Global Talent Visa Australia Requirements & Application Process

The Global Talent visa (subclass 858), is a part of the Global Talent Independent Program Australia. This program is aimed at making permanent residency easier for highly skilled persons in Australia. To be eligible for this program, the candidates are required to demonstrate that they are beneficial for Australia both economically and socially. You can read the article below to learn about Global Talent visa requirements, validity, cost, and the application process. You can also read about the new National Innovation Visa and how it is different from the earlier GTV.

Note: The National Innovation Visa has replaced the Global Talent Visa in Australia. Hence, you cannot apply for the Global Talent Visa in 2025.  Nevertheless, if you are interested in learning about the earlier Global Talent Visa and about the new visa, you can keep reading…

What is a Global Talent Visa in Australia?

Global Talent Visa is for the brightest and the best global talent. This visa comprises two major pathways: the Global Talent Pathway and the Distinguished Talent Pathway. This visa program offers a pathway for individuals with outstanding achievements. This creates opportunities for Australians by transferring skills, promoting innovation, and creating jobs. The cost of this visa starts from AUD4,710.00. 

Benefits of Global Talent Visa Australia 

The Global Talent Visa is a popular visa due to the numerous benefits that come with you. The main benefit being permanent stay in Australia. Here are some of the key benefits you must know about.

1. Candidates can stay in Australia permanently 
2. With this visa, the candidates can work and study in Australia
3. Individuals are eligible to enrol in Australia’s public healthcare scheme, Medicare
4. The students can even sponsor their relatives to come to Australia 
5. The individuals can travel to and from Australia for five years
6. If they are eligible, they can even apply for Australian citizenship

Requirements of Global Talent Visa Australia

To apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must meet the requirements. The eligibility standards set by the Australian government are provided below. Ensure that you arrange the documents proving your eligibility.

1. Have an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, academics, or research
2. Be prominent in your area of expertise and show that your achievement is sustained and unlikely to diminish in the near future.
3. You must be nominated on a Form 1000 at the time of application.
4. Your nominator must be a person with a national reputation in the same area of talent as the candidate. They can be an Australian citizen or a permanent resident of Australia, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or  an Australian organization
5. Candidates should be either in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance 
6. The individuals must be an asset to the Australian community. That is, you will do economic, social, or cultural contributions, or raise Australia’s academic, artistic, or sports standing internationally.
7. Have the capability to obtain employment in Australia in your area
8. They should have the ability to establish themselves in Australia
9. The candidates can be of any age to apply for this visa 
10. They should meet the health and character requirements
11. They should have paid off any previous debts 
12. Candidates should not have had any visa cancelled or any previous application refused.
13. You can be of any age. However, those under 18 or over 55 at the time of application must provide strong proof that they would be of exceptional economic benefit to Australia.
14. Meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian government 

Also Read: Global Talent Visa UK – Eligibility, Application Process

Documentation for the Global Talent Visa

The Australian government asks you for documentation when you apply for a visa. Here are some of the key documents you need to apply for a Global Talent visa (now closed). Do not miss even one document or else there will be visa rejection.

1. Valid passport and proof of identity
2. Resume/CV explaining your academic and professional achievements
3. Evidence of internationally recognised achievements (, awards, publications, patents, media mentions, or professional recognition)
4. Proof of income or future employability (showing current salary above, or potential to meet, the Fair Work high-income threshold)
5. Police clearance certificate to prove your character.
6. Form 1000 (Nomination form) completed by an eligible nominator 
7. Health documents to prove you are in good health 

Application Process of Global Talent Visa

There are two pathways for global talent visas: the Global Talent Pathway and the Distinguished Talent Pathway. To apply for Global Talent Pathway, candidates are first required to get an Expression of Interest (EOI) and have received an invitation to apply. On the other hand, Distinguished Talent Pathway applicants are not required to have an invitation. The general application process is provided below

1. Gather all the required documents to apply online
2. After receiving the applications, the official authorities will give the required updates to the candidates
3. When the visa outcome is given, the candidates can be either in or outside Australia but not in immigration clearance.
4. The visa decision will be provided in writing. If the visa is granted then your visa will be approved and you will be given your visa grant number, details of visa conditions, and the date when your visa beomes valid.
5. f the visa is refused then you will be provided with the reason for visa refusal

To learn more about the application process watch this video below:

Processing Time for Global Talent Visa

Check below the global talent visa processing times for each pathway. The processing time are subject to change. Your visa processing is only delayed in case further investigation is required.

