Australia – Pilot of Global Talent Scheme
As reported earlier, in March 2018, the Australian government announced two pilot schemes to support talent and innovation.
Qualifying employers in the two streams – (1) established businesses and (2) start-ups – will be able to access four-year subclass 482 (TSS) visas via streamlined applications and faster processing, with a streamlined pathway to permanent residence after three years, and no occupation list restrictions.
Global Talent Scheme (GTS)
The GTS scheme is a 12 month pilot program, beginning July 1, 2018. It is only for employers to fill highly skilled positions that cannot be filled by Australian workers and through other visa programs.
- Established Business Stream
- This stream allows employers who are accredited sponsors to employ highly-skilled individuals to contribute to innovation in an established business, and to help make Australian businesses and their Australian employees better.
- The business must be publicly listed or have an annual turnover of at least AUD 4 million for each of the last two years.
- Access up to 20 positions per year.
- Startup Stream
- This stream allows employers to sponsor highly-skilled individuals to contribute to Australia’s developing startup ecosystem and bring new ideas, new jobs, new skills and new technology for Australia.
- This stream must operate in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related field, and have received an investment of at least AUD 50,0000 from the Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership or received an Accelerating Commercialism Grant at any time.
- Access up to five positions per year.
Interested businesses must email DHA with a description of the positions they need to fill which are not available or are restricted on the eligible skilled occupations lists. If the business is deemed eligible, the DHA will provide an application form which must be completed and returned with supporting documents, including evidence of labour market testing.
If the DHA approves the application, the business must sign a GTS agreement. It will then be provided with a unique code (Permission Request ID) which it can use when submitting applications for Subclass 482 (TSS) visa nomination. TSS applications will then be assessed faster and under special DTS criteria.
Supporting Innovation in South Australia
This pilot scheme will complement the existing visas for startups and entrepreneurs in the Business and Innovation Investment program. The pilot scheme has yet to be implemented but is in review and is aimed for a national roll out in 2019 if successful.
Employers who may qualify for the Global Talent Scheme should contact their immigration specialist for further advice.