The 2020-2021 federal budget introduced significant changes to the allocation of places to different types of visas. For instance, the places for 189, 190 and 491 visas decreased dramatically. Since the ceiling is unchanged, the decline of places allocated to skilled migration inevitably brought about some good news for other types of visas. The GTI (Global Talent Independent) program is a prominent example: the places have increased significantly from 5,000 to 15,000.
Apart from the huge increase of places, the GTI program is also given priority in terms of processing, and it places no limitation on age. Students are eligible to apply as well.
Then how to secure a place for yourself among the 15,000?
First, applicants need to engage in these target sectors:
- AgTech (the application of technology to agriculture and food production);
- Space and Advanced Manufacturing;
- FinTech (technology that seeks to improve and automate the delivery and use of financial services);
- Energy and Mining Technology;
- MedTech (medical technologies and pharmaceuticals);
- Cyber Security;
- Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT.
Secondly, as the name of the program implies, applicants have to prove themselves to be “talents”:
- 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.
Therefore, applicants must reach a high standard in their own fields and demonstrate outstanding professional achievements. This can be reflected in occupying senior positions, obtaining patents, receiving professional awards, or having international papers published.
Lastly, candidates should have the ability to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold of AUD153,600 (the figure would be adjusted in each financial year).
In assessing this, DoHA 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.
How to apply?
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.
Step 2. Apply for a visa
After you recieve a unique identifier, you can lodge your visa application.
Offshore applicants can lodge a Subclass 124 Distinguished Talent visa.
Onshore applicants can lodge a Subclass 858 Distinguished Talent visa.
Step 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.
The nominators must be:
- Australian citizen or permanent resident, or
- New Zealand citizen, or
- Australian organisation.
Nominators will be assessed based on their:
- Achievement records,
- Industry leadership,
- Professional associations with leading organisations and industry bodies,
- Work experience,
- Contributions to international journals,
- Records of attending local and international conferences.
So, you must be very good in your own field,
And you must have someone with renowned reputation to endorse you!
Q & A
- Does GTI program only cater to a small number of elites?
After reading the above requirements for application, you may be left with an impression that GTI is a dream that ordinary people can’t reach.
As a matter of fact, students are also the target group of the GTI program, as long as you graduate within three years with
- PhD degree, or
- Research Graduate/Bachelor of Honours (Grade points above 80) degree.
Those whose majors are within the 7 major target sectors will have the opportunity to apply!
In terms of nominators, student applicants can be endorsed by their own universities, which is a common GTI application approach in Australia.
- What if I do not work in the 7 target sectors?
GTI is a program only for these 7 sectors, so applicants must meet the requirement. But sometimes you may not realize which sector you are in. Each sector is not defined narrowly, so you may be eligible without realising it! Feel free to consult us and let’s find you the right path!
- How can I locate the nominators?
How can offshore applicants find someone with national reputation in Australia to endorse them? The simple answer is that the nominator can be the applicant’s university/employer/industry organisation/colleague/academic colleague. In addition, the Australian Computer Association (ACS) will also nominate applicants with technical expertise. So, if you have already obtained the unique identifier but have a hard time locating a nominator, please contact the AMS lawyers for advice.
- How long does it take to process GTI applications?
The DoHA has not announced the specific processing time, but generally it will be within 1-2 months, depending on the completeness of the applicant’s materials.
The Australian government will focus on attracting highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia in this financial year. This is also in line with the entire budget’s emphasis on Australia’s economic reconstruction after the pandemic.
Therefore, applicants with a high level of skill can consider the GTI program if they cannot meet some of the mandatory requirements of regular skilled migration such as age, or if they simply want to avoid the increased difficulty of skilled migration applications.
We make full use of each applicant’s own advantages,
And look for the best solution for you in current circumstance.
With our clear policy analysis,
Professional skills,
Flexible and tailored strategy,
AMS is always here to solve your problems and make your life easier.
Recent AMS good news:
Student visa 500 granted
Invitation to lodge 188 visa application
Business sponsorship approved
Employer sponsored 186 visa granted
