Definition:

The purpose of this visa is to allow people with distinguished talent who are in Australia to apply for permanent residency.
Note: Persons holding Electronic Travel Authorities, Visitor, Tourist, Business-(short stay) or Special Purpose visas are not eligible to apply.

Persons who can apply:

This visa is designed for people who are internationally recognised for exceptional and outstanding achievement in:

• a profession
• the arts
• sport
• research or academia.

You must still be active in your field of expertise and you will need an eligible person or organisation to nominate you for this visa.

Visa Cost:

You must pay a non-refundable visa application charge when you lodge your visa application.
See: Special Activities Visa Charges

What does the visa let me do?

This visa allows you and your dependent family members to live as permanent residents in Australia.

Australian permanent residents can:

• live and work in Australia on a permanent basis
• study in Australia at school or university
• receive subsidised healthcare through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)
• access certain social security payments (subject to waiting periods)
• be eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility criteria)
• sponsor people for permanent residence.

If you want to represent Australia in an international event, please check whether there are any qualifying criteria.
Example: Minimum Australian residency requirement.

Visa validity period:

This visa is a permanent residence visa. This visa allows you to travel to and enter Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted. If you wish to continue to travel to and from Australia as a permanent resident after the initial visa has expired, you must obtain a Resident Return Visa (RRV).

Eligibility:

• Nominator
• Applicant
• Family Member

Obligations:

You and your accompanying family members must comply with all Australian laws as permanent residents.

It is also expected that you will contribute to Australia in your field of expertise.