This article is regularly updated. Last updated: Friday, 12th January 2024

As a permanent residency visa with relatively short processing times, the Global Talent Visa is as close to the gold standard of Australian visas as you can get. So why is your Expression of Interest (EOI) taking so long?

Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

Applying for the Global Talent Visa is a two-part process. Eligible applicants are required to submit an EOI setting out how they fulfil the eligibility criteria and, if they receive an invitation to apply for a visa, they can then submit an application. The processing of the EOIs used to be from a few days to 3 months if prioritised.While The processing times have lengthened in the last few months and, the visa applications themselves are still being processed in a matter of weeks anywhere between 6-11 months (as of January 2024).

Consideration of EOIs, on the other hand, has slowed substantially in the last year. Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Global Talent visa, the Department is receiving far more EOIs than they can process quickly. As of the start of September 2021 the Department advised that they are still considering EOIs received in October 2020 – a backlog of around 11 months. However, the processing times of the EOI has improved and as of the start of January 2024, the EOIs being considered are those submitted in September 2023. 

Those who did not provide sufficient information and documentation may have their applications delayed.

Historically, EOIs for certain sectors have been processed faster than others – financial services and FinTech being the fastest at around 2 months and AgriTech the slowest at about 5-6 months. However, we are currently seeing a slowdown across all sectors. Based on what we are seeing, EOIs for applicants with a strong salary (>AUD250,000) are being decided much faster than those with a salary only marginally higher than the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently, AUD167,500).

The Global Talent visa is still the best visa option available for eligible applicants and the sooner you get your EOI submitted the sooner it will be decided upon.

You can fill in your details in our online form here for a free assessment of your prospects of receiving an EOI for the Global Talent visa.

Read more about the Global Talent Visa Program here.

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Disclaimer

This information is correct at the time of publication but is subject to change without notice. All information provided on this page is provided for purely educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your situation, please speak with an Immigration Lawyer or a Registered Migration Agent.