In 2020, Australia introduced a new class of visa, called The Global Talent Visa.  This falls under subclass 858 for Distinguished Talent.

Distinguished Talent

The Distinguished Talent (DT) (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for applicants who have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a recognized field, or have been recognized as providing a specialized assistance to the Australian Government in matters of security.

The applicant  

• Must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts or academia and research.  
• Must still be prominent in the area
• Would be an asset to the Australian community
• Would have no difficulty in obtaining employment or in becoming established independently in Australia in the area
• Needs to be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or organization, who has a national reputation in relation to the area

If the applicant has not turned 18 (or is at least 55 years old at the time of application) would be of exceptional benefit to the Australia community.

Global Talent

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) is a prioritized visa for highly skilled and talented applicants with internationally recognized and exceptionally talented skills in one of 10 target growth sectors.  The GTI program is facilitated using the DT (subclass 858) visa.

The new program, announced in 2018, is designed to attract skilled migrants at the top of their profession to Australia.  It was announced in October 2020 that the planning level has been increased from 5000 to 15000 places for the program year 2020-2021.

The target sectors are Resources, Agri-Food and AgTech, Energy, Health Industries, Defence/Advanced manufacturing and space, Circular economy, DigiTech, Infrastructure and tourism, Financial services and FinTech and Education.  Priority processing is provided to these applicants where the FWHIT (high income) is met (at least A$153,600).