Did you know that Australia ranks eighth globally for life science research? According to Bloomfield, which also states Australian research has yielded remarkable discoveries including penicillin-based antibiotics, ultrasounds and in-vitro fertilisation. In the next four years, Australia is predicted to need 6.5 million new digital workers in the technology sector. (Source: Global Australia)
It’s the reason why TMA’s Managing Director Sarah Thapa co-facilitated a consultation between the Global Business and Talent Attraction Taskforce, and peak industry bodies and leaders in the life sciences industry on the opportunities available and how to solve the skills shortages with global talent in an industry that is about to boom.
“Life sciences” incorporates organisations operating in the research, development and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, biomedical technologies, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, food processing, among others. (Source: SciLife)
It’s an innovative sector earmarked for massive growth in the coming years, and the Global Talent Visa can help organisations attract the world’s best and brightest to Australia and to their organisations.
The life sciences industry is crying out for talent and in this blog, we cover the Global Talent Visa and how it can create a talent funnel to open up more opportunities and growth for Australian companies.
Who can apply for a Global Talent Visa?
Applicants will be considered eligible to apply for permanent residency under the Global Talent Independent program if they meet the key criteria below:
- International record of outstanding achievement in their field
- Highly skilled in one of the target sectors and technologies:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Health and Life Sciences
- Financial Technology
- Enabling Sectors
- Enabling Technologies and Sciences
- Nominated as a global talent by a recognised Australian organisation or individual
- Future potential to earn at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently AU$153,600)
What is an “international record of achievement”?
An applicant would need to be rated at or near the top of their field in their home country and have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
Examples to meet the “internationally recognised” threshold include:
- An individual holding a senior position (such as senior manager, lead technician or lecturer) in a highly competitive international organisation or an organisation with an internationally renowned reputation. For example, a senior clinical research associate working for a leading Australian clinical research organisation (CRO) that has an international reputation and clients.
- An individual with a track record of holding senior positions in organisations in a number of countries. For example, a regulatory affairs manager who has worked in numerous markets for large pharmaceutical companies.
- A person who has recently completed PHD research in a bio-technology field, has been published internationally and/or presented their research at international conferences.
PHD students would be considered internationally recognised if:
- Their research is of international interest and significance,
- They have presented their research at international forums,
- Their research could be used by academia, governments and industry abroad,
- Their research is relevant to Australian academia, governments and industry in respect to advancing Australia’s international competitiveness, or
- Their research highlights the potential for innovation and productivity increases for Australian organisations and industries operating in an international context.
PHD students must have completed their PHD in the past 3 years.
Candidates require nomination
A nominator can be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation relevant to the area of the applicant’s achievement, for example, a peak industry body.
The nominator attests to the candidate’s internationally recognised record of achievement in an area (for example, a profession, academia and research) and the benefit they will bring to Australia.
Case Study – Regulatory Compliance Manager
The applicant held a managerial position in an organisation that helps scientists to fund and commercialise bioscience discoveries.
He was responsible for developing and implementing the regulatory affairs program to take biomedical innovations from research and development to registration.
Previously he had worked in similar roles for pharmaceutical companies internationally, and at a senior level.
Through the candidate’s talent and international expertise, he helped to expedite the regulatory approval of a Covid-19 test into the market, showing that his talents would bring substantial economic benefits to Australia.
An invitation was received in days, and the visa was granted within two weeks.
What does the application process look like?
- Lodge an Expression of Interest online, seeking an invitation to apply.
- Once invited, the applicant will receive a unique identifier that provides priority processing for a Global Talent Visa application.
- Lodge the visa application, nominator form and supporting evidence.
- Processing time: There is no advertised processing time, but decision-ready applications are expected to be finalised within 2-4 weeks.
For more information on the Global Talent Visa please get in touch
If you’re in the sciences and innovation areas, the Global Talent Visa program could be extremely beneficial for your organisation to fill the skills shortage and open up viable opportunities for growth in the coming years.
Contact us today to learn how to take advantage of this program. Invitations are limited, making now the ideal time to use the Global Talent Visa to attract the best and brightest to Australia, and to your organisation.
