The announcement, made by Immigration Minister David Coleman during a speech on Tuesday 13 August at the Sydney Institute, follows a ministerial media release the week prior that the Government will continue the Global Talent Scheme initiative from a pilot to a permanent feature of the migration program in the form of the Global Talent – Employer Sponsored Program (GTES) from 1 July 2019.

The GTES is a niche pathway to the Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482) with the stated key benefits including:

• priority processing;
• access to occupations outside the Short-Term Skilled and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills occupation lists; and
• four year visa validity period with access to a permanent visa, including the possibility of negotiating age requirement exemptions.

Minister Coleman has confirmed that the initiative will be extended to independent visa applicants in the form of the Global Talent – Independent Program. Foreign nationals with advanced degrees from leading global institutions in industries including agricultural technology, fintech and quantum computing will be the targets.

The new Global Talent – Independent Program will provide an additional avenue for talented individuals to secure Australian visas in their own right, rather than requiring an employer to provide sponsorship. Individuals who meet the criteria will be able to apply for existing visa subclasses such as the Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124 or subclass 858) and the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189). Whilst these visa subclasses generally have lengthy processing times of up to 8 months, Minister Coleman has said that under the new program, the process would be completed in weeks.

In developing the program, Minister Coleman will be seeking advice from a panel of Australia’s industry experts. Once the targeted industries have been identified officials from the Department of Home Affairs will be attending industry events and expos, and working with local industries to identify candidates. Officials have already travelled to Berlin, and will soon be travelling to Boston, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai to promote Australia as a destination for innovation and global talent.

The introduction of the Global Talent – Independent Program will assist Australia's position to attract talent in the global race to secure global human capital. The introduction will certainly be good news for the technology sector, and is a welcome refinement to Australia’s visa programs.

KPMG continues to engage with the Australian Government with respect to the evolving immigration landscape and new initiatives. Our team can assist in how the new program may impact an organisation and workforce planning.

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