GLOBAL TALENT VISA -EMPLOYER SPONSORED (GTES VISA)- SUBCLASS 859
The Global Talent program (employer sponsored)- subclass 859 is a permanent visa to attract the world’s best and brightest. Australian businesses and start-ups will have streamlined access to the best and brightest talent from around the world with the continuation of the Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES), formerly the Global Talent Scheme.
The Government recognises there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses.
The Global Talent Scheme will consist of two components. Established businesses with an annual turnover of more than $4 million and the start up stream explained below.
Previously the Global Talent Scheme visa was with Temporary Skill Shortage Subclass 482 and had a permanent residency option after three years employment on that visa.
Established business stream
Employer criteria
- Demonstrate that access to the GTES will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians
- Labour market testing evidence for the specific positions as part of requesting a GTES agreement
- The employer must be in good standing with relevant regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws
- Must be publicly listed or have an annual turnover of at least AUD4 million for each of the past 2 years
- Be endorsed as a TSS accredited sponsor
Applicant and position criteria
- Must meet health, character and security requirements
- No familial relationship with directors/shareholders
- Qualifications must be commensurate with the highly skilled role
- At least 3 years work experience directly relevant to position
- Capacity to pass on skills/develop Australians
- Position must have minimum annual earnings equivalent to the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently AUD 158,500)
For further information regarding High Income Employees see the Fairwork Ombudsman website.
Features
- Access up to 20 positions per year (applicant and position criteria must be satisfied on each occasion).
- Flexibility in certain visa criteria, including access to 4 year TSS visas.
- Transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, including age cap concessions.
- Simpler agreement applications and faster processing of agreements.
- If the position ceases the visa holder will have 60 days to find a new sponsor and a new visa or depart Australia.
Start-up stream
Employer criteria
- Demonstrate that access to the GTES will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians.
- Labour market testing evidence for the specific positions as part of requesting a GTES agreement.
- The employer must be in good standing with relevant regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws.
- Operates in a technology based or STEM-related field (eg digital, biomedical, agtech).
- Independent startup advisory panel will assess and endorse the business as a viable and genuine startup.
Applicant and position criteria
- Must meet health, character and security requirements.
- No familial relationship with directors/shareholders.
- Qualifications must be commensurate with the highly skilled role.
- At least 3 years work experience directly relevant to position.
- Capacity to pass on skills/develop Australians.
- Minimum annual earnings at the market salary rate, but not less than AUD80,000. This can include equity, but must have a cash component that is no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently AUD53,900).
Features
- Access up to 5 positions per year (applicant and position criteria must be satisfied on each occasion).
- Flexibility in certain visa criteria, including access to 4 year TSS visas.
- Transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, including age cap concessions.
- Simpler agreement applications and faster processing of agreements.
- If the position ceases the visa holder will have 60 days to find a new sponsor and a new visa or depart Australia.
Startups seeking to access the GTES must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- you have received an investment of at least AUD50,000 from an investment fund registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership
- you have received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant at any time
As the pilot progresses, we will review the criteria for startups and consider how the GTES can assist a broader range of startup businesses in the future.
Important points and summary:
Any position filled through a GTS agreement must provide opportunities for Australians. These opportunities include the:
- creation of new jobs for Australians
- transfer of skills and knowledge to Australian workers.
The main features of the GTS are:
- 2 streams – established business (accredited sponsors) and startups (operating in a technology based or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related field)
- the ability to negotiate variance from standard TSS visa requirements
- agreement processing is prioritised
- access to highly-skilled roles for trusted employers – not restricted to occupation lists
- visa validity of up to 4 years, and access to permanent residency pathway
- negotiable age requirements on permanent residence pathway
