Global Talent Visa (GTES Visa)

On 8 August 2019 the Government announced it will make the Global Talent program permanent to attract the world’s best and brightest. Australian businesses and start-ups will have streamlined access to the best and brightest talent from around the world with the continuation of the Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES), formerly the Global Talent Scheme.

The Government recognises there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses.

The Global Talent Scheme will consist of two components. Established businesses with an annual turnover of more than $4 million and the start up stream explained below.

Previously the Global Talent Scheme visa was with  Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 and had a permanent residency option after three years employment on that visa.

Established business stream

Employer criteria

• Demonstrate that access to the GTES will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians
• Labour market testing evidence for the specific positions as part of requesting a GTES agreement
• The employer must be in good standing with relevant regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws
• Must be publicly listed or have an annual turnover of at least AUD4 million for each of the past 2 years
• Be endorsed as a TSS accredited sponsor

Applicant and position criteria

• Must meet health, character and security requirements
• No familial relationship with directors/shareholders
• Qualifications must be commensurate with the highly skilled role
• At least 3 years work experience directly relevant to position
• Capacity to pass on skills/develop Australians
• Position must have minimum annual earnings equivalent to the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AUD148,700 as at 1 July 2019)

For further information regarding High Income Employees see the Fairwork Ombudsman website.

Features

• Access up to 20 positions per year (applicant and position criteria must be satisfied on each occasion).
• Flexibility in certain visa criteria, including access to 4 year TSS visas.
• Transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, including age cap concessions.
• Simpler agreement applications and faster processing of agreements.
• If the position ceases the visa holder will have 60 days to find a new sponsor and a new visa or depart Australia.

Start-up stream

Employer criteria

• Demonstrate that access to the GTES will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians.
• Labour market testing evidence for the specific positions as part of requesting a GTES agreement.
• The employer must be in good standing with relevant regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws.
• Operates in a technology based or STEM-related field (eg digital, biomedical, agtech).
• Independent startup advisory panel will assess and endorse the business as a viable and genuine startup.

Applicant and position criteria

• Must meet health, character and security requirements.
• No familial relationship with directors/shareholders.
• Qualifications must be commensurate with the highly skilled role.
• At least 3 years work experience directly relevant to position.
• Capacity to pass on skills/develop Australians.
• Minimum annual earnings at the market salary rate, but not less than AUD80,000. This can include equity, but must have a cash component that is no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently AUD53,900).

Features

• Access up to 5 positions per year (applicant and position criteria must be satisfied on each occasion).
• Flexibility in certain visa criteria, including access to 4 year TSS visas.
• Transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, including age cap concessions.
• Simpler agreement applications and faster processing of agreements.
• If the position ceases the visa holder will have 60 days to find a new sponsor and a new visa or depart Australia.

Startups seeking to access the GTES must meet at least one of the following requirements:

• you have received an investment of at least AUD50,000 from an investment fund registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership
• you have received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant at any time

As the pilot progresses, we will review the criteria for startups and consider how the GTES can assist a broader range of startup businesses in the future.

Important points and summary:

Any position filled through a GTS agreement must provide opportunities for Australians. These opportunities include the:

• creation of new jobs for Australians
• transfer of skills and knowledge to Australian workers.

The main features of the GTS are:

• 2 streams – established business (accredited sponsors) and startups (operating in a technology based or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related field)
• the ability to negotiate variance from standard TSS visa requirements
• agreement processing is prioritised
• access to highly-skilled roles for trusted employers – not restricted to occupation lists
• visa validity of up to 4 years, and access to permanent residency pathway
• negotiable age requirements on permanent residence pathway

LMT for the Global Talent Scheme