There has been an announcement published by the Department of Home Affairs on the Global Talent Visa page with significant implications. It provides:
- From 29 November 2024, the Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the Global Talent Visa has closed for new expressions.
- This closure is said to be in anticipation of the opening of the new National Innovation Visa (NIV).
What about those who have an EOI for the Global Talent Visa but have not received an invitation yet?
The Department of Home Affairs has stated:
"If you have submitted an EOI for the Global Talent Visa and have not received a response from us, you can still apply for a Global Talent Visa before we introduce the NIV. You should ensure that you meet the exceptional thresholds and standard requirements for the visa program."
When will the new National Innovation Visa be opened?
Last month, the Queensland government announced plans to be involved in the process of nominations for the new National Innovation Visa.
This indicates ongoing discussions at both the departmental level and with state governments regarding the launch of the new visa.
The announcement says:
"You can also lodge a new EOI for the NIV when it becomes available. We will share more information about the NIV before we launch the program."
More information about the National Innovation Visa will be announced on December 7, 2024.
What are the main differences between the Global Talent Visa and the National Innovation Visa?
The biggest difference seems to be that with the National Innovation Visa, all potential applicants will have to go through the Expression of Interest process. This is very similar to the EOI process for a General Skilled Migration application.
With the current Global Talent Visa, you can apply directly without needing an invitation, and your application will be considered based on the visa requirements. However, you will still need a nomination if you’re applying directly.
Is the Department of Home Affairs still processing Global Talent Visas?
Yes. The Department of Home Affairs says:
“We will continue to process applications in accordance with annual migration planning levels and processing priorities for Skilled Visas. This includes assessing applications for priority processing in line with Ministerial Direction No. 89.”
Can I still lodge a Global Talent Visa?
Yes, you can. The announcement states:
"If you have submitted an EOI for the Global Talent Visa and have not received a response from us, you can still apply for a Global Talent Visa before we introduce the NIV. You should ensure that you meet the exceptional thresholds and standard requirements for the visa program."
Should you apply for both Global Talent Visa and National Innovation Visa?
The recent announcement includes the following:
“You can also lodge a new EOI for the NIV when it becomes available.”
The main advantage of the current Global Talent Visa is that you can apply directly without having received an invitation to the Expression of Interest process.
Of course, if you choose to lodge directly, you need to be confident that you meet the criteria.
The new National Innovation Visa will have an EOI system, and everyone will need to receive an invitation before lodging the visa.
What are the Criteria for the National Innovation Visa?
The new National Innovation Visa will provide opportunities for exceptional talent from diverse backgrounds, including:
- Global researchers and thought leaders (e.g., those published in leading journals, with high levels of publications and citations, and recipients of top-of-field awards)
- Entrepreneurs, both established and emerging, with lessons taken from successful state and territory-led initiatives
- Innovative investors focusing on the quality of investment, not just meeting simple thresholds
- Athletes and creatives, particularly those who represent Australia internationally
Will I be eligible for the new National Innovation Visa?
This is the big question we often asked.
The new National Innovation Visa will bring together applicants from two major categories: the Business Innovation Visas and the Global Talent Visa.
The Business Innovation Visas or BIIP program (formerly the 188 visa and 888 visa) have been waiting for a new visa category for some time. This includes business owners with experience and investors with capital to invest.
The Global Talent Visa, on the other hand, has attracted many individuals with successful careers and high salaries.
Combining these two categories into one visa class and broadening the criteria for Global Talent Visa makes the National Innovation Visa likely to be highly competitive, and getting an invitation will be challenging.
Another factor contributing to this competitiveness is that the National Innovation Visa will allow direct applications for permanent residency, which makes it more attractive than the previous Business Innovation 188/888 visas, which required holding a temporary visa for several years.
It also appears that the National Innovation Visa will remove the need to fit into one of the 10 industry sectors, which previously limited the pool of applicants. This will likely make the National Innovation Visa even more competitive.
Until the full criteria is released, we can’t provide a definitive answer for every potential applicant. However, we can say that the focus will be on high-achieving entrepreneurs, academics, sportspeople, creatives, and investors. It will be a highly competitive process to receive an invitation.
If you need any assistance on the global Talent Visa or the New National Innovation Visa, please contact our office.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/global-talent-visa-858
