Minister Hawke has announced changes that will streamline the pathway to citizenship for talented prospective Australians. This change is aimed at those who due to their work, undertake significant international travel, however their talent is in the Australian national interest including Australian representative sportspeople, ships’ crew, senior businesspeople, research scientists, and distinguished artists.
The Minister will extend the special residence concession to all distinguished talent visa holders and to athletes in the Australian Commonwealth Games team.
The special residence requirement provides that an applicant has held a valid visa for the last four years, living in Australia for at least 480 days during that time, and must have been a permanent resident and in Australia for 120 days in the year immediately before applying.
This special residency requirement will apply to past, present and future distinguished talent stream visa holders.
To discuss your situation and pathway to working and living in Australia, contact our expert team.
