In 2020, there has been a noticeable shift in the Australian Migration Program from the Skilled Migration visas towards Global Talent Independent visa program. The GTI is a streamlined and priority visa pathway that utilizes the Distinguished Talent visa (Subclass 858) to offer talented and highly skilled individuals permanent migration to Australia.
The quota for the GTI program has been tripled to 15000 in the 2020/21 migration program. It doesn’t mean any decrease in standards; instead, the competition has risen even more. The Department of Home Affairs, Australia, accepted 3986 GTI Expression of Interest from July 01 to October 10 in 2020.
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The enormous increase in available places in the GTI program has affected skilled visas, especially the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) Visa significantly. Highly skilled and talented individuals have always prioritized subclass 189 as it requires no employer sponsorship or State nomination to be eligible for Australian permanent residency. But the increasing number of candidates lodging Expressions of Interest in SkilledSelect has made the process more competitive.
With the decline in allocated quota for Skilled Migration visas and an ever-increasing pool of candidates, The Global Talent Independent (GTI) program has now become the competent alternative to skilled visas.
Is GTI an Alternative to Subclass 189?
The GTI program does not require the candidates to get positive skills assessments or satisfy the minimum threshold points. Thus, it may seem to ask for fewer requirements than Subclass 189. It is somehow some true as the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program intends to attract talented individuals across the world, excelling in the ‘target sectors’ for multiplying the Australian economy and creating new job opportunities. To earn eligibility for the GTI program, the applicants must bear the testimony of international recognition and excellent performance in specific future-focused sectors.
The GTI program focuses on bringing more Ph.D. and Research Graduates and offers excellent opportunities for eligible graduates in:
- AgTech
- FinTech
- Space and Advanced Manufacturing
- MedTech
- Cyber Security
- Mining Technology
- Advanced Digital, Data Science, and ICT, and Quantum Information
The surpassing benefits of the GTI program comparing to Subclass 189 are:
- The GTI program does not require the applicants to go through the skills assessments
- No requirements to meet the minimum threshold points
- It does not require employer sponsorship or State nomination.
- No Age limit for applying for the GTI program
- Eligible Ph.D. graduates excelling in the above seven target sector can apply for the GTI program.
The GTI program does not feature any occupation list like the Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) visa.
Difference between Australian Global Talent and Skilled Independent Visa |
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| Global talent | Skilled independent 189 | |
| Expression of interest | Yes | Yes |
| Points tested | No | Yes |
| Skills Assessment | No | Yes |
| English Requirement | Functional English (or Payment of 2nd VAC) | Competent English |
| Occupation List | No | MLTSSL |
| Target Sectors | Yes | No |
| Age Limit | 55 (unless exceptional value to Australia) | 45 |
| Australia Nominator | Yes | No |
| Visa Application Charge (main applicant) | $41,110 | $4,045 |
| 2020-2021 | 15,000 | 6,500 |
Note: The table above only indicates the differences between the GTI program and Subclass 189.
It is not the complete requirement list for applying for the visas.
Free Eligibility Assessment
The candidates must ensure their EOI application reflects their excellence and achievements properly for being considered for eligibility. You can get a free evaluation from an Australian Registered Migration Agent.
