Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858)

The Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858) offers permanent residency for individuals currently in Australia who have achieved global recognition for their exceptional skills and accomplishments in:

• Professions
• Sports
• Arts and creative industries
• Academic research

If you’re outside Australia, you may be eligible for the Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 124).

Introduction of the National Innovation Visa

The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) will be replaced by the National Innovation Visa in late 2024. This new visa will focus on attracting top-tier talent in fields that drive Australia’s economic growth and innovation.

Advantages of This Visa

Holders of this visa can enjoy:

• Permanent residency with no restrictions on work or study
• Access to Medicare, Australia’s healthcare system
• The opportunity to apply for Australian citizenship (if eligibility criteria are met)
• The ability to sponsor eligible family members for permanent residency

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Be in Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.
2. Have global recognition for their accomplishments in one of these areas:
   • A professional field
   • Sports
   • Arts and culture
   • Academia or research
3. Demonstrate they are highly regarded within their industry.
4. Show how their skills and expertise will benefit the Australian community.
5. Provide evidence of employment potential in their field in Australia.
6. Be nominated by:
   • An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, OR
   • An Australian organization with a strong reputation in the applicant’s field.
7. Meet the health and character standards outlined by the Australian Government

   1. Nomination You must: be nominated by a nationally recognised Australian Citizen, permanent resident or Eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation / business in your field, endorsing your achievements and international standing, and: have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts or academia and research (and are still prominent in that field); and be an asset to the Australian community (if under 18 or over 55 years of age, you must demonstrate that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community); and have no difficulty in obtaining employment in Australia or establishing yourself independently in your field

   2. Special Envoy Endorsement You must be endorsed by the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction, a taskforce dedicated to attracting high-value global business and exceptional talent in key market sectors.

   3. National Security Endorsement You must be endorsed by the Director-General responsible for national security for having provided specialised assistance to the Australian Government in matters of security.

How International Recognition is Assessed

The Department evaluates:

• The international importance of the country where the applicant’s achievements were made.
• How these achievements align with both Australian and global standards.
• Example: Holding a prominent role in a world-renowned organization may qualify as international recognition.

What Qualifies as Exceptional Achievement?

Exceptional achievement refers to accomplishments that distinguish an individual as an elite performer in their field. Evidence may include:

For Professionals:

• Prestigious industry awards
• Endorsements from employers and industry experts
• Published work or recognized qualifications
• Media coverage of their contributions

For Sports:

• High rankings at national or international levels
• Membership in elite teams or participation in global events
• Results in major tournaments
• Media recognition of achievements

For Arts and Culture:

• Prestigious awards and accolades
• Recognition by leading artistic institutions
• High-profile exhibitions or performances
• Media coverage highlighting their creative work

Assessing Prominence

Indicators of prominence in your field may include:

• Details of recent projects or publications
• Awards or distinctions received
• Reference letters from reputable organizations or professionals in your industry

Why You Must Demonstrate Your Contribution to Australia

Applicants need to show how their expertise will:

• Improve Australia’s academic, technical, or professional standards
• Transfer valuable skills to Australia
• Strengthen Australia’s reputation in sports, arts, or research
• Make a positive social or cultural impact

How Employability is Determined

The Department may review the following to assess your employability:

• Offers of employment or contracts
• Evidence of self-employment potential or business plans
• Sponsorships, grants, or other financial backing
• Academic qualifications and previous work experience

Who Can Be a Nominator?

Your nominator can be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, OR
• An Australian organization with a respected national profile in your field.

Industry associations or professional peers typically act as nominators.

Application Costs

The current application fee for the Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is $4,840.00

Start Your Journey Today

Find out if you meet the requirements for the Distinguished Talent Visa. Contact Bansal Immigration Consultants now to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward permanent residency in Australia.