Over the past 5 years, the number of countries offering visas for talent has doubled. This trend reflects the growing competition for highly qualified specialists in the global labor market. In our big guide, we will tell you all the details related to talent visas: what is it, which countries issue them and for what period, how much can the registration cost, as well as what conditions exist in each specific case.
A talent visa. What is it?
A talent visa is a type of visa designed for outstanding professionals who can bring significant benefits to the economy and culture of the country they want to move to. These visas are usually issued based on certain professional requirements, special skills and recommendations from employers or experts.
Which countries issue talent visas?
Let’s list all the countries that issue a talent visa at the moment:
- United States of America
- Canada
- Great Britain
- France
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Denmark
- China
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
Each country has its own peculiarities and procedures for obtaining a talent visa. Therefore, it is important to carefully study the requirements and prepare in advance.
USA — O-1 Visa
Who can apply for a talent visa in the USA?
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa in the United States is issued to people with outstanding abilities and achievements, namely:
- O-1A: Those who have exceptional abilities in science, education, business or sports.
- O-1B: People with outstanding artistic abilities or outstanding achievements in the film or television industry.
- O-2: Accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.
- O-3: to the spouses or children of the holder of such a visa.
Main conditions and the submission process
First, an American employer, an agent in the United States, or a foreign employer through an agent in the United States must submit Form I-129 (this is a petition for a nonimmigrant employee) on your behalf, along with the necessary evidence. It is advisable to submit this document at least 45 days before the date of employment, but not earlier than one year before the need for your services.
An agent in the United States can be 1) your actual employer, 2) a representative of both you and the employer, 3) an individual or legal entity authorized by the employer to act on his behalf or in his place.
The first page of Form I-129
To get a talent visa to the United States, you need to prove that you have outstanding abilities or achievements in one of the listed areas. These can be, for example:
- Documents confirming your receipt of national or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
- Proof of membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements.
- Publications about you in professional or major media.
- Evidence of your involvement in evaluating the work of others in your field.
- Evidence of original contributions to your field.
- Authorship of scientific articles.
- Evidence of working in key positions in organizations with an outstanding reputation.
- Evidence of a high salary compared to others in your field.
For details on how an applicant’s compliance with the required requirements is assessed, see the USCIS Policy Guide and the Appendix.
What else is required from the applicant:
- An agreement between him and the receiving party.
- A route with dates of events that will take place during the planned trip.
- A written expert opinion from the relevant expert group or organization in the applicant’s field of activity.
Validity period
The American talent visa is usually valid for up to three years. If necessary, it can be extended. An extension is possible for up to one year at a time. You can be admitted to the United States for the duration of the petition plus up to 10 days before and after this period.
The cost of filing
The registration fee for filing Form I-129 is $460. If you fill out several forms, you need to pay a fee for each of them separately. Please note that there may be additional fees.
Advantages
Your spouse and children under the age of 21 can accompany you or join you later — for this they will need to apply for an O-3 nonimmigrant visa. O-3 visa holders are not eligible to work in the United States, but can study.
You can apply and find out more details here.
Home page with information about the O-1 visa
Canada — Global Talent Stream
The Global Talent Stream (GTS) is part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and aims to help Canadian businesses and startups attract highly qualified foreign workers.
Who can apply?
GTS has two categories:
- Category A: For innovative companies in need of employees with unique and specialized talents. Companies must be referred by one of the designated referral partners.
- Category B: for companies in need of highly qualified employees for positions from the Global Talent Occupations List, which includes, but is not limited to:
- Computer and Information systems managers.
- Engineers (civil, mining, aerospace, computer, electricians and electronics).
- Mathematicians and statisticians (excluding actuaries).
- Analysts and consultants of information systems.
- Database analysts and data administrators.
- Programmers and developers of interactive media.
- Web designers and developers.
- Information system testing specialists.
- Certain positions in the field of digital media and visual effects.
Part of the list with specialties suitable for applying for a Canadian talent visa
Main conditions and the submission process
- Employers should develop a Labor Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) showing how hiring a foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labor market.
- Employers must provide evidence of the legitimacy of their business.
- Although there are no minimum recruitment requirements, employers are advised to look for Canadian workers first.
- The salary should correspond to the prevailing amount paid to Canadians and permanent residents in the same position.
- Employers must provide health insurance to employees.
- It is necessary to comply with all Canadian labor laws and ensure workplace safety.
- Only English or French may be required in the job advertisement. If other languages are needed, justification is required.
Validity period
Work permits issued under the Global Talent Stream can be valid for up to three years.
The cost of filing
For each application, $1,000 is charged to cover the costs of processing it. This amount is paid by the employer and cannot be recovered from the employee.
Advantages
Spouses of foreign workers can also obtain a work permit in Canada. Children can study in Canada.
Additional information
- The program includes annual checks on the fulfillment of LMBP obligations.
- Some professions have minimum salary requirements.
- In Quebec, there are special requirements for the program.
Detailed information and the application form can be found on the official website of the Government of Canada.
