Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) program targets exceptional individuals who can make a major economic, social or cultural contribution to Australia. It gives priority processing for people at the top of their field in specific “target sectors.” Access is by referral from Global Talent Officers or by a recognised nominator. From 7 December 2024 Australia moved to a new National Innovation visa framework that replaces the previous Global Talent (subclass 858) pathway — check current Department rules and intake arrangements before you apply.

Who the program is for

The GTI is for people who:

• Are internationally recognised and prominent in their field (usually for the past two years).
• Can demonstrate outstanding achievements (senior roles, awards, publications, patents, high-impact projects).
• Can show they will be an asset to Australia and are likely to find work or establish themselves here.
• Are able to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work high‑income threshold (the threshold changes yearly; for example it was around $175,000 in recent years).

Target sectors (examples)

Resources; Agri‑food & AgTech; Energy; Health industries; Defence, Advanced Manufacturing & Space; Circular economy; DigiTech; Infrastructure & Tourism; Financial services & FinTech; Education. (Specialisations within these sectors include AI, robotics, biotech, precision medicine, quantum computing, renewable energy, AgTech, space tech and more.)

How to get started (simple steps)

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or contact a Global Talent Officer to seek a unique identifier.
2. Secure a nominator who has national reputation in your field (an Australian citizen/permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen or Australian organisation).
3. If you receive a unique identifier or an invitation, lodge the visa application with the identifier and required documents.
4. Wait for health, character and visa checks to be completed and for the visa decision.

About the unique identifier and nominator

• Unique identifier: issued to people who meet the program criteria after assessment by Global Talent Officers or via the EOI process.
• Nominator: must have a national reputation in the same field and be able to support your application (examples: a university, employer, industry body or recognised leader). The Department checks the nominator’s standing (achievements, leadership, publications, industry roles).

Two application pathways

• Global Talent pathway: priority processing after invitation; suitable for candidates in priority sectors.
• Distinguished Talent / Legacy pathway: for individuals with truly exceptional international recognition (this pathway can have longer processing times).

Documents you should prepare

• Passport and identity documents.
• Evidence of international recognition and achievements (awards, publications, patents, contracts, senior role descriptions).
• Payslips or job offers showing ability to meet the high‑income threshold, or evidence of recent PhD work in a target sector where applicable.
• Nominator’s supporting statement and evidence of their national reputation.
• Police checks, health checks and certified English translations where needed.

Benefits of the program

• Priority processing in many cases.
• No upper age limit for applicants.
• Permanent residence if the visa is granted (work, study and possible access to services subject to eligibility).

Costs and timing (indicative)

• Visa application fees vary; historic examples include amounts around several thousand dollars for main applicants and lower fees for dependents. Processing times differ by pathway and caseload; Distinguished Talent applications can take much longer than the GTI priority pathway.

Important cautions

• Being eligible does not guarantee an invitation or visa — places and invitations are limited and competitive.
• Policy and intake details change; check current Home Affairs guidance (including replacement National Innovation visa rules) before applying.
• Use an authorised migration professional only after checking official guidance on who can help.