Distinguished Talent Visa - Australia

The Distinguished Talent visa is designed to attract persons, who want to settle permanently in Australia and are able to demonstrate they have an internationally recognised, record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, the arts, sport or research and academia.

All Distinguished Talent visa applications must be lodged in Australia. If you are currently in Australia, then you can only apply for a Distinguished Talent visa if you hold a qualifying visa when you apply.

To be eligible for a Distinguished Talent visa you must be able to demonstrate that you:

• have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in the arts, sport, or research and academia;
• are still prominent in that profession;
• will be an asset to the Australian community (e.g. you must be able to demonstrate how your settlement in Australia could contribute economically, socially or culturally to the nation as a whole - not just a local community);
• will have no difficulty in obtaining employment or in becoming established independently in Australia in a profession, the arts, sport, or research and academia, and

be nominated by an:

• Australian citizen; or
• Australian permanent resident; or
• eligible New Zealand citizen; or
• Australian organisation.

The person or organisation nominating you must have a national reputation in your field of expertise.

You must also meet the mandatory health and character requirements.

If you are aged under 18 or over 55 years of age, then you must also:

• provide evidence that you are financially independent; and
• show that you are likely to be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.