Overview: Why Australia Updated the Global Talent Visa in 2022
To stimulate economic recovery and address skilled labour shortages, the Australian government refined rules to ease the inflow of highly skilled workers. The Global Talent Visa (GTI) — Subclass 858 is a streamlined PR pathway designed to attract internationally recognised leaders in innovation who can transfer skills, boost productivity, and create jobs.
Who the Program Targets
The program looks for individuals distinguished in their field within government-identified target sectors and able to command at least the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) — AU$158,500 for 2022.
2022 Target Sectors (10)
- Agri-food & Agritech
- Financial Services & FinTech
- Digital Technology
- Defence, Advanced Manufacturing & Space
- Energy
- Circular Economy
- Infrastructure & Tourism
- Health Industries
- Resources
- Education
Core Eligibility (Global Talent Visa — Subclass 858)
Applicants should demonstrate:
- International standing with outstanding achievements (senior roles, patents, awards, publications, elite memberships).
- Prominent position in their field and potential to be a valuable asset to Australia.
- Strong likelihood of securing employment or establishing themselves in Australia.
- Formal nomination by an Australian citizen, PR, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian organisation with a national reputation.
Income Test: Demonstrate ability to earn at or above FWHIT using current salary, future job offers, or—for exceptional researchers—recent PhD achievements aligned to a target sector.
Why the Global Talent Visa Pathway
- Direct PR for top talent (Subclass 858)
- Streamlined processing compared with employer-sponsored routes
- Promotes innovation, knowledge transfer, and job creation in Australia
Key Changes / Emphasis in 2022
- Focus on the 10 priority sectors to match national skills and innovation needs
- Reinforced reliance on FWHIT benchmark to evidence economic contribution potential
- Requirement for a credible nominator with national reputation in the applicant’s field
How to Present a Strong Case
- Map work to one of the 10 sectors and show impact (patents, commercialisation, venture funding, products at scale)
- Evidence capacity to meet/exceed FWHIT (offers, contracts, salary data)
- Choose a nominator with national standing aligned to your international recognition
- Organise a clear portfolio: CV, awards, media, keynote talks, IP, products, grants, spin-outs, and letters from global leaders
Speak to Us
For guidance on eligibility, documentation, and nomination strategy for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858), contact our experts at +91-9019-400-500 or [email protected].
FAQs
Q1. Do I need a job offer for the Global Talent Visa?
No. You must show the ability to earn at or above the FWHIT and meet the talent and nomination criteria.
Q2. Who can nominate me?
An Australian citizen, PR, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field.
Q3. I’m a recent PhD graduate—am I eligible?
Recent PhD or near-completion candidates in the target sectors may qualify if they demonstrate international recognition and ability to meet FWHIT with a suitable nominator.
Q4. How is ‘internationally recognised’ assessed?
Through evidence: senior roles, peer-reviewed publications, IP/patents, awards, commercial outcomes, and endorsements from recognised leaders or bodies.
Q5. Is the AU$158,500 threshold fixed?
No. The FWHIT is indexed annually on July 1. For 2022, it was AU$158,500; check the relevant threshold at your filing date.
