Australia has always been a land of opportunity. The Global Talent Independent Program of Australia (GTI visa) is another way to move to Australia, and is easier for highly skilled professionals. If you’re in one of the ten target sectors and can attract a salary above the high-income threshold, you may be eligible for this visa. In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about GTI visas: from eligibility criteria to how to apply!
What is the Global Talent Visa Program?
GTI Visa of Australia is an independent and permanent residence visa for highly talented professionals in science, technology, engineering, arts, or mathematics. GTI Visa allows you to live permanently anywhere in Australia with your family members (spouse or partner/de-facto/children). GTI visa holders can also work for any employer in any industry. GTI visa holders can also apply for Australian citizenship if they fulfill the criteria.
Targeted Sectors for the GTI Program
GTI Visa program offers a fast-tracked pathway to highly skilled professionals working in the following sectors:
1. Resources:
The resources sector includes the mining, agriculture, and construction industries. Therefore, if you work in those industries, you can apply for this visa.
2. Agri-food and AgTech:
These include jobs in the agri-food and biotechnology industries.
3. Energy:
GTI visa program caters to those who are working in the energy industry. For example, those working in the renewable energy sector.
4. Health Industries:
The Global Talent Visa is open to health professionals working in the public and private sectors.
5. Defense, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space:
GTI visa program offers a fast-track pathway for those working in the field of satellites, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The jobs in this sector include engineers, scientists, and technicians.
6. Circular Economy:
The distinguished talent visa is for those who want to work in the new and innovative area of the circular economy. The circular economy refers to the sustainable use of resources to minimize waste.
7. DigiTech:
GTI visa is for professionals working in the digital and technology sectors. For example, the related roles are software development, app development, cyber security, and big data.
8. Infrastructure and Tourism:
Talent visas are also for those who work in Australia’s infrastructure and tourism sector.
9. Financial Services and FinTech:
The GTI program offers a fast-track pathway for those who work in the financial services and FinTech sectors such as banking, insurance, and financial technology.
10. Education:
Finally, the GTI visa is also available for those who work in the education sector.
Eligibility Criteria for Distinguished Talent Visa
The Global Talent Visa of Australia has specific eligibility criteria that you must meet to be a part of the program.
1. The first criterion is that you need to have outstanding talent. This means that your skills and abilities must be highly sought after by Australian employers. You also must prove that you are essential to the organization or industry you will be working in.
2. In addition, you must meet the high-income threshold requirement. As of the last announcement, you need to secure an AUD 158,500 or more salary. It can be the amount you get in your current job or the offer of new employment that you want to take.
3. The global talent independent visa has specific sectors targeted for this program. The ten target sectors are described earlier.
4. Finally, you must have a good command of the English language and meet all other general visa requirements.
Please note there are special considerations for Ph.D. graduates of the target sectors.
How to Apply for the GTI Visa of Australia?
The GTI visa is a permanent residence visa only open to highly skilled professionals in one of the ten target sectors. However, if you meet the earlier eligibility criteria, you can apply for the visa. The GTI visa has two stages:
– The first stage is an Expression of Interest (EOI), in which you submit your profile and application to the Department of Home Affairs.
– If your EOI is successful, you will be invited to apply for a visa. You must then submit documents including your skills assessment, English test results, and evidence that you meet the GTI visa requirements.
There is a document checklist to help you gather all the required information and documentation for your application.
If you need support in processing the services, you can contact the Immigration and Education Services (IES) Portal.
Global Talent Independent Visa Documents Checklist
To apply for the GTI visa, you must provide several documents. The following is a checklist of the documents you will need:
- A valid passport or travel document
- Proof that you are a highly skilled professional in one of the target sectors
- Evidence of your skills and experience, including qualifications and references
- Details of your employment history, current occupation, and salary
- Proof of funds to support yourself and any dependants during your stay in Australia
- English language test results (unless you are exempt)
- Proof of health insurance for yourself and any dependents in Australia
- If a dependent is under 18, evidence will be taken care of during their stay in Australia.
Please visit the Department of Home Affairs website for a complete list of documents and more information on GTI visas.
Skilled Migration Visas
There are several skilled migration visa subclasses in Australia. The most common skilled migration visa subclasses are:
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is for people not sponsored by an employer or family member and who score enough points on the Australian Points System.
The Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa (subclass 190) is for people who have been sponsored by an employer in a regional area of Australia or are the relative of an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is for people a state or territory government agency has nominated to work in a specific occupation.
The Skilled Regional Provisional Visa (subclass 416) is for people a state or territory government agency has nominated to work in a particular region.
The Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 4911) is for people who want to live and work in regional Australia on a provisional basis. There are two streams: the Family-Sponsored Stream and the State Nominated Stream.
Pros and Cons of the GTI Visa
The GTI visa has several advantages:
- It is a permanent residence visa, so you can permanently live and work in Australia.
- You can apply for a GTI visa without sponsorship from a business or an individual.
- You can bring your partner and dependent children. Your partner can work full-time in the country during your stay.
- You can access Medicare (the public health care scheme of Australia) after you become an Australian permanent resident GTI visa holder.
The limitations of the GTI program are:
- It would help if you were a specialist in one of the targeted sectors and wanted to work full-time.
- GTI is not a visa for general skilled migration. Therefore, you will have no chance if your occupation is falling in any other sector than the GTI program’s target sectors.
- Your skills should be at an advanced level, and you need to attract a salary at a high-income threshold. GTI visa is not for entry-level professionals who are still learning and honing their skills.
- You need to demonstrate that your skills will contribute significantly to the Australian economy before GTI visa approval.
FAQs
The GTI visa is a permanent residency visa, which means no costs are associated with the application process. The only cost you will incur is the cost of your health insurance and travel insurance policies.
The GTI visa is not easy to get. To be eligible, you need to be highly skilled in one of the ten target sectors and attract a salary to meet the high-income threshold. You must also meet all other eligibility criteria, including English language proficiency and health and character requirements.
The GTI visa is an excellent option for highly skilled professionals looking to work and live permanently in Australia. It offers several benefits, such as fast processing times, no work experience or language testing required, and the ability to bring your family with you.
The GTI visa process in Australia can take up to several weeks, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the quality of the application. Therefore, it is essential to include all relevant documentation as part of the GTI visa application to improve the chances of a successful outcome.
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Conclusion
GTI visa offers a streamlined pathway for highly skilled professionals to work and live permanently in Australia. In addition, GTI aims to attract qualified talent from outside the country that would otherwise be attracted by countries with more established economies like the United States or Canada.
The distinguished talent visa was designed to offer an alternative option for those who wish to pursue their career ambitions without leaving behind their family members or giving up on living in a developed economy such as Australia.
To qualify, you need to meet one of 10 target sectors and have skills valued by employers, which can attract a salary above AUD 158,500 per annum, including occupations like engineers, doctors, and accountants.
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