Global Talent Visa (Subclass 859) – Employer Sponsored (GTES)

The Global Talent Visa (Subclass 859) allows highly skilled professionals to live and work in Australia permanently under the Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) program.

This visa is designed for employers who cannot source specialised, high-end talent within the Australian labour market and need to sponsor exceptional overseas professionals in niche or emerging industries.

Visa Aid assists both employers and candidates with end-to-end GTES applications, compliance, and nomination strategy.

What Is the Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) Program?

GTES is an employer-driven pathway that enables Australian businesses to sponsor exceptional overseas talent where standard skilled migration programs are not suitable.

It supports:
• Advanced technology roles
• Specialised STEM occupations
• Executive and high-impact positions
• Startups and innovative businesses

This visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for eligible candidates.

Two GTES Streams

1. Established Business Stream

For Australian businesses that:
• Have operated for at least 4 years
• Demonstrate strong financial capacity
• Can show ongoing need for highly specialised roles

Employer requirements
• Evidence of access to global expertise
• Labour Market Testing where required
• Compliance with Australian employment laws
• Minimum annual turnover of AUD 4 million
• Approved GTES sponsorship status

2. Startup Stream

For innovative or early-stage businesses operating in:
• Technology
• Biotech
• Digital platforms
• Fintech
• Advanced engineering

Startup eligibility
• Endorsement from a government-recognised startup advisory panel
• Genuine need for specialised talent
• Ability to meet salary and compliance obligations

Candidate Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:
• Be highly skilled in a specialised occupation
• Have qualifications and experience matching the role
• Meet health, character, and security requirements
• Earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold
(currently AUD 158,500 per year unless exempted)

This visa is not for general skilled roles. Only exceptional profiles qualify.

Key Benefits of Subclass 859

• Permanent residency from day one
• Work and live in Australia indefinitely
• Access to Medicare
• Include eligible family members
• Pathway to Australian citizenship
• No points test
• Priority processing compared to standard visas

Labour Market Testing (LMT)

Employers must demonstrate genuine efforts to recruit Australians unless an exemption applies.

Visa Aid manages:
• LMT strategy
• Evidence preparation
• GTES agreement submissions
• Compliance documentation

Why Use Visa Aid for GTES?

Visa Aid is a Melbourne-based Australian immigration consultancy providing:

• Employer nomination strategy
• GTES agreement preparation
• Candidate eligibility assessment
• End-to-end visa management
• Compliance and post-grant support

We work with employers, founders, and global professionals to ensure applications are accurate, compliant, and defensible.

Important Note

GTES visas are high-scrutiny applications. Poor documentation or incorrect positioning leads to refusal.

This is not a DIY visa.

Call to Action

Unsure if your business or role qualifies?

👉 Schedule a confidential consultation with Visa Aid
👉 Speak with a Registered Migration Professional
👉 Get a clear GTES eligibility assessment