There are two pathways in the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa program:
The Global Talent pathway has a migration planning level of 15,000 allocated places in the 2021-22 program year. This pathway is for invited candidates who have demonstrated an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in one of the ten priority sectors, and the ability to earn an income at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold.
The Distinguished Talent pathway is also for exceptional and outstanding individuals, however is subject to longer processing times due to having only 200 places in the 2021-22 program year. Applicants who were not invited before lodgement of their visa application, will not be given priority processing under the Global Talent pathway.
Processing times:
Global Talent Pathway
- 75% of applications: 66 days
- 90% of applications: 85 days
Distinguished Talent Pathway
- 75% of applications: 18 months
- 90% of applications: 22 months
Global Talent pathway requirements
To be eligible for priority processing under the Global Talent pathway, candidates must submit an online Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply.
The Global Talent Visa Program is designed to complement, and not replicate, other Skilled Programs. This program is not for mid-level professionals or entry level academics. Candidates must demonstrate that they are amongst the brightest and best in their field in one of the priority sectors (Resources, Agri-food and AgTech, Energy ,Health Industries, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Circular Economy, DigiTech, Infrastructure and Tourism, Financial Services and FinTech, Education). Candidates who have skills of benefit to Australia, but are not industry or academic leaders should consider other visa options.
As part of the online Expression of Interest, candidates must provide information about their identity, contact details, location, occupation, employer, salary, qualifications, details of their achievements in one of the priority sectors and their ability to contribute to Australia.
All fields must be completed in full and in English. Expressions of Interest that do not provide complete information in the relevant field, and instead refer the reader to attached evidence, may be deprioritised or closed.
Required supporting documentation includes:
- Passport bio-page
- Employment
- Salary
- Qualifications
- Internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
Global Talent pathway invitation validity
Invitations to apply for a Global Talent (subclass 858) visa under the Global Talent pathway are valid for one visa application, to be lodged as soon as possible within 12 months of the invitation date. Candidates intending to lodge a second application, or applying more than 12 months after invitation should submit a new Expression of Interest.
Nominator requirements
Candidates should also provide details of a nominator with a national reputation in the same sector as the candidate. The nominator must be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organisation. Candidates without evidence of a suitable nominator will have their Expression of Interest closed or experience significant delays in processing.
Examples of eligible nominators may include authorised representatives of peak industry bodies, departmental heads from relevant organisations or individuals with an exemplary record of achievement in the sector. The Department regularly verify information provided by nominators.
Candidates should obtain the following information in preparation for their Expression of Interest:
- Full name and date of birth of nominator or representative from Australian organisation
- Nominator email address and telephone number
- Nominator occupation and employer
- Relationship between candidate and nominator
- Details of nominator’s national reputation in the sector
- Form 1000 – Nomination for Global Talent
