The migration planning level was released with the Federal Budget and the Global Talent Independent Visa was the big winner of the visa subclasses.

Congratulations to our latest Global Talent Visa client who obtained the subclass 858 visa in 6 to 7 weeks. Rob is now a proud Australian permanent resident and we are delighted to have assisted him with his visa application.

Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

If you think you may be eligible for a GTI visa, email your CV, a description of your prominence in one of the target sectors and your ability to attract the salary threshold to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Australian Government has announced that they have created a new taskforce, the “Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce”, to bring business and skills to Australia.

This was announced on ABC News, and repeated by Minister Tudge in a tweet this morning (5 September 2020).

The Shepparton news reported that Peter Dutton told Nine News "It's OK that we've got support in place at the moment with JobKeeper and JobSeeker - that's fine and that's a good thing - but to get to the next stage we need to have investment."

Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

Minister Tudge placed heavy emphasis on the benefit of this Taskforce for Australian employment opportunities in his interview with ABC AM earlier this morning. It will combined efforts of:

• AusTrade
• State governments
• The Department of Home Affairs

The AFR has reported that the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce will be led by Peter Verwer, previously the boss of the Property Council of Australia.

A working target for the Government is 1,000 or so such businesses.

Global Business and Talent Attraction: A new pathway to Australian permanent residence?

Along with the new The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce comes a new webpage.

The main focus of the new Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce appears to be targeting the Moby Dicks of the business world, attracting very large businesses to be the next Atlassian or Canva.

As a whole of Government approach, the target businesses are likely to received prioritised processing and higher service standards than applicants through other pathways.

We expect that the announcement of the Taskforce will lead to an increased focus on the Global Talent Independent visa, as well as continued focus on the business and investment visa programs, such as the 188 visa and 132 visa. The Global Talent Employer Sponsored program is likely to be a key to helping these businesses fill labour needs where Australians are not available to fill the roles.

Expression of Interest for Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

While the Global Talent Independent visa Expression of Interest is still available, the Government has released a new expression of interest for The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce. The new expression of interest is more open-ended and does not indicate any strict requirements.

Benefits of the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce is intended to provide:

• Faster and easier access to Australian permanent residency
• More hands-on support for (prospective) migrants
• Advice and information to assist with the migration process
• One direct contact who will assist in liaising with several areas of Government to provide a "whole of Government" package

Requirements for the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce

The Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce has indicated it is looking for:

• Top tier business leaders
• Globally talent professionals 

The new taskforce has not indicated any clear requirements.

The expression of interest does not request any income or salary details and does not have a list of target sectors to choose from.

As such, the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce appears to be more open-ended than the Global Talent Independent visa program, which has 7 key target sectors and requires a salary (or potential salary) of AUD $153,600.

For businesses, it has been indicated that there will be a focus on "high yield businesses". We expect that this might include businesses such as:

• Consulting businesses
• Marketing businesses, including digital marketing
• IT and software development businesses
• Corporate and professional services businesses
• Financial businesses

This also indicates that the Department will be less interested in "high capital" businesses, such as manufacturing businesses.

Hong Kong and Global Talent - Where will the centre of Asia Business Be?

The Australian Government in many of its announcements has indicated a strong intention to attract business and talent from Hong Kong to move to Australia.

Hong Kong has been a key hub of business and trade in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. Australia seems to be looking to strengthen its position as such as hub in its own right, by attracting key players from Hong Kong to Australia.

Sydney, Australia has been highlighted as one of the top 10 cities for business in Asia Pacific. It is likely that this will continue to be a focal point for businesses looking to set up headquarters in Australia.

Other recent Global Talent visa initiatives

There are a range of recent initiatives already put in place by the Australian Government to attract and retain global talent. These are likely to form a part of the Taskforce’s initiatives to bring business and skills to Australia.

Global Talent Independent Visa

The Global Talent Independent visa is a thriving category which has been seeing more attention in recent months.

Established in November 2019, it has a yearly allocation of 5,000 positions to attract global talent to Australia from the following target sectors:

• AgTech
• Space and Advanced Manufacturing
• FinTech
• Energy and Mining Technology
• MedTech
• Cyber Security
• Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT

This forms a part of the 3 visa products highlighted for global talent attraction.

A recent FOI disclosure indicated that 100% of 38 visa applications for global talent from offshore were approved, and that there were 144 onshore 858 visa approvals out of 162 lodgements. It is not clear exactly what period of the program these statistics relate to.

Global Talent Employer Sponsored

A substantial, but less talked-about program is the Global Talent Employer Sponsored program. This program might support the labour needs of the big businesses which the Australian Government is hoping to attract to Australia with the new Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce.

South Australia pushing for Innovation and Global Talent

South Australia has identified itself in the Australian market as a strong contender for business innovation and headquarters for Hi-Tech developments. There are several programs pushing to develop this further.

Key Growth Sectors for South Australia

South Australia has a number of significant industries which, while many have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue to be important to the growth of South Australia going forward.

