Comprehensive Guide to the Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) Program
The Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) program is a specialized visa pathway designed to attract highly skilled, niche talent from around the globe to Australia. This program enables Australian businesses to fill critical skill gaps and bring in workers for highly specialized roles that cannot be filled by the local workforce or other standard visa programs. This article explores the key aspects of the GTES program, including its features, streams, eligibility criteria, and application process.
What is the GTES Program?
The GTES program offers Australian employers the ability to sponsor overseas workers for roles that require unique and advanced skill sets. These positions often cannot be filled by Australian workers or through other standard visa pathways, such as the Short-term or Medium-term streams of the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa.
The program focuses on bringing globally mobile and highly skilled individuals to Australia who can act as ‘job multipliers.’ These workers help Australian businesses grow and innovate while creating opportunities for local workers by transferring knowledge and skills.
Who Can Benefit from the GTES?
- Employers: Businesses that struggle to fill highly skilled niche roles locally or through other visa programs.
- Highly Skilled Workers: Individuals with advanced qualifications and expertise in specialized fields.
- The Australian Economy: Encourages job creation and skills transfer, benefiting the broader workforce.
Key Features of the GTES Program
The GTES program offers unique advantages that make it a valuable tool for both employers and workers:
- Flexibility: Employers are not restricted to occupation lists under the TSS visa short-term or medium-term streams.
- Two Streams: The program caters to both Established Businesses and Startups.
- High Earning Threshold: Applicants must meet higher earning thresholds compared to standard TSS visas.
- Negotiable Visa Conditions: Employers can negotiate variations on standard TSS visa requirements.
- Permanent Residence Pathway: A transitional pathway to permanent residency is available after three years.
- Priority Processing: GTES agreements are processed faster than standard visa applications.
GTES Streams
- The GTES program is divided into two streams to cater to the specific needs of different types of businesses:
1. Established Business Stream
This stream is designed for established companies that are accredited sponsors and require highly skilled workers to maintain or enhance their operations. It provides flexibility and benefits to businesses aiming to stay competitive in their industries.
Features
- Access to up to 20 positions per year.
- Flexibility in visa criteria, including access to 4-year TSS visas.
- Transitional pathway to permanent residency after three years, with age concessions.
- Faster processing of agreements.
- If the position ends, the visa holder has 60 days to find a new sponsor or depart Australia.
2. Startup Stream
This stream focuses on startups in technology-based or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. It enables startups to bring in cutting-edge talent to foster innovation and growth.
Features
- Access to up to 5 positions per year.
- Flexibility in visa criteria, including access to 4-year TSS visas.
- Transitional pathway to permanent residency after three years, with age concessions.
- Faster processing of agreements.
- Startups must be endorsed by the GTES Startup Advisory Panel.
- If the position ends, the visa holder has 60 days to find a new sponsor or depart Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
The GTES program has strict eligibility requirements for both employers and applicants. Below is an overview:
For Established Businesses
Employer Criteria
- Must demonstrate that the GTES will support job creation and skills transfer for Australians.
- Provide labour market testing (LMT) evidence for specific positions.
- Be in good standing with regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws.
- Must be publicly listed or have an annual turnover of at least AUD 4 million for the last two years.
- Be endorsed as a TSS accredited sponsor.
Applicant and Position Criteria
- Must meet health, character, and security requirements.
- No familial relationship with directors or shareholders of the sponsoring business.
- Must have qualifications commensurate with the highly skilled role.
- At least 3 years’ work experience directly related to the position.
- Must demonstrate the ability to transfer skills or train Australian workers.
- Minimum annual earnings must meet or exceed the Fair Work High Income Threshold.
For Startups
Employer Criteria
- Demonstrate that the GTES will support job creation and skills transfer for Australians.
- Provide labour market testing (LMT) evidence for specific positions.
- Be in good standing with regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws.
