The Global Talent Visa - Independent Program (GTI) is a highly sought-after visa that offers a streamlined Australian pathway to highly skilled and talented individuals from across the world. This program helps individuals obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia. The GTI Program was implemented by the Australian government to attract international talent who are at the forefront of their industries, and whose presence would boost the growth of Australia’s target sectors.

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Target Sectors 

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Australia’s current target sectors when looking for internationally-recognized talented individuals are:

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• Education 
• Digitech 
• Health Industries 
• Energy 
• Resources
• Agrifood and Agritech 
• Defence and Advanced Manufacturing
• Circular Economy 
• Infrastructure and Tourism 
• Fintech and Financial Services 

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Criteria 

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While the criteria for obtaining a GTI Visa are more comprehensive, here is a brief overview of what individuals must display to obtain this visa. 

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• Target Sector: The applicant must be working in any one of the target sectors mentioned above. 
• Recognition: The applicant must provide evidence that they are internationally recognized and have outstanding achievements. 
• High-Income Threshold: the applicant must have the ability to attract a salary of AUD $162,000

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Outstanding Achievement

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Applicants must be internationally recognized and hold outstanding achievements in fields including: 

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• A particular profession (which falls under the target sectors) 
• A particular sport 
• The arts 
• Academia and research 

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What do exceptional and outstanding mean? To be recongnized as that, applicants must:

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• Be prominent in their particular field
• Have superior abilities to others in their field 
• Be acclaimed as exceptional in any country where their field is practised 
• Have a record of sustained achievement unlikely to diminish in the near future

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Applicants must also be working actively in a field that is recognized both internationally and in Australia.

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Talent Assessment 

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While there are specific criteria to determine the outcome of an applicant’s visa application, how does the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) actually assess an applicant’s talent? Several factors are taken into account while determining an applicant’s visa application outcome. 

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International Recognition 

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The DHA will investigate aspects such as:

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• The international standing of the applicant’s country - where the applicant’s achievements were realised in their particular field 
• The standing achievement in relation to both Australian and international standards 

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Record of Outstanding Achievements

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Any evidence provided by the applicant will be thoroughly examined by the DHA. Crucial information that can impact a visa application includes:

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• Information given by the applicant’s nominator 
• Supporting statements given by the applicant outlining their qualifications
• Supporting statements from internationally-recognized organisations or individuals
• Awards or higher qualifications from internationally-recognized organisations

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Within the applicant’s industry (target sector), evidence can be submitted in the form of:

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• Commissioned reports 
• Published books 
• Articles published in professional magazines, journals and newspapers 
• Evidence of government/private grants associated with the applicant’s area of research 
• Awards 
• Industry awards 
• References from current and past employers 
• Statements from recognized industry peers 
• Personal/professional titles that indicate an earned rank or position within a formal power structure

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Current Prominence 

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The evidence exampled provided above will be considered by the DHA while also determining the applicant’s current prominence and relevance in the industry. 

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Contributions to Australia 

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When it comes to an applicant being a potential asset to Australia, it weaves together various aspects; from economic and financial contributions to the social and cultural contributions of the applicant to the Australian community. 

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These benefits include:

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• Contributions to the betterment of the Australian community economically, socially or culturally (this will be dependent on the applicant’s intended field of activity)
• Contributions that are clearly apparent and not just conjecture on the applicant’s behalf

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Employability 

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The DHA will request documentation that proves the applicant will not have any difficulty obtaining employment in Australia. Factors that will be considered include:

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• Employment contracts/offers pertaining to the applicant’s field of work and achievement
• Evidence of self-employment or opportunities that establish a viable business within the applicant’s field of work and achievement
• Evidence of scholarships, sponsorships, grants or other monetary benefits intended to support the applicant while they are engaged in activities pertaining to their field of work and achievement

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Nominator

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Having a nominator or endorser is mandatory for a GTI Visa, otherwise, the applicant will not be able to obtain a visa. 

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The nominator must be:

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

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Where it may be necessary, the applicant’s nomination should ideally arrive from a recognized Australian body in their field. It is important to note that nominators cannot be added or changed after the applicants have lodged their visa applications. 

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Applicants must also complete and submit the Nomination for Global Talent (Form 1000) as part of their application. Without this document, the applicant will have to restart their GTI Visa application process.

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Age Limit 

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Usually, applicants for a GTI Visa must be above the age of 18 years and below the age of 55 years at the time of application lodgement. 

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However, if an applicant who does not meet this criterion can prove exceptional benefit and talent, the DHA may further consider the application. Evidence of this includes: 

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• A statement about the applicant’s professional plans upon settling in Australia
• A job offer or employment in Australia
• Service agreements or business contracts in Australia
• Grants associated with planned research in Australia
• Pitch deck or business planning documents for Australia 
• Membership or appointment on an industry advisory board or regulatory authority in Australia

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Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided here does not constitute legal advice. This must solely be regarded as content that provides general immigration information and is not a substitute for professional legal advice that occurs between an immigration lawyer and a client.

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Path Migration strongly recommends readers contact certified immigration lawyers for a holistic overview of the Australian immigration system and a detailed analysis of each case.

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