These include:

• Tourism
• International education
• Defence industry
• Food, wine and agribusiness
• Hi-Tech
• Health and medical industries
• Energy and mining
• Space industry
• Creative industries

SISA 408 Visa - Supporting Innovation in South Australia

The Supporting Innovation in South Australia stream of the 408 visa is a program specifically designed to encourage innovative businesses operating in South Australia.

It is a temporary visa program for those looking to run businesses in South Australia, with a key focus on the following fields:

• Defense and Space
• Cybersecurity, big data, digital and blockchain
• Food, wine, and ag. Tech
• Health and medical technology
• Robotics
• Media and film

A key benefit of the program is the involvement of innovation hubs and the Chief Entrepreneur.

Lot Fourteen

Lot Fourteen is a business and innovation hub located on North Terrace in the middle of Adelaide CBD, South Australia.

As an innovation hub, Lot Fourteen is home to a range of businesses operating in the growth areas highlighted above. 

A key feature of Lot Fourteen is the Australian Space Agency which opened at Lot Fourteen in February 2020.

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The world is changing quickly and to keep up with it, we have some updates for you on the Global Talent Independent visa.

Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

Effects of Coronavirus on GTI visa

Processing Times for Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent Independent program has been held up as the fastest way to get a permanent visa in Australia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are seeing the Expression of Interest processing times slowing down for some applicants. This seems to be especially the case for applicants who are applying from outside of Australia.

This may be due to the Department prioritising Global Talents who are already inside Australia.

What impacts Global Talent visa processing times?

There are a number of factors which might be contributing to current processing times.

The Department's priorities for global talent visa processing are set out in Direction No. 85.

This specifies that for distinguished talent applications, they are to be considered in the following order:

1. Priority 1 (the following are equal in priority):
   1. You have an Australian job offer paying higher than the $158,500 Fair Work High Income Threshold, or
   2. You are currently earning more than the $158,500 Fair Work High Income Threshold
   3. You can show that you are likely to attract a salary greater than the $158,500 Fair Work High Income Threshold
2. Priority 2:
   1. All other distinguished talent applications

The Department has indicated in its information that "likely to attract" can be shown in a number of ways, including through high grades (80% or higher) in a recent higher level qualification (Honours, Masters, PhD).

Priority for Hong Kong Candidates?

In its announcements to support Hong Kong SAR passport-holders, the Department has included references to the Global Talent Independent visa. It seems that the Department of Home Affairs will be prioritising GTI visa applications (even more so than the normal priority given to GTI) for Hong Kong SAR passport-holders.

Australian Computer Society (ACS) Nominations

We are still waiting on further information from the ACS regarding their nomination process.

We have recently been updated that ACS will nominate those who have been invited through the Expression of Interest process.

If you are looking to be nominated by ACS under one of their target sectors, read more about the process by clicking here.

We look forward to having further updates on this soon.

How can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Work Visa Lawyers can help you with all steps in the Global Talent Independent visa application process, including with applications for nomination from the ACS.

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Contact us on (08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Book an appointment with one of our experienced Immigration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents here.

Sources

• https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/global-talent-independent-visa-video.html
• https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/global-talent-distinguished-talent-visas.html
• https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/why-the-australian-global-talent-independent-visa-is-so-hot-right-now.html
• https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/news/all/acs-nomination-global-talent-visa.html
• https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-a-little-known-visa-program-could-be-the-answer-for-hongkongers-hoping-to-move-to-australia

We are receiving a lot of questions regarding the scope of the sectors for the Global Talent Independent visa. As there is no set occupation list for the GTI visa, many potential candidates do not know whether their occupations will fall within one of the seven target sectors.

As of 17 December 2020, Direction 89 lists priority sectors as:

• Resources
• Agri-food and AgTech
• Energy
• Health industries
• Defence, advanced manufacturing and space
• Circular economy
• DigiTech
• Infrastructure and tourism
• Financial services and FinTech
• Education​

Please note this blog was written prior to 17 December 2020.

This is an older article. Click here to learn the criteria for the Global Talent Visa

The most common areas of interest are:

1. Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT
2. FinTech
3. Cyber Security
4. MedTech
5. Energy and Mining Technology

There seems to be a reasonable amount of confusion regarding what is included in each sector. The key focus of the GTI is to attract high-tech occupations within the target sectors.

While we aim to provide some clarity on this, there is no defined edge to the target sectors.

Unlike GSM & employer-sponsored programs, the GTI process is not based on an occupation list. 

It is also important to keep in mind that all applicants need to meet the other requirements for the Global Talent Independent Programs; such as:

• recognised internationally
• prominent in your target sector
• would be an asset to Australia
• would not have difficulty finding work in Australia in your field
• are nominated by an Australian organisation or individual, who is also prominent in the same field
• earn or are likely to earn at least AUD153,600 (can be shown through a range of different ways)

Ultimately, the only way to concretely determine if your background is going to be accepted into the program is by submitting an expression of interest.

