The Distinguished Talent pathway has been replaced by the Priority One Processing pathway of the National Innovation Visa (NIV). This is an exclusive permanent visa for high-calibre migrants who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in their field.
To be eligible to apply for a NIV, the applicant must first be invited by Department of Home Affairs to apply. To be considered for an invitation, the applicant must submit an Expression of Interest showcasing their achievements.
Priority One candidates are those that have achieved international ‘top-of-field’ level awards including but not limited to the:
- Nobel Prize
- Breakthrough Prize
- Rousseeuw Prize
- Eni Award
- Institution of Electrical Engineers Medal of Honor
- Fields Medal
- Chern Medal
- Abel Prize
- L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science
- Turing Award
- ACM Prize in Computing
- Pulitzer Prize
- International Booker Prize
- International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal
- Olympic Gold Medal
- Laureus World Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year.
Organisations and eligible individuals may consider this scheme, which could be an alternative to the subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Organisations do not need to provide the applicant with an offer of employment.
Visa Requirements
Applicants must provide evidence that they:
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
- Are currently prominent in their field
- Will be an asset to the Australian community
Applicants must also meet the English, health, and character requirements.
If aged under 18 years or 55 years and over, they must also demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia.
Nomination Process
The applicant must be nominated by:
- An individual who is a permanent resident or Australian citizen and has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant; or
- An Australian organisation with a national reputation, in the same field the applicant
Nominators must be prepared to attest to why the applicant is a distinguished talent and how they meet the requirements of the visa. This includes signing the Form 1000.
How we can help
We have assisted a range of applicants from varied backgrounds, who were all world-class in their own right, in securing Distinguished Talent visas (now the National Innovation Visa), including: vice-chancellors and other university managers, directors, senior executives, advancement (philanthropy) directors, medical specialists, eminent scientists, artists, music producers, entrepreneurs and athletes. We have also assisted organisations who have sought to employ, appoint or otherwise support these applicants. We have extensive experience in preparing detailed written submissions to address the requirements of this pathway, as well as ensuring that applications are lodged with evidence such as letters of support from distinguished referees in the relevant field.
For further information on how we can assist, please click here to contact Visa Lawyers Australia.