Global Talent Visa and the Distinguished Talent Visa : Things to Know

Author: Onederland Consulting

What Differentiates between The Visa?

The global Talent Visa Program is designed for highly skilled professionals working and living permanently in Australia. The program was first introduced in November 2019 with two visa subclasses, namely Global Talent Visa (subclass 858) and Distinguished Talent Visa (subclass 124).

However, since 27 February 2021, both visa subclasses, Global Talent Visa and Distinguished Talent Visa, are now under the same subclass, that is Subclass 858.

At first glance, both the Visa look the same, but they actually have differences. So, what are they?

Global Talent Visa and Distinguished Talent Visa in General

Since both The Visa are now in one program with the same visa subclass, both of these visas have similar advantages for the holders. Both Visa allows the holders to stay and work permanently in Australia. Besides, the holders of these visas may also:

  • Enroll in Medicare
  • Sponsor relatives to come to Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia multiple times for five years
  • Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible

The Global Talent Visa and Distinguished Talent Visa are designed for specific priority sectors, such 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

Differences Between The Visa

Both The Visa have slight differences in their procedure and eligibility. Those differences are:

1. Difference in procedure

If we look closely at the step-by-step procedure for applying for The Visa, we will see one slight difference in the application process.

In applying for a Global Talent Visa, the applicant must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Global Talent Expression of Interest form. The EOI must be lodged with some supporting documents, and all must be lodged in English. So, if your documents are written in other languages than English, you must get your documents translated first. Those supporting documents are:

  • Passport
  • Nomination details, such as a nominator passport
  • Nomination for Global Talent (Form 1000)
  • Evidence of employment status, income, qualifications, internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement in the sector

If you meet the program parameter, you will receive an invitation from the Global Talent Independent (GTI) officer who handles your EOI application by email with a unique reference identifier of the invitation. Only after you receive an invitation can you apply for the visa.

Meanwhile, if you apply for a Distinguished Talent Visa, you do not need to lodge an Expression of Interest before the visa lodgment. Looking at the process, you may think that the Distinguished Talent Visa is less complex than the Global Independent Visa, but in fact, the Distinguished Talent Visa is more complex even though it does not require an application of EOI. If you want to apply for a Distinguished Talent Visa, you must show evidence that you are reputable in your field, which we explain below.

2. The difference in the eligibility

The second difference that can be found between the Visa eligibility is that, if you apply for a Distinguished Talent Visa, you will find one additional requirement. The requirement is that you must be internationally recognized with a record of achievement. You must have an international reputation for success in the following areas:

  • A profession
  • A sport
  • The arts, or
  • Academia and research

Your accomplishments must be extraordinary and noteworthy, meaning you:

  • Are now well-known in your field
  • Have outstanding ability in your field
  • In any place where your specialty is practiced, you are regarded as extraordinary
  • Have a track record of consistent success that is unlikely to wane in the future

You must also engage in an activity that:

  • In Australia is recognized and accepted
  • Has a global reputation

You must have been prominent in this field in the last two years.

Who can Nominate You for These Visas?

You must have a nominator in applying for both The Visa. Your nominator must be a nationally recognized expert in your area. Being a "Nationally Recognized Expert" relates to the public or industry perceptions of the nominator as a leader with a track record of excellence in their profession. Your nominator must also be an:

  • Australian citizen
  • Australia permanent resident
  • Eligible New Zealand citizens, or
  • Australian organization

You are not required to work for your nominators, but your nominators must provide proof of:

  • Their legal standing in Australia
  • Their national reputation in your field
  • Your accomplishments and international reputation on Nomination for Global Talent (Form 1000)

If you’ve been endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction, you don’t require a nominator. If you have gotten a Special Envoy endorsement, the Global Talent Visa Program will contact you.

Be noted that you cannot change your nominator once you lodged your Global Talent Visa or Distinguished Talent Visa application.

For more details : https://onederland.com.au/global-talent-visa-and-distinguished-talent-visa/