What is the Distinguished Talent program?

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

Policy for applying for a Distinguished Talent visa

You can apply for a Distinguished Talent visa while you are in or outside 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.

All Distinguished Talent visa applications must be lodged in Australia. Please refer to migration booklet 8 for more information.
See: Booklet 8, Special Migration

Who is eligible for a Distinguished Talent visa

To be eligible for a Distinguished Talent visa you must:

• be able to demonstrate that you:

  • have an internationally recognized 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;
    Example: Be able to show 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 organization.
    Note: The person or organization nominating you must have a national reputation in your field of expertise.

• meet the mandatory health and character requirements.

See also:
Health examinations, frequently asked questions
Character checks, frequently asked questions

Additional eligibility requirements if under 18/over 55

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.

Including family members on your application

If you are under 18 years, then you can include a parent and family members of that parent on your application.

Please note that some restrictions may apply and you should read migration booklet 8 before completing your application.
See: Booklet 8, Special Migration

Information for prospective employers

Employers who are considering nominating a person for a skilled, full-time position in Australia under the Distinguished Talent visa should first consider the Employer Nomination Scheme or the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme.
See:
Employer Nomination Scheme
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

Further information

If you would like detailed written information about applying for a Distinguished Talent visa (including the application form, nomination form, basic requirements and document checklist), obtain a copy of migration booklet 8. The booklet can be obtained:

• electronically
  See: Booklet 8, Special Migration

• in paper form by:

  • telephoning 131 881 if you are in Australia, or

  • contacting your nearest Australian diplomatic office if you are overseas.
    See: Office and Contact Details Outside Australia
    Note: The department charges a small fee for printed copies of migration booklet 8.

The following table also outlines where to obtain further information relating to the Distinguished Talent visa.