In March 2018, the Australian Government announced a new visa scheme, the Global Talent Scheme Pilot, targeted at highly skilled global talent. The trial of this new visa scheme will commence on 1 July 2018 and last for 12 months.
The purpose of the Global Talent Scheme is to recognize global talent in high demand for the benefit of Australian workers and Australian businesses. It will allow eligible Australian businesses to sponsor highly skilled overseas applicants for up to 4 years on the existing Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa.
The scheme comes at a time of large cuts to the occupations available under Australia’s skilled migration program. It is a proposed solution to address skill shortages in Australia, particularly in the Innovation sector, where many evolving tech-based job positions do not fit in the strict occupation moulds of the current Skilled Occupation Lists.
The new visa scheme will involve two streams: the Established Business Stream and the Start-up Stream.
The Established Business Stream
This stream is available to Australian employers who are publicly listed or have an annual turnover of more than $4 million.
The Australian business will need to meet the following key requirements:
1. That their recruitment policy provides first preference to Australian workers;
2. That they have tried to find an Australian to fill the role;
3. That the position will have minimum annual earnings of $180,000; and
4. That the sponsorship will result in a skills transfer to Australian workers.
This stream will allow businesses to nominate up to 20 positions per year.
The Start-up Stream
The Start-up steam is aimed at newly-established companies in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering, and math).
The stream will require businesses to show the following:
1. That their recruitment policy provides first preference to Australian workers;
2. That they have tried to find an Australian to fill the role;
3. That the position will provide for the market salary rate for the position (at least $53,900);
4. That a ‘start-up authority’ has endorsed the business; and
5. That the sponsorship will result in a skills transfer to Australian workers.
Start-ups will be able to sponsor up to 5 positions per year.
There will also be other visa criteria related to the visa application, such as health and character checks.
Applicants under both streams will have access to a 4-year TSS visa, with a transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, if the applicant is eligible.
The Global Talent Scheme Pilot initiative is a step toward a more innovative and skilled Australian workforce. However, the practicality of the requirements is yet to be tested. Whether the scheme will appropriately address skill shortage concerns is yet to be seen, but we expect further refinements will continue to be made once it commences.
Shanalee Hayer, Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers
Paralegal
Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers migration team can provide advice to Australian businesses in need of overseas skilled workers. Contact us for a consultation today:
Peter Kuek-Kong Lee, Special Counsel and Registered Migration Agent MARN 0427478
Anna Gunning-Stevenson, Lawyer and Registered Migration Agent MARN 1797244
(07) 3009 8444
