2021-02-09
The Global Talent Scheme (GTS) allows Australian companies a pathway to sponsor skilled workers not covered by the standard programs. This program caters new STEM positions where the occupations will not already be approved for visa purposes.
There are two visa streams in this program, these are:
Established employers who have an agreement in place with the Immigration Department can sponsor up to 20 applicants per year over 5 years. The business must be an accredited and current Standard Business Sponsor. There is a minimum annual earnings requirement which is set at the Fair Work High Income Threshold which for FY 20/21 is $153,600.
Start-up businesses can sponsor up to 5 applicants per year. This stream allows employers to sponsor start-ups operating in a technology or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related field. Start-ups must be endorsed by the independent GTS start-up advisory panel. In order to gain endorsement, the business will need to have received an investment of at least $50,000 from an investment fund registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership. Alternatively, it could have received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant. There is a minimum annual earnings requirement of no less than $80,000 which can be made up of partial equity and cash.
The GTS Agreement must specify the occupations that are to be filled over the 5 years. Unlike the standard sponsorship program, the occupations do not have to be listed in the approved list of occupations used in the 482 and 186 (Employer Nominated Scheme) programs and sponsors can apply to have their occupations approved by Immigration.Â
Applicants applying for permanent residence under visa subclass 186 will generally be eligible to apply up to the age of 55 years. An increase in the age limit can be negotiated
The sponsor is required to test the local labour market which requires the business to advertise the position as per labour market testing requirements.
The program offers a streamlined variety priority visa pathway for highly skilled individuals to work and live permanently in Australia and is designed to strengthen Australia’s ability to compete for the world’s best and brightest skilled migrants and grow Australian businesses of the future.
In assessing whether a candidate is likely to have the ability to meet this salary threshold, the Department will consider current salary or future job offers; as well as candidates who have recently graduated or are soon to graduate with PhDs or Masters qualifications in the target sectors.
Individuals who meet the requirements will be provided with a unique Global Talent Identifier, which provides priority processing for a Distinguished Talent Visa application.
You must register with the immigrations Department to be provided with a unique identifier number.
Candidates accepted into the program will receive streamlined, priority processing to meet the Distinguished Talent Visa regulatory criteria. All visa applicants need including health and character requirements before a visa can be granted.
Contact us if you have any questions.
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