The Australian Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has released further details of its pilot Global talent Scheme (GTS), aimed at attracting highly-skilled talent to Australia, which took effect on 1st July 2018.
Interested businesses must email DHA with a description of the positions they need to fill which are not available or are restricted on the eligible skilled occupations lists. If the business is deemed eligible, the DHA will provide an application form which must be completed and returned with supporting documents, including evidence of labour market testing.
If the DHA approves the application, the business must sign a GTS agreement. It will then be provided with a unique code (Permission Request ID) which it can use when submitting applications for Subclass 482 (TSS) visa nomination. TSS applications will then be assessed faster and under special DTS criteria.
Qualifying employers in two streams (established businesses and start-ups) are able to access four-year Subclass 482 (TSS) visas via streamlined applications and faster processing, with a streamlined pathway to permanent residence after three years.
Businesses in both streams will have to meet the following criteria:
In addition:
Established businesses must be publicly listed or have an annual turnover of at least AUD 4 million for each of the last two years. They can access up to 20 positions per year.
Start-ups must operate in a STEM-related field (e.g. digital, biomedical, agtech) and must be endorsed by the independent GTS start-up advisory panel. Start-ups will also need to meet at least one of the following requirements:
Start-ups can access up to five positions per year.
Applicants in either stream must meet the following criteria:
In addition:
Applicants in the established business stream must have minimum annual earnings of AUD 180,000.
Applicants in the start-up stream, applicants will require minimum annual earnings at the market salary rate. This can include equity but must have a cash component that is no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently AUD 53,900).
Employers who may qualify for the Global Talent Scheme should contact the Visa Lounge immigration specialist for further advice.
For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Australia, please email us at info@visalounge.com.au