The distinguished talent visa program is an Australian permanent visa for very highly accomplished people who are internationally recognised in their field.
Distinguish Talent 858 visa is for both onshore and offshore visa applicants.
There is no direct temporary pathway to the distinguished talent visas, however, they can be an option for some highly skilled temporary visa holders.
What are the requirements?
There are a range of requirements for the distinguished talent visas relating to:
- Age
- English language ability
- Skills
- Australian nominator
Age requirement for Distinguished 858 Visa
You can be any age and apply for the Distinguished Talent 858 Visas.
However, if you are under 18 or over 55, you will need to show that you are of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
English requirement for Distinguished Talent 858 Visa
There is a requirement to show at least functional English for the Distinguished Talent 858 Visas.
If you are not able to show functional English, you may need to pay a second instalment visa application charge. As at June 2020, this is $4,890 for each applicant who cannot prove functional English.
Skills requirement for Distinguished Talent 858 Visa
To apply for the distinguished talent visa, you must be a very highly acclaimed person in your field.
The distinguished talent visas have what is most likely the highest skills threshold of any Australian visa.
It does not require a skills assessment.
This is the part of the distinguished talent visa which requires the most work. Often applicants will need to provide a large collection of documents which demonstrate the depth of their career and a number of references from other accomplished people in their field, Australian or otherwise, who are able to attest to the applicant’s standing in the field.
Nomination requirement
To be eligible for the Distinguished Talent 858 visa, you must provide a nomination from an Australian organisation or individual.
This must be in the form of a Form 1000 and they must be able to vouch for your level of accomplishment.
Your nominator will need to have a national reputation in Australia in the same field as you.
Basis for the Global Talent visa
The distinguished talent 858 visas are the underlying visas behind the Global Talent program. When you are applying for the Global Talent Visa, you are actually applying for a 858 visa!
Learn more about the various Global Talent programs by clicking here.
Things to Consider
For onshore Subclass 858 visa applicants, they are required to hold a substantive visa or a BVA, B or C visa in Australia to apply for a Subclass 858.
Get to know more:
Government Updates
Number of allocations 2022/2023
What is the Global Talent Visa in Australia?
Target sectors for the Global Talent Visa
How can Work Visa Lawyers help?
Work Visa Lawyers is highly experienced in all parts of the Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visa application process. We are able to assist with all aspects of the application, and can also provide advice in relation to:
- your eligibility for a Distinguished Talent visa
documents to demonstrate your skills
finding an Australian nominator
Work Visa Lawyers will provide an eligibility assessment before advising you to proceed with a visa application.
Our team of experienced Immigration Lawyers and Migration Agents in Adelaide look forward to assisting you with your Australian visa or appeal.
Based in Adelaide South Australia, we provide Australian Immigration advice to people and businesses from all over the world.
Contact us on (08) 8351 9956 or +61 8 8351 9956 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Book an appointment with one of our experienced Immigration Lawyers and Registered Migration Agents here.
