Announcing Changes To Distinguished Talent and Subclass 408 Covid Visas

 

Distinguished Talent Visa name change and concessions

 

The Distinguished Talent Visa will now be known as the Global Talent Visa, Subclass 858.

“The Distinguished Talent program provides access to permanent residence in Australia for people who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, academia and research, are still prominent in the area and would be an asset to the Australian community. Since 2019, Distinguished Talent visas have been used for the new Global Talent Independent program designed to attract exceptionally skilled migrants in priority sectors to Australia. The Global Talent Independent program has been implemented in response to increasing international competition for highly talented migrants. ” (Explanatory statement, Migration Amendment (2021 Measures No. 1) Regulations)

The Distinguished Talent Visa had two subclasses, 858 and 124.

The new visa will now be called the Subclass 858 (Global Talent) visa.

 

New dedicated pathway.

There is a new dedicated pathway for applicants who are endorsed by the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction, as being likely to make a significant contribution to Australia’s economy. This means that applicants who are endorsed by the Special Envoy, are likely to have their Visa applications granted extremely quickly.

 

Other changes

• The Subclass 124 (Distinguished Talent) Visa can now be granted while the applicant is in Australia. Previously, this Visa could only be granted when the applicant was outside Australia.
• Similarly, the Subclass 858 (Distinguished Talent) Visa Be granted while the applicant is inside or outside Australia – previously this Visa could only be granted when the applicant was inside Australia.

 

 

Subclass 408 Covid Visa – New class of person added

 

A new class of eligible applicant has been added to the Subclass 408 Covid visa.

In addition to those applicants already eligible for the Subclass 408 Visa, to be a new eligible applicant, a person:

· must be employed full time as an essential staff member of a business that is relocating to Australia and will assist in Australia’s response to the economic effects of COVID-19,
· must assist with the establishment of the business’s operations in Australia,
· must make the application for the Subclass 408 visa between 27 February 2021 and 30 June 2022, and
· not have been previously granted a Subclass 408 Covid visa.