Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Global Talent Independent program under the Distinguished Talent visa, candidates must:

• be talented and highly skilled in one of the following seven target sectors:

1. Agricultural Technology (AgTech)
2. Financial Technology (FinTech)
3. Medical Technology (MedTech)
4. Cyber Security
5. Energy and Mining Technology
6. Space and Advanced Manufacturing
7. Quantum Information/Advanced Digital/Data Science and ICT

• be internationally recognized and have outstanding achievements
• be prominent in their field of expertise
• show that they would be an asset to Australia
• demonstrate that they will have no difficulty obtaining employment or becoming established
• demonstrate that they have the ability to earn AUD153,600 per annum in Australia; or be a high performing recent (the last 3 years) PhD, Masters, or Honors graduate in one the target sectors
• have a nominator

Candidates must have an exceptional record of professional or academic achievements, including senior roles, professional awards, patents, innovations, and international publications and memberships. High performing PhD and Masters students who can demonstrate their exceptional talent and international recognition are also considered for this program.

The annual income threshold is adjusted every financial year on 1 July. To assess this criterion, the Department of Home Affairs will consider one of the following:

• the candidate’s current salary evident by payslips or contract
• future job offers showing salary
• recent PhD or Masters graduate in the target sectors

How to Apply?

1. You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) online using Global Talent contact If you meet the requirements of the program, you will receive a unique identifier
2. You must secure a nominator
3. When successful with the first two steps, you can apply for the Distinguished Talent visa Subclass 124, if you are outside Australia, or the Distinguished Talent visa Subclass 858, if you are in Australia, at the time of application

Nominators

You must be nominated by an Australian citizen or permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization with a national reputation in your field. The nominator endorses your achievements and international standing, explains why you will be an asset to the Australian community, and comments on how you will be able to obtain employment and become established in Australia. They are not required to provide you with employment. The nominator should fill in and sign the Nomination for Distinguished Talent form (Form 1000).

Depending on your field of expertise, your nominator could be your PhD or Master’s supervisor, your university or faculty, your employer, your industry body, or your industry peers. The nominator’s national reputation may be assessed based on their

• outstanding achievements;
• leadership in their area of expertise;
• professional associations with leading organizations and industry bodies;
• employment history;
• contribution to international journals; and
• participation in local and international conferences.

Required Documents

You need to provide the following documents when expressing your interest through Global Talent contact form:

• Colored scan of your passport
• Your full CV
• Evidence of your skills and expertise in one of the seven target sectors, such as your academic certificates and transcripts
• Supporting documents showing your exceptional and outstanding academic or professional achievements, such as publications, awards, scholarships, grants, patents, invitations, memberships, scientific talks, etc.
• Evidence of your ability to attract a minimum annual salary of AUD153,600; or the certificate of your qualifications if you have completed a PhD or Masters in the last 3 years; or a letter from the university stating that you are in the last semester of your PhD or you have submitted or about to submit your PhD thesis
• Your nominator’s CV and link to their webpage and LinkedIn
• Recommendation letter(s)
• Completed and signed Form 956 if you are doing this through a registered migration agent

Note: All documents should be originally in English or officially translated into English

Please note that the above content is for general information only and must not be taken as immigration or travel advice. The content was up-to-date at the time of the last update but being current and accurate cannot be always guaranteed due to the frequent changes in immigration law. Please contact us for advice and information on the latest immigration laws in Australia.

Source: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Access: 20 October 2020