What’s an Australian talent visa and how can you get one? The Australian talent visa or the subclass 858 visa has several purposes:
- To attract the best and brightest individuals from anywhere world who can potentially make significant contributions to the Australian community and economy.
- To fill the skill gaps in the Australian workforce.
- To enhance global competitiveness.
Overview of the Australian Talent Visa
There are two types of pathways under the Global Talent visa:
- Global Talent visa pathway
- Distinguished Talent visa pathway.
The Global Talent visa program pathway is for individuals who possess technical skills that:
- have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements within the Minister’s defined sectors
- currently earn, or are likely to earn at the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AUD 167,500 as of writing)
On the other hand, the Distinguished Talent pathway is intended for exceptionally gifted candidates with a track record of remarkable accomplishments in fields other than those designated by the minister, such as academics, research, sports, the arts, or professions. For this pathway, an expression of interest is not necessary.
Australian Talent Visa Target Sectors
Ministerial Direction No. 89 lists the priority sectors for the Global Talent independent program. These are:
- Resources.
- Agri-food and AdTech
- Energy
- Health industries
- Defence, advanced manufacturing and space
- Circular economy
- Digitech
- Infrastructure and tourism
- Financial services and FinTech
- Education
If you want to check out the full list of specialisations under these sectors, visit the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website.
Proof of Talent
You must have an internationally acknowledged track record of extraordinary performance in one of sectors mentioned above in order to draw Australia’s notice. The following may serve as proof of talent:
- Significant international awards, prizes, or prestigious fellowships.
- Holding patents on relevant inventions or widely published research in high-impact journals.
- Holding senior positions in top organisations within your field of expertise.
- Earning an income significantly above the Fair Work High-Income Threshold (currently AUD $167,500).
- Positive international media coverage of your work and achievements.
Australian Talent Visa Nomination Process
To successfully get this permanent visa, you must have an Australian nominator. This individual needs to be well-known across the country in the same field as you. To be eligible, he or she or they must be any of the following:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
- an Australian organisation.
REQUIRED: Form 1000 Nomination for Global Talent Visa. Read more about this form here.
Your nominator serves as a reliable source that attests to your accomplishments and standing in your industry globally. Ideally, they should be well-known across the country in the same field as you.
Moreover, they can demonstrate how your qualifications and background fit Australia’s present goals and requirements in the relevant field.
Tip: When contacting potential nominators, prepare to share your CV, evidence of exceptional and outstanding achievement, and a clear explanation of how your skills can benefit Australia.
Required Documents for Subclass 858 Visa
Here are the documents that you must submit along with your subclass 858 visa application:
- Identity documents, such as your passport and your national identification card.
- Relationship documents, if married, divorced, or separated. Examples are divorce documents, death certificates, separation documents or statutory declarations.
- Record of achievements documents, such as:
- results in international sporting competitions or events
- honours and accolades for achievements in the arts, such as Academic Awards, BAFTA, Nobel Prize in Literature
- relevant qualifications and awards, particularly from internationally recognised organisations
- supporting statements from government, professional, scientific, cultural, sporting or other relevant bodies
- prestigious awards and prizes from internationally recognised organisations
- international memberships or registrations
- keynote speaker appointments
- international projects you have led
- Nominator documents, particularly:
- Form 1000
- proof of your nominator’s status in Australia
- proof that your nominator has a national reputation in the same field as you
- if your nominator is an Australian organisation, evidence that the signatory of Form 1000 is authorised to represent the organisation.
- Supporting documents in your field of achievement, such as:
- a statement detailing your knowledge of opportunities in Australia in your field
- information provided by your nominator
- letters from organisations or other relevant bodies in Australia that show future employment or possible business opportunities
- qualifications or experience you have gained during previous residence in Australia
- your employment or business background
- Australian police certificate
- Functional English documents
- Partner documents, if applicable
- Documents for dependants (over and under 18), such as:
Australian Talent Visa EOI Requirement
Applicants under the Global Talent Program must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) so that they will have priority when it comes to the processing of their visas. Candidates for the EOI who are successful will get a code and a special reference number.
REQUIRED: Expression of Interest Form.
This form is intended for applicants seeking the Global Talent independent visa (subclass 858) requesting priority who have a track record of extraordinary and excellent success abroad. The foundation for their global talent visa application is that they:
1. be employed in a field that is future-focused; and
2. possess written correspondence from an Australian employer offering a position with an annual salary of at least that amount, or proof that they will likely be paid at least that amount over Australia’s Fair Work high income threshold amounts.
However, an EOI does not certify that you will be granted a visa for Global Talent (subclass 858), nor does it evaluate your eligibility for one. Thus, you should verify your eligibility for the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa first before submitting an EOI.
Consult a Migration Lawyer from JB Solicitors Today
When you’re applying for an Australian talent visa, it’s best to have a lawyer by your side. Our expert migration attorneys at JB Solicitors can help you in your application for a subclass 858 visa. To ensure a smooth application process, we can help you:
- Demonstrate your accomplishments and experience in a way that best fits the program’s objectives and increases the likelihood that you will succeed.
- Lawyers for migration make sure everything is done correctly and completely to avoid delays or rejection of the application.
- Advise on additional ways to improve your application if your evidence has some weak points.
We can also help you with other legal matters involving Australian immigration, citizenship, and visa processing. Visa applicants can contact us today and schedule a consultation for their global talent visas
