10/FEB/2021

Tightening of the Global Talent program in 2021



Key takeaways:
  • A surge in demand for the GTI visa program has led to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) tightening requirements considerably in 2021.
  • The benefits of seeking professional advice for your GTI program application are considerable.


The Global Talent Visa program (also known as the Global Talent Independent or GTI program) was created in 2020 to attract the brightest and best global talent to Australia. It is gaining popularity fast, with several thousand visas granted in the period before and after the New Year. 15,000 places will be available in the 2020-2021 financial year, a significant increase from just 5,000 spots in the previous year.

The GTI program remains the most attractive pathway to migrate to Australia for high tech professions. Key benefits include:

  • 15,000 places available
  • Priority visa processing, even for those outside Australia (despite COVID-19)
  • Direct pathway to permanent residency
  • No need to pay for the Skilling Australian Fund (SAF) levy for prospective employers

However, a surge in demand for the GTI visa program has led to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) tightening requirements considerably in 2021. The changes include:

  • From 20 Jan 2021, Masters and Bachelors with Honours graduates are no longer eligible for the GTI program solely on the basis of their qualifications;
  • For all applicants, candidates must meet a much higher standard and demonstrate an exceptional international track-record of professional and outstanding achievement in the target sectors.

 

What are the challenges of the GTI program moving forward?

On face value, the requirements of the GTI program appear straightforward. Applicants must:

  • Work in a target sector
  • Be highly skilled with exceptional international achievements
  • Be an asset to Australia

However, there is far more to the GTI program than meet the eye!  As discussed above, the DoHA has significantly raised the bar for the key requirements. Currently, there are also no policy guidelines for the Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment. This means the assessment of whether a target sector is correctly identified, and what counts as ‘internationally recognised exceptional achievements’ and ‘an asset to Australia’ is highly subjective. Consequently, it is more important than ever to ensure a quality submission is put forward at the EOI stage.  


Seek professional advice for best results

Since the introduction of the GTI program, Abacus Visa has helped many clients put together strong applications that resulted in:

  • Receiving invitations from the GTI program team to apply for the 858 visa within weeks; and
  • Having the 858 visa applications being processed and approved, also within a matter of weeks.

The benefits of seeking professional advice for your GTI program application are considerable – not only do you gain access to experienced and practical insights into what would satisfy the more subjective elements of an EOI, but you also greatly reduce the risk of small errors and insufficient documentation, which can lead to costly delays and having a visa denied.

If you are interested in finding out more, touch base with us here.

Our migration experts can make the process of getting your Global Talent Visa efficient and stress-free.

contact us

+61 2 9212 4008

51 Albion Street,
Surry Hills,
Sydney NSW 2010
AUSTRALIA
Monday to Friday
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(or flexible by appointment)

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