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The Australian government went ahead and expanded the scope of its recently launched permanent migration scheme – the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program. This program aims to attract tech talents from across the globe to work & settle in Australia in selected tech sectors. The federal governments had also tripled the program’s intake for this financial year only a few months back.
The GTI program uses the Distinguished Talent subclass 858 and subclass 124 visas but provides a new pathway to eligible candidates qualifying under these by invitation. Unlike the previous Ministerial Direction (direction 85), the new Ministerial Direction (direction 89) outlines the newly expanded targeted sectors.
Adding New Sectors
Earlier, the government only allowed tech talents who had work qualifications in seven targeted sectors such as quantum computing, cybersecurity, and fintech under the GTI program. They were also required to earn more than $153,600 in a year to qualify.
However, the new changes expanded the number of targeted sectors to ten by including education, tourism, and “circular economy”. Ellen Macarthur Foundation defines Circular Economy based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.
The remaining 7 targeted sectors are agri-food and agri-tech, energy, health industries, defence, advanced manufacturing and space, financial services, fintech, and Digitech.
The “Digitech” seemingly covers quantum information, advanced digital, data science, and ICT, as well as cybersecurity.
The government of Australia had already tripled the GTI cap intake to 15,000 candidates. Instead of waiting for migrants to apply, GTIP intends to actively seek out talent using ‘Global Talent Officers’ from the Department of Home Affairs. Such officers are already been deployed in Dubai, Berlin, Washington DC, Singapore, Shanghai, Santiago, and New Delhi, and will work across countries in their regions and guide applicants through the application process.
Features of the GTI Program
- No age limit
- No requirement for sponsorship
- Can work for any employer
- Priority processing
- A decision on visa application within 2 months
- Australian PR straightaway
The budget forecast prepared by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann assumes that travel restrictions will be lifted between March 2021 and 30 June 2021.
Until then, explore more on GTIP or look to qualify for another visa program by booking a free consultation session with our experts.
