Sky Consultants
Visa

Global Talent
Independent Program.

Permanent residence for internationally recognised talent in priority sectors, delivered through Subclass 858.

  • Registered migration agents
  • 150+ CRICOS partner institutions
  • Offices in Adelaide & Perth
Overview
Graduation caps thrown in the air, marking outstanding achievement

A Fast-Tracked Permanent Route for Exceptional Talent.

The Global Talent Independent Program uses the Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858) to grant permanent residence to individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in a target sector.

Applicants must show they are prominent in their field, still active professionally, and able to command a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, or be a recent PhD graduate or Masters candidate in a priority discipline.

Core requirements

  • Internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
  • Prominence in a target sector, evidenced by publications, patents, roles or awards.
  • An eligible Australian nominator supporting the application in Form 1000.
  • Ability to obtain employment in the sector or become established independently.
Priority sectors

Where the Program Looks.

Home Affairs prioritises applicants working in industries central to Australia's long-term economic plan.

Tech 01

AgTech, FinTech, MedTech

Founders, senior engineers and researchers driving Australia's advanced technology sectors.

Details
Defence 02

Defence, advanced manufacturing, space

Specialists working on sovereign capability programs and advanced manufacturing lines.

Details
Life sciences 03

Health industries and biotech

Clinical researchers, biotech founders and senior R&D leaders in health-adjacent industries.

Details
Resources 04

Energy, resources and infrastructure

Leaders in renewables, critical minerals, hydrogen, and next-generation infrastructure delivery.

Details
How we help

Positioning Matters as Much as Merit.

Global Talent files stand or fall on how the applicant's record is framed. We build a Statement of Achievement mapped to the current Home Affairs priorities, gather independent evidence, and identify eligible Australian nominators aligned with the applicant's field.

Once the Expression of Interest is submitted, we track the invitation, prepare Form 1000, and lodge the Subclass 858 with a complete supporting brief so assessment can move quickly.

Key figures

By the Numbers.

Visa granted
Subclass 858, permanent
Fair Work High Income Threshold
AUD 175,000+
Family included
Partner and children
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions.

Who is eligible for the Global Talent Independent Program?

Applicants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a priority sector, who are still active in their field and can command a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, or who are recent PhD or eligible Masters graduates in a priority discipline.

How long does the Global Talent visa take to process?

Post-invitation, the Subclass 858 has historically decided in a few months, though processing volumes have slowed since the program transitioned to the National Innovation Visa. Timing depends on nominator quality and how tightly the Statement of Achievement is framed.

How much does the Global Talent visa cost?

The base subclass 858 charge is around AUD 4,840 for the primary applicant. Secondary applicant fees, health-check and translation costs are separate. Professional fees for Global Talent files reflect the significant evidence and nominator work involved.

Can I include my family in the same application?

Yes. A spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included at lodgement or added as subsequent entrants. Family members receive permanent residence with the same rights as the primary applicant on grant.

Do I need an Australian nominator?

Yes. Every 858 application requires nomination by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the applicant's field. We help identify and brief suitable nominators as part of the engagement.

Do you provide MARA-registered assistance across the whole file?

Yes. Our MARA-registered team drafts the Statement of Achievement, curates independent evidence, secures the Form 1000 nominator, submits the Expression of Interest, and lodges the 858 with a complete brief once invited.

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