Australia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Eligibility and Application Guide

Learn about Australia's Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) - requirements, eligibility, and application process to pursue Permanent Residency easily as a highly skilled individual.

Oliver Mercer
By Oliver Mercer - Chief Editor 10 Min Read

Key Takeaways:

  • The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) is part of Australia’s initiative for highly skilled individuals seeking permanent residency.
  • Eligibility requires international recognition, a nomination, proof of benefit to Australia, and specific visa criteria.
  • The application involves nominator requirements, extensive documentation, an online process, and fees, with varied processing times depending on pathways.

What is the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)?

The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) forms part of Australia’s Global Talent Independent Program. This initiative aims to streamline the process for highly skilled individuals seeking permanent residency in Australia. By targeting individuals who excel in their fields, this visa facilitates their contribution to Australia’s economic, social, and cultural development.

Australia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Eligibility and Application Guide
Australia Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Eligibility and Application Guide

In 2020/2021, the program provided up to 15,000 places. Recruitment agents are available in key locations, including Australia, London, San Francisco, Singapore, and Washington D.C. You can contact these agents for assistance with your application.

Who Is Eligible for a Global Talent Visa?

If you wish to apply for the Global Talent Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria:

  • International Recognition: You should have a globally acknowledged record of achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.
  • Nomination by a Recognized Sponsor: An Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization with an exemplary reputation in your field can nominate you.
  • Potential to Benefit Australia: You must demonstrate that your presence will economically, socially, or culturally benefit Australia.
  • Field Excellence: You must be among the best in your field, with a standing reputation for at least the past two years.
  • Visa Requirements: If applying from Australia, you should hold one of the following visas: Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B, Bridging Visa C, or a substantive visa.
  • Australian Values Statement: You must sign the Australian values statement.

If you hold or have held a visa subclass 494 or subclass 491, you must have held it for at least three years before applying for the Global Talent Visa 858.

What Are the Pathways for a Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)?

The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) offers two pathways:

  1. Streamlined Global Talent Visa Program Pathway: For applicants with skills in identified priority sectors who have submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI).
  2. Distinguished Talent Pathway: For applicants in non-priority sectors.

To apply for the streamlined pathway, you must have submitted your EOI before lodging your visa application.

What Documents Are Required for a Global Talent Visa?

Applicants must prepare the following documents for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858):

  • Identity Proof: A copy of your passport pages showing your details, and a national ID card if you have one.
  • Name Change Records: Documents such as a marriage or divorce certificate.
  • Relationship Documents: Divorce papers, death certificates, separation records, or statutory declarations.
  • Achievement Documents: Qualifications, awards, certificates, and supporting statements from relevant agencies or professional bodies.
  • Proof of Benefit to Australia: This is necessary if you are younger than 18 or older than 55.
  • Nomination Form 1000: A completed form with supporting documents.
  • Statement of Support: From your nominator.
  • Proof of Self-dependence: Evidence that you can support and establish yourself within your field in Australia.
  • Character Documents.
  • English Language Documents: Proof of functional English proficiency.
  • Expression of Interest (if applicable).

For family members such as partners and dependents, additional identity documents and proof of relationship are required.

How Do You Apply for a Global Talent Visa for Australia?

The application process for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) entails several steps:

  1. Nominator Requirement: Your nominator must first apply and will receive a transaction reference number.
  2. Online Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount, attaching scanned and translated documents. The transaction reference number from your nominator is also required.

How Much Does the Global Talent Visa Cost?

The cost for the Global Talent Visa is AUD 4,110. Additional charges apply for family members over 18 who cannot prove functional English proficiency, with a second installment fee of AUD 4,890. An extra fee is also required for each additional applicant. You can view the full details on visa fees here.

What are the Processing Times for the Global Talent Visa?

The processing times for the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) vary based on the pathway:

  • Global Talent Pathway: Approximately 2 to 3 months.
  • Distinguished Talent Pathway: Between 1.5 to 2 years.

What Occupations are Eligible for the Global Talent Visa?

Your occupation must fall within one of the following sectors to be eligible for the Global Talent Visa:

  • Resources
  • Agri-food and AgTech
  • Energy
  • Health Industries
  • Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space
  • Circular Economy
  • DigiTech
  • Infrastructure and Tourism
  • Financial Services and FinTech
  • Education

Your occupation must meet the high-income threshold, currently set at AUD 153,600.

Can You Bring Family Members with the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)?

Yes, you can include close family members in your application:

  • Spouse or De facto Partner
  • Minor Child or Partner’s Child
  • Adult Dependent Child who is Unmarried
  • Partner’s Adult Dependent Child who is Unmarried

If you apply while under 18, you can include:

  • A Parent
  • Close Family Unit Members of that Parent

Family members must meet health and character requirements, with individuals over 16 needing to fulfill character requirements.

What Happens After Five Years on a Global Talent Visa?

After five years, you must apply for a Resident Return Visa to continue traveling in and out of Australia. This visa extends the travel condition on your Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858). Without it, you cannot re-enter Australia if you leave after your travel facility expires.

Information for New Zealand Citizens

New Zealand citizens entering Australia usually receive a special visa 444 automatically. However, if you hold a Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858), inform the border officer to avoid being granted a visa 444 instead.

Distinguished Talent Visa 124 Transition

As of February 27, 2021, the Distinguished Talent Visa 124 has been replaced by the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858). Applications for visa 124 are no longer available, and individuals seeking a distinguished talent visa must now apply under the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858).

For more details on immigration requirements and processes, you can visit the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website.


In conclusion, the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) offers a pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled individuals who can significantly benefit Australia. By following precise application guidelines and demonstrating your exceptional abilities, you can take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to Australia’s diverse and dynamic landscape.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Terms

  1. Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): A visa under Australia’s Global Talent Independent Program that allows highly skilled individuals in various fields to gain permanent residency in Australia.
  2. Nomination Form 1000: A required document for the Global Talent Visa, filled out by an eligible nominator who supports the applicant’s credentials and claims.

  3. Expression of Interest (EOI): A preliminary step in the application process for certain pathways of the Global Talent Visa, where applicants express their interest in migrating to Australia.

  4. Substantive Visa: Any visa that is not a bridging visa, criminal justice visa, or enforcement visa. Applicants need to hold a substantive visa if applying from within Australia for the Global Talent Visa.

  5. Resident Return Visa: A visa required after holding the Global Talent Visa for five years, allowing the visa holder to leave and re-enter Australia while maintaining their residency status.

This Article In A Nutshell:

The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) under Australia’s program targets highly skilled individuals for permanent residency, enriching the country economically and culturally. Key eligibility includes global recognition, nomination by reputable sponsors, and contribution potential. Processing times range from 2 to 3 months. Family inclusion is allowed. It costs AUD 4,110.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Oliver Mercer
Chief Editor
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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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