - Global Talent Visa, Subclass 858
Applicants who have an Approved
Global Talent visa are allowed to do all of the following:
- Permanent visa – the program provides permanent residency on grant of the visa
- Priority processing – complete applications expected to be finalised between 62 Days and 3 months.
- Work and study anywhere in Australia
- Enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
- Sponsor your family members to move to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years from the date the Dept of Home
Affairs grants the visa. After 5 years you must apply for a Resident Return (RRV)
visa (subclass 155 or 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
- Apply for Australian citizenship, after living in Australia for a number of
years
Office Address and Telephone - VisaConnect Australia
Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our Brisbane, Queensland, Australia office below:
VisaConnect - Qld, Australia
Level 1, 16 McDougall Street,
Milton, Brisbane,
Queensland 4064
Australia
Telephone: (+61) 7 3040 9589
Useful Links - GTI 858 Visa
Global Talent Visa (GTI) Approvals from 2019 - 2021
GTI Expressions of Interest - Invitations Issued - 2020
GTI Application Process - 2021
Future Focused Industries and Technologies - GTI Visa
GTI Grants by Program Sectors - 2019-2021
GTI Grants by ANZSCO Occupation - 2019-2021
GTI Future-Focused Priority Sectors - 2021
Applicants Country of Residence for GTI - 2019 - 2020