Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

Overview of Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

On 27 February 2021, the Distinguished Talent (subclass 858) visa was renamed to the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa.

This Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. You or your achievement must have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement (and still be prominent) in a profession, a sport, the arts or academia and research. Applicant must be nominated to apply for this visa.

From 27 February 2021, a Global Talent (subclass 858) or Distinguished Talent (subclass 124) visa can be granted to eligible applicants who are in or outside Australia

Priority Sectors of Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

On 17 December 2020, s499 Ministerial Direction no.89 came into effect and includes a new list of Global Talent priority sectors:

  • Resources
  • Agri-food and AdTech
  • Energy
  • Health industries
  • Defence, advanced manufacturing and space
  • Circular economy
  • Digitech
  • Infrastructure and tourism
  • Financial services and FinTech
  • Education

Pathways of Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

There are two pathways in the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa:

Eligibility of Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

You must

  • Be an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement (and still be prominent) in a profession, a sport, the arts or academia and research
  • Be nominated by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian organization with a national reputation in relation to your area of talent
  • If you are under 18 years old or you are aged 55 years or older when you apply, you must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
  • At least Functional English or pay the second VAC
  • Meet the health criteria
  • Meet the character requirements


Other Eligibility Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

Your achievements must be exceptional and outstanding:

  • Are currently prominent in your field
  • Have superior abilities to others in your field
  • Are acclaimed as exceptional in any country where your field is practised
  • Have a record of sustained achievement that is unlikely to diminish in the future


You must participate in a field that:

  • Is recognized and accepted in Australia
  • Has international standing
  • You must have been prominent in this field in the past 2 years.


You must be of benefit to the Australian Community:

  • Economic
  • Social
  • Cultural, or
  • To raise Australia’s academic, artistic or sports standing internationally
  • You must contribute to the nation as a whole.


Including family on Subclass 858 visa:

You can include members of the family unit with your visa application at the time of your application before application decision has been made. All family members who apply for the visa aged 18 years or older must either have functional English or should pay a Second VAC.

All family members who apply for the visa must meet the Health and Character Requirements of the Australian Government.

Note: For more information about priority sectors, see Global Business & Talent Attraction Taskforce.


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