An exciting new pathway has opened for up to 1000 recent graduate science & IT students to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) through a high priority pathway, avoiding many of the administrative hurdles of the standard visa program.

We encourage students or recent graduates in the fields of AgTech, FinTech, MedTech, Cyber Security, Space and Advanced Manufacturing, Energy and Mining Technology Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science and ICT to consider whether the Global Talent Independent Stream (GTIS) is an option for them. This program is preferable to independent skilled migration as it:

  • is not points based; and
  • allows for fast tracked processing of your visa application.
  • Hammond Taylor was one of the first firms to receive an approval under the original Global Talent program.

What is the GTIS program?

Announced in November 2019 the GTIS is a program allowing eligible applicants to lodge Distinguished Talent Visas and have the application fast tracked for approval within the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).

Preapproval through an Expression of Interest (EOI) is required prior to lodging the Distinguished Talent Visa application.

The GTIS program has been hyped by industry commentators as the way Australia will secure the future talent needed to drive its economic recovery post Covid-19. The Australian government is heavily invested in seeing this program succeed and is willing to work with applicants to achieve positive outcomes.

Which students / recent graduates are eligible?

In addition to the  general eligibility requirements for the GTIS, students must meet the following:

  • Be a PhD student who has completed their studies in the last 3 years, or are in their final 6 months of submitting their thesis.
  • Be an Honours or Masters graduates who have completed their studies in the last 3 years, and have an overall grade-point average of 80 (or above) out of 100.

How many places are available to students / recent graduates?

Of the 5000 visas the DHA wants to grant this financial year under the GTIS we understand 1000 are targeted towards student or recent graduates.

According to information received by IT News in a Freedom of Information Request as at 30 January 2020 there were only 397 lodged GTIS applications. Meaning there are thousands of visas under the GTIS program still on offer until 30 June.

In contrast, the number of places available through the standard Independent Skilled Subclass 189 visa was cut by over 27,000 places in the 2020 program year, making competition fierce and creating substantial waiting and processing times.

What is the process?

Prior to lodging an EOI for the GTIS program students/ recent graduates must:

  1. Find an eligible nominator with a national reputation in the same field as you; and
  2. Gather evidence to support your claims under the GTIS

If your EOI is approved you will be given a unique identifier with which to lodge your Distinguished Talent Visa. It is this unique identifier that gives applications priority processing within DHA.

As at 30 January 2020 54% of those expressing interest in the GTIS scheme have been allowed to make visa applications. As a result of the low rate of EOI approvals we recommend students/recent graduates seek the assistance of experienced Migration Agents to enable them to present the strongest possible case at the EOI stage.

Hammond Taylor was one of the first firms to receive an approval under the original Global Talent program and is assisting multiple clients through both the Global Talent Independent and Global Talent Employer Sponsored streams.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.