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United Kingdom — Global Talent Visa
The Global Talent visa appeared in the UK in February 2020: it replaced another similar visa called Tier 1 Exceptional Talent.
The Global Talent visa is suitable for talents and professionals from all over the world who seek to move to the UK and work for the benefit of this country.
Who can apply?
The visa is intended for leaders or potential leaders in one of the following areas:
- Academic research: researchers, medical workers, engineers, representatives of the humanities.
- Art and culture: organizers and producers, architects, artists, designers, dancers, musicians, theater and film workers, writers, photographers.
- Digital technologies: employees of fintech companies, specialists in the field of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and games.
The Visa is divided into two categories: Exceptional Promise and Exceptional Talent. The first category includes people who are at an early stage of their professional career (awards and achievements are less important), the second category includes experienced specialists in their field (in this case, awards and achievements play a key role).
Main conditions and the submission process
To obtain a visa, you will have to go through two main stages:
- Obtaining approval (endorsement) from the relevant organization or the presence of a certain award.
- Submitting a visa application.
To get approval, you need to prepare a standard set of documents. It includes:
- Resume. It is important to check and update all data, including your LinkedIn profile, and describe in detail your contribution to the development of a particular product or area.
- Three letters of recommendation from different experts and companies.
- Ten documents confirming your compliance with the selected criteria of talent.
- Awards and cover letters. These can be work contracts, financial reports, publications, portfolios and other documents that confirm your expertise and achievements.
It is important to note that the documents can be submitted for reconsideration. If your application for a Global Talent Visa has been rejected, you can re-apply within 28 days.
After your application is approved You will receive an email from the Home Office. You will need to apply for a visa within 3 months of receiving it. To do this, you will need to provide a valid passport and the results of a tuberculosis test.
The beginning of the application form when applying for a Global Talent visa
Validity period
Up to 5 years in one submission. You can renew your visa an unlimited number of times.
The cost of filing
The total cost is £716 (~$937). If you apply on the basis of approval, this amount is divided into:
- £524 when applying for approval.
- £192 when applying for the visa itself.
Additionally, you must pay a healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1,035 per year per person.
Advantages
- The opportunity to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years in one submission.
- You do not need to confirm your knowledge of English.
- You don’t need proof of income.
- You can move with your family (with a partner and children under 18 years old).
- You can work for hire or be self-employed.
- You can change jobs without re-approving the visa application.
- You can be a volunteer.
- The opportunity to obtain permanent residence (indefinite leave to remain) after 3 or 5 years, depending on your field of activity.
Additional information
- The application can be submitted online.
- The decision on the visa is usually made within 3 weeks if you apply from outside the UK, and 8 weeks if you apply while in the country.
- You can apply for this visa if you are already in the UK on another visa (with some exceptions).
You can apply and find out more on the official website of the British government.
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Australia — Global Talent Visa Program (GTVP)
The Global Talent Visa is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented and outstanding individuals who can enhance Australia’s standing in their field. Until February 27, 2021, this visa was called Distinguished Talent.
Who can apply?
Sectors whose specialists are being considered as a priority:
- Resources (for example, geology and metallurgy, waste management of resources, etc.).
- Agroproduction and AgTech (agricultural data analytics, bioloshing, biotechnology, etc.).
- Energy.
- The healthcare industry.
- Defense, advanced manufacturing and space.
- Circular economy (artificial intelligence and digital technologies, bioenergy generation, environmental science and others).
- DigiTech (data science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, automation and robotics, blockchain technology, 5G and others).
- Infrastructure and tourism.
- Financial services and fintech.
- Education.
You can study the sectors in more detail here.
People who have achieved outstanding results in the field of sports, art, and science will also be considered.
Main conditions and the submission process
In addition to exceptional achievements in one of the priority areas, to obtain a US talent visa, you need:
- Have a nominee (representative) with a national reputation in your field of talent. This may be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization.
- Be able to earn wages at or above the Fair Work threshold, which is 175,000 Australian dollars per year (about 116,540 US dollars). This figure is adjusted annually on July 1.
The application process:
- Submit a statement of interest using the Global Talent contact form.
- After receiving an invitation by email, apply for a Global Talent visa (Subclass 858) through ImmiAccount.
The application processing time is from 5 to 7 months.
The beginning of the statement of interest
Validity period
This is a permanent visa with no time limit, meaning you can stay in Australia indefinitely with it.
The cost of filing
The cost of the visa is 4840 Australian dollars (3220 US dollars). An additional fee of the same amount will be charged for each family member applying with you.
Advantages
With this visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia forever;
- work and study in Australia;
- Attend free English classes provided by the English Language Program for Adult Migrants;
- enroll in the Australian Public Health Program, Medicare;
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia;
- apply for Australian citizenship.
You can apply and find out more on the official website of the Australian Department of the Interior.
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New Zealand — Talent Visa
Who can apply?
You can apply for a New Zealand Talent Visa if you have exceptional talent in the arts, sports or culture.
