Since its introduction in 2019, many highly skilled migrants have applied to obtain fast-track permanent residency in Australia with a Global Talent Independent Visa. However, according to official Departmental records, 10 per cent of applicants in certain visa subclasses fail and their visa applications are refused, costing some families upwards of $10,000.
While this highly desirable visa has a very high threshold to attain, it’s not impossible to receive a Global Talent visa with the right approach and guidance.
The Global Talent Independent visa is made specifically for people in highly specialised, groundbreaking fields, and its purpose is to provide work opportunities to people from abroad in critical sectors while increasing Australia’s pool of innovative workers.
The visa is available to outstanding individuals with demonstrated international achievement in their field and who meet an established salary threshold. It focuses on the following industries:
- AgTech
- Space and Advanced Manufacturing
- FinTech
- Energy and Mining Technology
- MedTech
- Cyber Security
- Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT
This exclusive guide provides insights about the Global Talent Visa that are not accessible by the public, based on information obtained by The Migration Agency through a Freedom of Information request. It includes insights into the occupations being accepted within the 7 target sectors, the application process and common mistakes leading to visa refusal, and why professional help is highly recommended for a successful visa lodgment.
The Global Talent Visa: Who is applying and what applications are being approved?
The Global Talent Visa program began in 2019 and continually attracts applicants from around the world. Upon request, the Department of Home Affairs supplied The Migration Agency with exact statistics about who has applied in what industries, which categories are receiving the most approvals, and other key data about this desirable visa.
Chances of receiving a Global Talent invitation
The Global Talent Program is a competitive process, and applicants are required to lodge an expression of interest and be selected and invited to apply for a visa. During the period 1 November 2019 to 21 August 2020, 8,107 expressions of interest were lodged, out of which 2,692 invitations were issued during this time representing 1 in every 3 applicants receiving an invitation.
Top 5 occupations being granted a visa
Eligibility for the Global Talent Visa program is determined by having an international record of achievement within one of the 7 target sectors. We, therefore, sought data regarding the specific occupations of applicants who have successfully secured visas in the program.
The top 5 occupations including the number of visa applications lodged/granted were:
- University lecturer (255 lodged, 185 granted)
- Software engineer (160 lodged, 103 granted)
- Chief information officer (119 lodged, 114 granted)
- Agricultural scientist (102 lodged, 96 granted)
- ICT Business Analyst (99 lodged, 63 granted)
In all, around 100 occupations show up on the list for the Global Talent Independent program. Other notable occupations included Life Scientists, Electrical Engineers, Science Professionals, Medical Technicians, Chemical Engineers, ICT Security Specialists, Mechanical Engineers, Management Consultants, General Managers, Biotechnologists, Chemists, Biomedical Engineers, CEOs and Managing Directors, Physicists, R&D Managers, Network & Systems Engineers, Statisticians, Environmental Research Scientists, Aeronautical Engineers, and ICT Project Managers.
Every occupation involves specialised knowledge and superior skills.
Analysis of visa processing data – lodgements and grants
Applicants who are invited to participate in the Global Talent visa program can be invited to apply to obtain permanent residence through the following visa subclasses: Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa, the Subclass 124 / 858 Distinguished Talent visa, Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa, or the Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa.
Source: Department of Home Affairs
The high price of visa refusal
The expression of interest process does not incur an application charge, and so this drives up the number of expressions of interest received. However, the risk is high if you are invited to apply but then are refused the visa because applicants pay for their visa upfront at the time of lodgement of the application.
Every year, visa applications are rejected for various reasons, costing applicants time and money. The data shows about 1 in every 10 skilled and independent (189) applicants are being rejected despite having received an invitation for their skills and qualifications.
If you’re unsure about the need for professional help, it’s important to consider that there are legal and policy criteria against which the visa application is assessed and a professional will have access to the legislation, legislative instruments, and Departmental policy to advise you based on your personal circumstances.
The costs associated with applying for a Global Talent Independent visa are currently $4,045 AUD for the primary applicant, and for applicants with families, they’ll need to pay $2,020 AUD for a spouse and $1,015 AUD per child. It would cost a family of five near $10,000 AUD – a huge loss if the application is rejected.
Why it’s worth seeking professional help for a Global Talent visa
Applying for a visa under the Global Talent Independent program is an arduous and costly process. In addition to meeting the high thresholds for innovative skill, international achievement, and income potential, applicants must also be nominated by a recognised person or body in their field to demonstrate the benefit the person would bring to Australia.
TMA has helped dozens of applicants through the Global Talent Visa application process and to date has achieved successful outcomes for all our applicants.
When working with TMA, you receive expert advice from expert lawyers and consultants who deeply understand what’s needed to achieve a positive result. Our team is closely working with industry groups and department officials, to gain insight into current needs and trends regarding global talent programs.
To maximise your chances of success, we also build a persuasive case around your expression of interest to increase your chances of an invitation and also visa approval. With our extensive experience, you’re far more likely to secure a visa working with TMA than applying on your own.
During this financial year, there are 15,000 global talent visas available making this one of the most sought-after visa programs in Australia. As the popularity of the visa subclass grows, it may become more competitive and harder to secure a visa over other applicants. TMA can help you with the visa application process from start to finish. If you want a smooth, streamlined application process with a high likelihood of approval, get in touch with TMA today.
