​Global Talent Visa Program

1 Global Talent Visa Program

The Global Talent Visa Program, also known as the Global Talent Independent Program, is a streamlined visa pathway for highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia.

Australia is after the brightest and best global talent to work in seven future-focused sectors. The program is designed to help grow our innovation and tech economies. This will create opportunities for Australians by transferring skills, promoting innovation, and creating jobs.

Australia is also a lifestyle destination, and one of the most prosperous, safe and culturally diverse countries in the world. Australia offers opportunities for innovation, with strong trading links and a business friendly regulatory approach. Through the program, talented individuals will be given permanent residency to make their new lives in Australia.

In 2019-2020, there were 5,000 places available under the program.

Global Talent Officers are usually located in London, Shanghai, Singapore, and Washington DC and promote the program by engaging with prospective applicants, business and industry. They now do this role from within Australia due to COVID-19. See Contact us.

Watch the video to find out more.

2 Eligibility

To be granted a visa under the Global Talent Visa Program, a candidate will be highly skilled in one of the 7 target sectors. They will also be able to attract a salary that meets the high income threshold.

2.1 Target sectors

• AgTech
• Space and Advanced Manufacturing
• FinTech
• Energy and Mining Technology
• MedTech
• Cyber Security
• Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT

2.2 Talent

To be eligible to apply for the Global Talent Visa Program under the Distinguished Talent visa, individuals must:

• prove they are internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding achievements
• still be prominent in their field of expertise
• provide evidence that they would be an asset to Australia, in their area of expertise
• have no difficulty obtaining employment in Australia or becoming established in their field
• have a recognised organisation 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. This may include senior roles, patents, professional awards and international publications and memberships.

Places are also available to students who can demonstrate their exceptional talent and international recognition.

2.3 High income threshold

Candidates should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold of AUD153,600. This figure is adjusted annually on 1 July.

In assessing this, we will consider:

• current salary shown through payslips or a contract, or
• future job offers outlining remuneration, or
• recent PhD or Masters graduates in the target sectors

For more information, see Fair Work High Income Threshold

3 How to apply

3.1 Step 1. Expression of interest

Submit an expression of interest (EOI) using Global Talent contact form. 

If you meet the program parameters, you will receive a unique identifier.

We will contact you if your EOI has been successful. We are unable to provide updates on EOI processing.

If your EOI is unsuccessful, you will be notified via email. You can explore our other visa options.

Note: Expressions of interest can be submitted without contact from a Global Talent Officer.

3.2 Step 2. Apply for a visa

After you recieve a unique identifier, lodge the visa application via ImmiAccount.

Ensure you choose the correct visa subclass when lodging.

• If you are outside Australia at the time of application, lodge a Subclass 124 Distinguished Talent visa.
• If you are in Australia at the time of application, lodge a Subclass 858 Distinguished Talent visa.

Refer to the above visa subclasses for information on health and character checks, including family members in the visa application and your obligations.

3.3 Nominators

As part of the application, you must be nominated by an eligible individual or organisation with a national reputation in your field. The nominator will endorse your achievements and international standing. They are not required to provide you with employment in Australia.

Global Talent Officers cannot be your nominator. You cannot change your nominator once a Distinguished Talent visa application has been lodged.

3.4 Impacts of COVID-19

For up to date information about entering Australia, visit travel restrictions.

Individuals granted a visa under the Global Talent Visa Program do not require a travel exemption. All travellers arriving in Australia must quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel in their port of arrival.​ See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers.

Due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, we are aware that an applicant may be in Australia, with dependents outside Australia. Please make us aware of your circumstances in your application.

We are also aware of the disruptions to visa medical services and police check issuing authorities. The visa processing area will take this into account.

3.5 Hong Kong passport holders

Following a recent announcement, visa applications by Hong Kong passport holders are being prioritised. Prospective applicants can contact the Global Talent Officer for Hong Kong.

4 Contact us

If you wish to discuss the program further, please contact the Global Talent Officer for your region.

• Europe (including Israel and the United Kingdom)
• Hong Kong
• South East Asia
• The Americas

Prospective applicants from other regions should contact GlobalTalent@homeaffairs.gov.au.