Australia will create a new visa for “high-tech skills and talent” migrants from July.  

This visa under the “Global Talent Scheme” will be introduced to give companies more flexibility, compete with other countries, and attract skilled workers. 

In addition, new visas will be made available for start-up companies in technology based and STEM related fields such as biomedicine and agricultural technology. 

“The Government recognizes there is fierce competition globally for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these people helps to transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses,” the Turnbull government said. 

Skilled migrants under both visas will require having at least three years of relevant experience. 
Businesses will be required to demonstrate they tried employing Australians prior.   

Moreover, businesses will now be able to employ up to 20 skilled migrants under the new stream. Start-ups will be able to employ up to five. 

Further, for businesses with a turnover of more than $4 million, they will be able to sponsor migrants for jobs paid more than $180,000. Under this new action, the migrants could choose a “transitional pathway” to permanent residency after three years. 

“We want to ensure that Australian businesses can access the best talent in the world because this will underpin growth, skills transfer and job creation,” Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge said.

“At all stages, Australians are prioritized for the jobs, but where the skills and experience are not available here, we want to be able to attract talent from overseas,” he added. 

The details of the scheme will be consulted by the government in the coming months.