To learn more about the Australian Global Talent program, click here.

Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT

This is the largest target sector for GTI, making up 28% of the 2019-2020 program year. 

The Global Talent Independent visa program is intended to attract “high-tech” professionals from a range of different fields. Most of those professionals in other fields (especially FinTech; MedTech & Cyber Security) also fall within this general ICT field.

ICT

The following occupations might be considered under this sector, as they are ICT occupations:

• 261111 ICT Business Analyst
• 261313 Software Engineer
• 261312 Developer Programmer
• 135111 Chief Information Officer
• 135112 ICT Project Manager
• 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer
• 263112 Network Administrator
• 263211 ICT Quality Assurance Engineer

We have also previously received an invitation for a professional with a background as 223211 ICT Trainer.

We note that being in the target sector is one of the requirements, but it is important that you are also able to meet the other requirements of the program. 

Not all professionals in these occupations will be able to meet the salary or academic requirements. 

Quantum Information, Advanced Digital and Data Science

There are a few occupations which we think may fall into these fields, but might not fit into ICT.

It is possible that occupations such as the following may be relevant:

• 224112 Mathematician
• 224113 Statistician
• 234514 Biotechnologist
• Actuary

Ultimately, it is important that you have an established background in the claimed field. A mathematics professor who has had no engagement with Data Science is unlikely to be suited to the Global Talent Independent visa program.

While these occupations may be relevant, it is also important to keep in mind the other requirements of the Global Talent Independent Visa Program. You need to be able to show that you are likely to attract a salary of at least AUD153,600 in Australia. This can be shown in a range of ways, but means that an entry level software programmer is unlikely to be successful through the GTI visa program. If that’s you, you may have other options under one of Australia’s other skilled migration programs or an employer-sponsored visa.

Click here to learn more about finding an Australian nominator in this sector.

FinTech: Financial Technology

There are a range of professionals who contribute to the success of a financial technology team.

Some common roles in the FinTech industry are: 

• 261312 Developer Programmer
• 261313 Software Engineer
• Managers working in the FinTech industry
• Project Managers overseeing FinTech projects within a larger business
• Consultants
• Chief Technology Officers
• Chief Data Officers

The FinTech space in Australia is made up of different players, ranging from the big banks to fresh startups. Some recent names in the industry are: Xinja, UP, Wisr, Huddle Insurance and AirWallex 

Cyber Security

Cyber Security is another one of the target sectors for the GTI visa program.

Some occupations in the Cyber Security field might include:

• 262112 ICT Security Specialist
• Security Software Developer
• Information Security Analyst
• Forensics Analyst
• Penetration Tester
• Ethical Hacker

Click here to learn more about finding an Australian nominator in this sector.

MedTech: Medical Technology

Medical technology involves innovative instruments that are used to save and improve people’s lives by improving following activities:  

• Disease diagnosis; prevention; disease monitoring and surveillance; disease treatment & alleviation.
• Injury diagnosis; injury monitoring and surveillance; injury treatment & alleviation & compensation for an injury.
• Clean and destroy bacteria on medical devices
• Using in-vitro examination of specimens derived from the human body to provide information for medical or diagnostic purposes.

Those working in the development of medical devices may be eligible for a GTI visa under MedTech. MedTech can span fields within medical technology including dental, diagnostic imaging and orthopaedic implants.

Examples of such occupations may include:

• 251912 Orthotist or Prosthetist designing new technology
• 234611 Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Engineer working in research, maintenance and development of medical devices
• Programmer working in medical software
• Statistician working in MedTech

Energy and Mining Technology

Australia has a rich and varied history of energy, mining and resources industries. There is room for further development in mining equipment, technology and services (METS).

Global talents are being sought who can bring skills to Australia to push the METS industry even further.

We also understand there is a focus on new energy technologies, which could include renewable energy developments that would help with climate change. 

Potential occupations for this target sector are:

• 233611 Mining Engineer
• 233612 Petroleum Engineer
• Mud Engineer
• Petrophysical Engineer
• Process Engineer (Mining)

While we have provided examples of occupations that could fall within these target sectors, this list is neither exhaustive of all the possible occupations for a GTI visa nor a guarantee that an applicant with that occupation will be successful. Eligibility for the GTI visa will be dependent on the applicant’s personal circumstances including skills, work experience, qualifications and ability to attract a salary of at least AUD 153,600.

If your occupation is not listed here but you think you may be eligible, please contact us for a preliminary assessment of your eligibility. 

Do you need help?

Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.

Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.

If you require further information regarding your Australia visa options you can contact us through:

(08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Sources:

https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/global-talent-distinguished-talent-visas/global-talent-independent-visa.html

https://www.workvisalawyers.com.au/services/global-talent-distinguished-talent-visas.html

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/global-talent-independent-program

https://fintechaustralia.org.au/

https://www.mtaa.org.au/