Several amendments to the Distinguished Talent Visa (subclass 858 visa) have recently been introduced by the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA). This is a permanent visa for individuals who have a globally recognized record of outstanding and exceptional achievement in the qualifying area.
The changes for the distinguished talent visa are:
- Removal of subclass 124 visa enabling applicants to opt for a subclass 858 visa both offshore and in subclass 124.
- Increase the range of visa groups from which the applicant may apply for a visa.
- Switching the health requirements to allow a subclass 858 visa to be issued to applicants with serious health conditions.
Before these reforms, the candidate has to opt for a visa subclass depending on their location. For eg, a subclass 858 visa for those applying while in Australia and a subclass 124 visa for people outside Australia.
Moving forward the applicant can submit either offshore or onshore. It does not matter where one’s family members are in the world. Every family member will be included in a single visa submission.
Candidates are also permitted to apply to the holders of Bridging Visa A, B, and C while in Australia. It eliminates the bar on visa holders applying for 858 visas as follows:
- Electronic Travel Authority (ETA)
- Tourist
- Subclass 400 visa (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
- The visitor (sponsored and unsponsored) including subclass 600
- Maritime Crew (Temporary)
- Subclass 456 (Business (Short Stay)
- Special purpose visa.
- Super-yacht Crew (Temporary)
As a result, the subclass 858 visa is conducted in line with most eligible visas and eliminates the barriers to eligibility for prospective applicants.
One of the major substantial changes is that the subclass 858 visa has switched from the Public Interest Requirements (PIC) 4005 to the PIC 4007.
This factor is important because the PIC 4005 does not permit applicants to be granted a visa if:
- The community services and health care they (or that of a dependent) need is a crucial cost [the significant cost is currently estimated at AUD 49,000 over a lifetime];
- They will have a detrimental effect on Australians ingress community services or health care.
Substitution of PIC 4007 for a subclass 858 visa requires the above-mentioned health requirements to be waived if the candidate is willing to demonstrate that the expenses are not extreme in all conditions.
PIC 4007 is rare for most of the permanent visas to Australia. This clearly suggests that candidates for this specific visa are considered to be career creators who can offset most of the possible medical expenses that them or their family members will face later in future. Whilst this is a massive opportunity, it is significant to obtain professional advice before you register for your visa. Kanan International, located in Vadodara, is a premier institution, which has been assisting and guiding students to achieving their study-abroad dreams for 25 years! Kanan’s international education experts are well-versed with all the complexities and can help you plan your future dream career and help you with your visa process.
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