Key factors for a successful Global Talent Independent (GTI) application

The Australian Federal Government 2020 - 2021 Budget has seen the Australian Government’s intention to attract international talent by increasing the quota for the Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program. The GTI program is a streamlined pathway for highly skilled professionals to live and work in Australia permanentl. The GTI Program is not as straight forward as General Skilled Migration, but does open up more options for skilled professionals. Here are some key factors for a successful GTI application.

Target Sectors

Under the GTI program, applicants must have internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a specific sector. The target sectors were recently increased from 7 to 10 and are as follows:

Target Sectors	Specialisations (Including but not limited to)
Resources	Engineering Geology Metallurgy Waste management Energy saving technology Extraction and processing
Agri-food and AgTech	Seed technology Nanomaterials Biofuels Supply chain and packaging Wearable technologies
Energy	Clean energy Resource robotics Computational metallurgy Geostatistics Benefication Battery/energy storage
Health Industries	Medical and biomedical technology Pharmaceutical and vaccine research and development IT biochemistry Digital health Implantables and wearable devices Genomics
Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space	Astrodynamics Satellite systems Rocket and avionics systems Urban mobility Military equipment acquisition and sustainment Automation and robotics Nano-manufacturing Sustainable manufacturing and life-cycle engineering
Circular Economy	Bioenergy Sustainable production Recycling Waste treatment Waste to energy technology Emissions technology Ecologically sustainable manufacturing
DigiTech	Quantum computing Cyber services Cyber security Artificial intelligence Blockchain, IoT Big data Disruptive technology Smart cities Machine learning Network engineering Cloud computing
Infrastructure and Tourism	Travel and tourism infrastructure Water infrastructure Energy infrastructure Energy infrasture Regional infrastructure
Financial Services and FinTech	Neobanking Payment systems Wealth and regtech Blockchain
Education	Cutting edge skills in emerging fields of the industry Developing advanced educational systems and curricula Improving the education infrastructure in Australia Digital data and eResearch platforms

The program includes opportunities for PhD graduates and students in the above sectors as well. Students can start on the GTI process 6 months before the submission of their thesis.

As of 20 January 2021, Masters & Bachelors with Honours graduates will no longer be eligible for an invitation on the basis of their qualification alone. Any candidates who have already received an invitation will still be able to continue with their application.

Exceptional & Outstanding Achievement

Applicants of the GTI program will need to demonstrate that they have an exceptional and outstanding achievement. This basically means that you will have to be considered top of your field, show a strong record of outstanding achievements and prominence in your field of expertise.

Evidence include award, patents, publications, memberships, and senior roles in the nominated field. Details of projects, research and other professional recognition should be provided to further support your application.

Additionally, you will also require a nomination from recognised organisation or individual in Australia from the same field. The nominator must have national reputation in their industry or field, and must be able to provide details on the applicant’s background and achievements in the field.

Internationally Recognised

In order to have a successful outcome, exceptional & outstanding achievements must be internationally recognised. This means that you will need to provide evidence of recognition in countries other than your home country.

Asset To Australia

GTI applicants will need to demonstrate that they will be an asset to Australia through how their knowledge and expertise will positively impact Australia’s economy. This can include project development and research, give Australia a competitive advantage or introducing new skills to the Australian economy.

You will also have to prove employability by demonstrating that there should be no difficulty in securing employment or becoming established in Australia. Evidence of job opportunities in the nominated field or statements setting out how your skills and expertise align with jobs on offer can be provided to further support your application.

Applicants will also be expected to attract a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, which is currently set at AUD$ 153,600.

Looking for assistance?

The Global Talent Independent (GTI) Program is a streamlined visa pathway for highly skilled professionals to live & work in Australia permanently. This program is designated to support the economy by introducing innovative skills to high priority industries. Think Visa has handled many GTI applications, contact us to assess your eligibility.