Subclass 858 — Global Talent Visa

The Subclass 858 is a permanent residence visa for individuals with exceptional talent in a target sector. The visa is processed faster than most skilled visas and has no points test.

Target sectors

• Agritech, Food and Agribusiness
• Critical Technologies (AI, quantum, cyber, blockchain, autonomous systems)
• Defence and Advanced Manufacturing
• Digitech (digital, fintech, edtech)
• Energy and Mining Technology
• Health Industries (medtech, biotech, pharma)
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Resources and Energy
• Space and Aerospace
• Creative Industries
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Education

To be eligible for the 858 visa, you must:

• Be an internationally recognised talent in a target sector
• Have a record of achievement (senior role, awards, patents, publications, etc.)
• Earn at least AUD 178,700 per year (or have an offer to earn this amount)
• Be nominated by an Australian organisation or individual of national standing in your sector
• Have Functional English (or pay the second VAC)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Be under 55 (unless exceptional value)

International record of achievement examples

• Senior role at a major global company
• International awards or prizes
• Patents or commercial IP
• Peer-reviewed publications
• Major media coverage
• Board membership at major organisations

Stage 1: Nomination

Get nominated by an Australian organisation or individual of national standing in your target sector. The nominator must have a record of excellence in the same sector.

Stage 2: Expression of Interest

Lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect with your details, evidence of achievement, and target sector.

Stage 3: Invitation

If your EOI is successful, you receive an invitation to apply for the 858 visa.

Stage 4: Visa Application

Lodge your full visa application with supporting documents (CV, evidence of achievement, English test results, health exam, police certificates).

Your nominator must be:

• An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible NZ citizen
• Of national standing in your target sector
• Able to provide a Form 1000 nomination letter

Typical nominators include:

• Professors at top Australian universities
• Senior executives at Australian companies
• Heads of peak industry bodies
• Directors of government agencies

Primary applicant: approximately AUD 4,110.

Other costs: skills assessment (not required), English test, document translation, health exam.

Typical processing time is 6–12 months, but can vary based on complexity. The Global Talent visa is generally processed faster than other skilled visas.

How do I prove "international recognition"?
Provide evidence: awards, patents, publications, media coverage, senior roles, board memberships, etc.

Do I need a job offer?
No, but you need to demonstrate you can earn AUD 178,700 per year (or have an offer).

Can I include family members?
Yes, spouse/de facto partner and dependent children.

Is there an age limit?
Yes, 55 (unless you can demonstrate exceptional value to Australia).

Can I work in any sector?
No, only the 13 target sectors listed.

• Free 30-minute eligibility assessment
• Target sector matching
• Evidence preparation — international record of achievement
• Nominator identification & outreach
• EOI preparation and lodgement
• Visa application lodgement
• Ongoing case management