Australia is committed to building a dynamic and future-ready economy. To attract top international talent and innovative businesses, the Australian Government has introduced three key programs:

  • Global Talent Visa Program
  • Global Talent Employer-Sponsored (GTES) Program
  • Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA)

These initiatives are designed to bring world-class professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies to Australia, contributing to skills transfer, job creation, and national innovation.

🌐 Global Talent Visa Program

The Global Talent Visa offers a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled professionals working in one of Australia’s priority sectors. This visa is ideal for individuals who are globally recognized for their expertise and have a proven track record of success.

Target Sectors

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate excellence in one of the following 10 future-focused industries:

  • Resources
  • Agri-food and AgTech
  • Energy
  • Health Industries
  • Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space
  • Circular Economy
  • DigiTech
  • Infrastructure and Tourism
  • Financial Services and FinTech
  • Education

Key Eligibility Criteria:

  • International recognition and outstanding achievements in your field
  • Continued prominence and potential contribution to Australia’s innovation landscape
  • Ability to secure employment or establish yourself in Australia
  • Nominated by an Australian organization or individual with a national reputation in your field
  • Potential to earn a salary of AUD $158,500 or more (updated annually)
  • Demonstrated success through senior roles, international publications, patents, awards, memberships, or a PhD in a priority sector

👥 Global Talent Employer-Sponsored (GTES) Program

The GTES Program enables Australian businesses to sponsor overseas professionals for highly specialized roles that cannot be filled locally. This initiative is tailored to help companies attract the best minds and support skills development within Australia.

Benefits:

  • Flexible occupation list under the TSS (Temporary Skill Shortage) visa
  • Fast-tracked visa processing and a 4-year validity
  • Potential permanent residency pathway
  • Two tailored streams: Established Businesses and Startups

GTES for Established Businesses

Employer Requirements:

  • Create job and skill transfer opportunities for Australians
  • Prove genuine efforts to recruit locally
  • Maintain good compliance with workplace and immigration regulations
  • Have annual turnover of at least AUD $4 million (for the last 2 years)
  • Be a TSS-accredited sponsor

Candidate Requirements:

  • Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience
  • No family ties to company owners or directors
  • Role aligned with their qualifications and expertise
  • Meet health, character, and security checks
  • Ability to transfer knowledge to local workforce
  • Minimum salary must meet the Fair Work High Income Threshold

GTES for Startups

Employer Requirements:

  • Operate in STEM or tech-driven fields
  • Approved as a genuine startup by an independent advisory panel
  • Support innovation and job growth in Australia

Candidate Requirements:

  • Highly skilled in a relevant field, with at least 3 years of experience
  • No familial ties to company shareholders
  • Minimum salary of AUD $80,000
  • Meet all health and character requirements

Additional Startup Conditions:

  • Have secured at least AUD $50,000 from a registered Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership
  • Or received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant

🚀 Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA)

The SISA Program was created to support international entrepreneurs with bold and innovative ideas in South Australia. This visa allowed eligible individuals to launch early-stage startups and contribute to the region’s growing innovation ecosystem.

Though the pilot phase (Nov 2018 – Nov 2021) has ended, SISA set the stage for future visa pathways focused on entrepreneurship and tech-driven business development.

Program Impact:

  • Complemented existing entrepreneur and startup visas
  • Encouraged collaboration, learning, and business networking
  • Strengthened Australia’s position as a global hub for innovation

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Whether you’re a visionary entrepreneur, a world-class expert, or a business looking to sponsor top talent, Opera Education & Migration is here to guide you through every step.

📩 Contact us today for expert advice on eligibility, documentation, nomination, and application support for these Australian global talent programs.