Pathway	Processing times
Global Talent Pathway	2 up to 3 months
Distinguished Talent Pathway	1 and a half years up to two years

Validity of Global Talent Visa Australia

This is a permanent visa and allows an individual to stay in Australia indefinitely. Candidates become permanent residents of Australia on the day the visa is granted. In case of citizenship purposes, permanent residency will start on the day:

1. Visa is granted, and you are in Australia
2. You enter Australia on this visa ( if living outside Australia)

Also Read; How to get PR in Australia? A Guide for Indian Students

Is Australia GTI Closed?

Yes. The Australian Global Talent Visa (GTI) is closed. As per the Australian Department of Home Affairs, this visa has been closed to new applicants from 6th December 2024. The visa has been replaced by the National Innovation Visa. This means you can no longer apply. If you are interested in this visa, you can now learn about the National Innovation Visa and apply for it.

National Innovation Visa in Australia & its Benefits

​The National Innovation Visa, or the Subclass 858, is a permanent visa granted to those with outstanding achievement in an eligible area. Those who apply for this visa can benefit from the following:

1. You can stay permanently in Australia
2. You are also allowed to study or work in Australia
3. Moreover, you become eligible for Medicare (Australia’s public health care scheme)
4. You can travel to and from Australia for 5 years
5. You can also bring your relatives to Australia through sponsorship
6. When you become eligible for Australian citizenship, you can apply for the same.

Who is Eligible for the National Innovation Visa in Australia?

To apply for the National Innovation Visa in Australia, you must meet the basic eligibility criteria. These requirements are provided below. Note: You can only apply for this visa if you are invited to apply for the same.

1. Be invited to apply for this visa. Upon invitation, apply for this visa in 60 days. To be invited, you can always submit an expression of interest.
2. You must have an internationally recongised record of exceptional achievement in areas like:  a sport, arts, academics, or research, or a professional area.
3. You must be nominated by a person who has a national reputation in your area of talent. This person must be either an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen 

National Innovation Visa vs Global Talent Visa: Key Differences

As you already know, there are many similarities between the earlier Global Talent Visa in Australia. Such as the eligibility criteria is almost identical. Now its time, that you learn about the differences. The key differences between these visas are provided below:

Feature	Global Talent Visa (GTV) [Superseded]	National Innovation Visa (NIV) [Current]
Visa Status	Closed (Dec 2024)	Active (from Dec 2024)
Subclass	858 (Global Talent Visa)	858 (National Innovation Visa)
Core Philosophy	Attract talent in 10 future sectors	Attract top talent to boost growth, jobs, and productivity
Application Process	Invitation to Apply (ITA) after Expression of Interest (EOI); some streams skipped EOI	ITA mandatory after EOI; EOI valid 2 years, more competitive
Nomination	Australian citizen, PR, NZ citizen, or org with a reputation	Same + Government agencies (top priority)
Processing Priority	Based on income + sector fit	Ministerial order: 1) Prestigious awards 2) Gov nominees, 3) Tier 1 talent
Target Sectors	10 broad sectors (Agri-food, DigiTech, etc.)	Narrower focus on Critical Tech + national priorities
Integration	Separate from the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP)	Replaces Global Talent Visa (GTV) + BIIP → single pathway for talent/entrepreneurs/investors

The Global Talent Visa in Australia has been replaced with the National Innovation visa, which showcases that the Australian government is looking for a targeted and exclusive intake. While the overall requirements largely remain the same, the focus has become narrow. Now the government prioritizes applicants who have demonstrated international recognition, like awards or obtained direct government endorsement.

FAQs

We hope you now understand all about the Global Talent Visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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