- Operate in a technology-based or STEM-related field (e.g., digital, biomedical, agtech).
- Be assessed and endorsed by the GTES Startup Advisory Panel as a viable and genuine startup.
Applicant and Position Criteria
- Must meet health, character, and security requirements.
- No familial relationship with directors or shareholders of the startup.
- Must have qualifications commensurate with the highly skilled role.
- At least 3 years’ work experience directly related to the position.
- Minimum annual earnings must be at the market salary rate, with a minimum cash component of AUD 80,000.
How to Seek Access to the GTES
The process to access the GTES varies between the two streams. Here is a step-by-step guide:
For Established Businesses
- Determine Eligibility: Ensure the position cannot be filled by an Australian worker or through standard visa programs.
- Lodge GTES Labour Agreement Request: Submit the request via the ImmiAccount portal, attaching all required documents.
- Provide Labour Market Testing Evidence: Follow the guidelines for labour market testing.
- Sign Agreement: Once approved, sign the GTES agreement.
- Nominate Workers: Use the unique code provided to lodge nomination applications online.
- Workers Apply for Visa: Nominated workers can then apply for a TSS visa under the GTES agreement.
For Startups
- Email Application: Send an email to globaltalentscheme@homeaffairs.gov.au with the following:
- Business name and ABN or ACN.
- Description of the position(s) and evidence of labour market testing.
- Proof of investment or grant (e.g., AUD 50,000 from an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership).
- Startup Panel Assessment: Your startup will be assessed by the GTES Startup Advisory Panel.
- Sign Agreement: Once approved, sign the GTES agreement.
- Nominate Workers: Use the unique code provided to lodge nomination applications.
- Workers Apply for Visa: Nominated workers can then apply for a TSS visa under the GTES agreement.
Advantages of the GTES Program
- Attracts Top Talent: Helps Australian businesses recruit the best global talent for niche roles.
- Encourages Innovation: Promotes knowledge transfer and innovation within Australian industries.
- Flexible Visa Conditions: Provides negotiable terms for visa requirements and age thresholds.
- Supports Startups: Encourages growth in Australia’s developing tech ecosystem.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Offers a clear route to PR for skilled workers after three years.
- Priority Processing: Ensures faster decision-making for businesses needing urgent talent.
Challenges and Considerations
- Strict Eligibility: The program has rigorous criteria, particularly for startups.
- Documentation Requirements: Comprehensive and accurate documentation is necessary to avoid delays.
- High Salary Threshold: The financial requirements may limit access for some smaller businesses.
- Startup Endorsement: The need for advisory panel endorsement can add complexity for new businesses.
Useful Links and Resources
- Fair Work Ombudsman: Fair Work High Income Threshold
- Skilled Visa Options: Skilled Occupation Lists
- GTES Information Guide: Email globaltalentscheme@homeaffairs.gov.au
- Global Visa Processing Times: Visa Processing Times
FAQs
What is the Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) Program?
The GTES program is a specialized visa pathway for Australian employers to sponsor highly skilled global talent for niche roles that cannot be filled locally or through other visa programs.
What are the benefits of the GTES program for employers and workers?
The program offers flexibility in visa requirements, access to high-skill talent, a pathway to permanent residency, faster processing, and unique support for startups in STEM fields.
What are the eligibility criteria for businesses under the GTES program?
Established businesses must be accredited sponsors, demonstrate job creation and skills transfer, and meet turnover thresholds. Startups must operate in STEM fields, be endorsed by the GTES Startup Advisory Panel, and comply with all regulatory requirements.
What are the minimum salary requirements for applicants under the GTES program?
Applicants must meet the Fair Work High Income Threshold for established businesses or a minimum market salary rate with a cash component of AUD 80,000 for startups.
How can businesses apply for the GTES program?
Established businesses can lodge a GTES Labour Agreement request via ImmiAccount, while startups need to apply through email to the GTES team, including proof of investment and panel endorsement.
