Employer criteria
👉 Demonstrate that access to the GTES will support job opportunities and skills transfer for Australians.
👉 Labour market testing evidence for the specific positions as part of requesting a GTES agreement.
👉 The employer must be in good standing with relevant regulatory agencies, including compliance with immigration and workplace laws.
👉 Operates in a technology based or STEM-related field (eg digital, biomedical, agtech).
👉 Independent startup advisory panel will assess and endorse the business as a viable and genuine startup.
Applicant and position criteria
👉 Must meet health, character and security requirements.
👉 No familial relationship with directors/shareholders.
👉 Qualifications must be commensurate with the highly skilled role.
👉 At least 3 years work experience directly relevant to position.
👉 Capacity to pass on skills/develop Australians.
👉 Minimum annual earnings at the market salary rate, but not less than AUD 80,000. This can include equity, but must have a cash component that is no less than the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (currently AUD73,150).
Features
👉 Access up to 5 positions per year (applicant and position criteria must be satisfied on each occasion).
👉 Flexibility in certain visa criteria, including access to 4 year TSS 482 visas.
👉 Transitional pathway to permanent residence after 3 years, including age cap concessions.
👉 Simpler agreement applications and faster processing of agreements.
👉 If the position ceases the visa holder will have 60 days to find a new sponsor and a new visa or depart Australia.
Startups seeking to access the GTES must meet at least one of the following requirements:
👉 you have received an investment of at least AUD50,000 from an investment fund registered as an Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership
👉 you have received an Accelerating Commercialisation Grant at any time
As the pilot progresses, we will review the criteria for startups and consider how the GTES can assist a broader range of startup businesses in the future.
Important points and summary:
Any position filled through a GTS agreement must provide opportunities for Australians. These opportunities include the:
👉 creation of new jobs for Australians
👉 transfer of skills and knowledge to Australian workers.
The main features of the GTS are:
👉 2 streams – established business (accredited sponsors) and startups (operating in a technology based or STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related field)
👉 the ability to negotiate variance from standard TSS visa requirements
👉 agreement processing is prioritised
👉 access to highly-skilled roles for trusted employers – not restricted to occupation lists
👉 visa validity of up to 4 years, and access to permanent residency pathway
👉 negotiable age requirements on permanent residence pathway