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


