IMPACT – MEDIUM

Australia has announced new measures to bring high-skilled migrants to the country, extending a global talent pilot program and launching a new effort to identify and recruit migrants at the top of their profession.

  • The Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES). The GTES was launched as a pilot program in 2018, and officials announced earlier this month that it would become permanent. The GTES is a subset of the Temporary Skill Shortage visa program and allows established companies and start-ups to benefit from a simplified application process, faster processing and visas that are valid for two or four years. Employers with a GTES agreement with the Government can negotiate variations to standard TSS visa requirements and are not limited to the TSS visa short-term or medium-term streams. GTES visa processing is prioritized over other TSS visa applications. Established companies that have a GTES agreement with the Australian Government can sponsor up to 20 workers per year through the program, and start-ups can sponsor up to five per year. Employers must show that they cannot fill the positions with Australian workers. More information on the GTES program is available here.
  • Global Talent – Independent program (GTIP). The recently announced GTIP is designed to attract high-skilled migrants “at the top of their profession to Australia.” Officials will offer permanent residency to up to 5,000 migrants per year, working with employers to identify key areas and attending industry events and expos abroad to promote Australia. Individuals who are invited to apply for permanent residence will be able to do so through currently existing permanent visas, i.e., the Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124), the Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 858) or the Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – points-tested stream. More information on the GTIP is expected soon.

Analysis & Comments: The GTES and GTIP could prove to be good options for employers who are looking to recruit top-level foreign workers for work visas or permanent residence. Employers are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte to determine how the programs can fit in with their broader recruitment and immigration programs.

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