The Hon David Coleman MP officially launched the Global Talent Independent program in November 2019.

The program provides a streamlined, priority visa pathway for highly-skilled people to work and live in Australia. It is developed to boost Australia’s human talent competitiveness by attracting skilled migrants to help grow the country. 

“We want to position Australia at the forefront of major growth trends in the world economy. By enabling local businesses to access the world’s best talent, we will help to grow high growth industries in Australia”, Mr Coleman said.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews stated that the Global Talent – Independent program will generate local jobs and propel the growth of the Australian technology industry

According to Minister Andrews, businesses need to be able to employ skilled Australian workers and access skilled international specialists to grow the country’s tech industry. 

To be eligible for the Global Talent Independent Program, the candidate must:

1. be highly-skilled and internationally recognised in one of the seven target sectors:

2.  has the capability to earn the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $148,700). 

In evaluating if the candidate is inclined to meet the salary threshold, the Department will take into consideration the

• current salary or future job offers, and
• recently graduated or soon to graduate with PhD or master’s qualifications in the target sectors mentioned above.

Applicants who meet the requirements will be given the unique Global Talent identifier, which offers priority processing for a Distinguished Talent visa application. Accepted candidates will receive streamlined, priority processing with complete visa applications.

All visa applicants are required to meet the Distinguished Talent visa regulatory criteria, which includes health and character requirements before a visa can be granted. The usual character, security and integrity checks will also apply.

For 2019/20, up to 5,000 places will be offered in the program.

Individuals interested in the Global Talent Independent program can contact us for more information.

Highly skilled professionals referred to the Department may then be invited to apply for a Distinguished Talent visa  subclass 124 or subclass 858.