What is “internationally recognised achievement” in the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa-Independent Program (GTI) is designed to provide a streamlined and priority visa pathway for highly skilled and talented individuals to migrate to Australia permanently.  The government aims to attract talented individuals from across the world who are at the top of their industries in so-called “target sectors”.

The main criteria for the GTI program include:

• Talent
• Target Sectors
• High-Income Threshold

That is, the applicant must be working in one of the target sectors, and the applicant must prove that he/she is internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding achievements. He/she is prominent in their field of expertise. Lastly, the applicant must have the ability to attract a salary of $162,000.

Talent

To show talent, the applicant must:

• prove he/she is internationally recognised with a record of exceptional and outstanding achievements
• still be prominent in his/her field of expertise
• provide evidence that he/she would be an asset to Australia
• have no difficulty obtaining employment in Australia or becoming established in his/her field
• have a recognised organisation or individual in Australia nominate the applicant as global talent, in the same field as the applicant.

How does the Department assess talent?

International Recognition

The Department, when considering the applicant’s international recognition, will look into:

• the international standing of the country, where the applicant’s achievements were realised, in respect of the particular field, and
• the standing of the achievement in relation to Australian standards, and
• the standing of the achievement in relation to international standards.

Record of Achievement

The Department will look into a variety of evidence provided by the applicant to assess the record of achievement. Some of the following will be crucial in proving the applicant’s achievement:

• Information provided by the applicant’s nominator.
• Supporting statements and material provided by the applicant detailing his/her qualifications.
• Supporting statements from international recognised individuals or organisations.
• Award or higher qualifications from internationally recognised organisations.

Depending on the applicant’s industry, some of the evidence the Department will consider include:

• reports commissioned
• books published
• articles appearing in professional journals, magazines and newspapers

• evidence of government/private grants associated with the applicant’s area of research
• awards received
• industry awards and accolades
• references from current and past employers
• statements from prominent industry peers
• personal/professional titles (such as CEO, Lord, Knight, Right Honourable) indicating an earned rank or position within a formal power structure

Current Prominence

The Department will consider the same documents as above (documents used to determine the record of achievement) when determining the applicant’s current prominence in the industry. However, the Department will look at the currency of the accomplishments.

Asset to Australia

‘Asset’ in this situation is not limited to economic/financial benefit. It has a broader meaning, and it extends to social and/or cultural benefits to the Australian community.

The benefit that the applicant would bring to the community:

• should contribute to the betterment of the Australian community economically, socially or culturally (that is, depending on the applicant’s intended field of activity)
• must be clearly apparent and not simply conjecture on the part of the applicant

Employability

The Department will review supporting documents to show that the applicant would have no difficulty obtaining employment. The Department will consider:

• employment contracts or offers of employment related to the area of achievement. This may be evidenced by current and future employment opportunities from employers, employment/recruitment agencies, or organisations involved with the area of achievement at the national level
• evidence of self-employment or opportunities to establish a viable business within the area of achievement
• evidence of sponsorships, scholarships, grants or other payments intended to support the applicant while they are engaged in activities related to the area of achievement.

Nominator

The nominator must be an Australian organisation or Australian citizen, or permanent resident. Under the policy, the nominator must be nationally recognised. The reputation of the nominator must also be in the same field as the applicant.

Applicants under 18 years old or over 55 years old

Generally, applicants must be over 18 years old or under 55 years old when the visa application is made. However, if the applicant can show exceptional benefit, the Department may consider the application. Applicants arguing exceptional benefit must show that the benefit would elevate the international standing of the particular field in Australia. They would need to demonstrate that this benefit would be immediately realised and be ongoing in the future. It would not be expected that an applicant who intended retiring in Australia or pursuing other activities within a few years of arrival in Australia would satisfy this criterion.

You can find more information on how to apply here.