Australian Global Talent Independent Program: Update during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Since its launch in November 2019, the Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program has generated some interest. Our office has been involved with applications in the various sectors and has had a number of liaison discussions with the talent program team in Canberra. Nothing like getting a GTI visa grant for our clients!

The program seeks to attract “the best and the brightest” from around the world by offering a streamlined and priority pathway to permanent residence if candidates are distinguished in one of the seven identified GTI industries and are likely to be able to command a salary in Australia above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), currently $148,700. There is also a stream for recent PhD or Masters graduates in the target sectors.

The seven identified GTI industries are: AgTech; Space & Advanced Manufacturing; FinTech; Energy & Mining Technology; MedTech; Cyber Security; Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science & ICT.

These permanent applications are fast-tracked and processed with priority. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic disruption, applications are still being processed with a focus on the Australian based applicants.

A recent Freedom of Information Request indicates that the government is no way close to filling the 5,000 spots allocated to this program. This may largely be due to the lack of public information on the program. It is clearly a perfect opportunity to lodge applications specially for those candidates currently based in Australia.

Please contact an Ajuria Lawyers adviser if you require further information at www.ajurialawyers.com or +61 (0)2 9222 6100.