Main conditions and the submission process
These are the main requirements, in addition to having exceptional talent in the field of art, sports or culture:
- You must provide an identification card;
- You must be 55 years old or younger;
- You should be supported by a New Zealand organization with a national reputation in the right areas. You can read more about the sponsors here.
80% of applications are processed within 5 weeks.
Before you start filling out the application, you need to answer these questions
The beginning of applying for a talent visa
Validity period
After receiving your visa, you have 3 months to fly to New Zealand. The duration of stay is up to 30 months.
The cost of filing is from NZ$ 860 (about US$ 530).
Advantages
With this visa, you can:
- work in any specialty with any employer in New Zealand;
- study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period;
- apply for permanent residence after 2 years of active activity in your field; you can also include a partner and dependent children in the application for permanent residence.
You can apply and find out more on the official website of the New Zealand Immigration Service.
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France — Talent Passport
A multi-year residence permit, or “talent passport”, was created in France to facilitate the entry of foreigners who work for hire or independently and want to contribute to the economic attractiveness of the country.
Who can apply?
- Highly qualified specialists.
- Employees of young innovative companies.
- Employees of public or private research or higher education organizations.
- Artists are performers, authors of a literary or artistic work.
- Employees transferred within the same international group of companies.
If you are self-employed, then in order to obtain a talent passport, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Create or take control of a business in France.
- Make direct economic investments.
- To implement an innovative economic project recognized by the state body.
- To carry out activities of national or international renown.
The main conditions and the submission process:
- Your work contract or period of residence in France must exceed 3 months.
- Salary requirements vary depending on the category. For example:
- For qualified employees in innovative companies: at least 2 times the minimum wage set in the country (in September 2024, it is 1,398.69 euros).
- For employees of international groups: at least 1.8 times the minimum wage.
- For highly qualified specialists (Blue Card): at least 1.5 times the average annual salary.
- It is important for business creators to have a diploma equivalent to at least a master’s degree, or to have 5 years of professional experience at a comparable level; they will also need to invest at least 30,000 euros in the project.
Validity period
You will be able to stay in the country for no more than 4 continuous years from the moment of your arrival in France.
The submission process
You and your family must apply for a multi-year residence card at the prefecture of residence within 2 months of arrival in France.
The cost of filing
Applicants must pay a tax of €200 to the Office of Immigration and Nationality of France (Office français de l’immigration et de l’intégration — OFII) when issuing a permit. In addition to this tax, a stamp duty of €25 per residence permit is charged.
Advantages
You can be accompanied by your family, who will be issued a multi-year residence permit. This will allow your spouse and child (children) who have reached the age of 18 to carry out professional activities.
You can read more about the conditions here.
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Denmark — Special individual qualifications
Who can apply?
To apply for a Danish talent visa, you need to be a specialist who has special individual qualifications. These include:
- performers or artists, including singers, musicians and conductors;
- professional athletes or coaches;
- specialized chefs.
Main conditions and the submission process
As a rule, you must have an employment contract with a company registered in Denmark. Here is a step-by-step guide to applying to Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI):
- Create an order ID for your application (Case Order ID).
- Pay the commission.
- Collect and provide the necessary documents, including:
- A copy of all pages of the passport.
- An employment contract or a job offer.
- Documents on education relevant to the proposed job.
- Documents confirming your special qualifications.
- Fill out and submit the application form AR1 or AR6 (part of the form must be filled out by your employer).
- Register biometric data (photos and fingerprints).
- Get an answer.
It is important that you will be able to work only in the company that is specified in your permit. If you are offered a new job or position, you must apply for a new permit.
We begin the submission by creating an order ID for our application
Validity period
A residence permit and a work permit are issued for the duration of your contract, but not more than 4 years at a time. The permit also allows you to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days during any 180-day period.
The cost of filing
The one-time filing fee, as of 2024, is DKK 6290 (USD 930).
Advantages
- A residence permit and work permit allows your spouse/partner and children under the age of 18 to come to Denmark with you.
- You are entitled to free Danish language lessons (provided that you are 18 years old and your local address is registered in The Danish National Register).
- If you are an athlete or coach, you may have additional work related to your main activity.
Salary requirements
Your salary and working conditions must comply with Danish standards. The salary must be paid to a Danish bank account in your name.
You can apply and find out more on the official SIRI website.
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China — China Talent Visa (R Visa)
The Talent Visa in China, also called the R visa, is issued to foreigners with outstanding talents in certain fields. It allows you to stay and work in the country.
The R visa is an extension of the Z visa, which allows foreign nationals to work in China if they have a work permit or work certificate issued by the Chinese government through any of its agents.
Who can apply for an R visa?
Applicants for a Chinese talent visa can be:
- Foreigners participating in talent attraction programs approved by the Chinese talent management authorities. Examples of such programs: the CAS project “One Hundred talents”, “Introduction of famous professors”, “1000 Talents Plan”.
- Persons with outstanding professional achievements: Nobel Prize laureates, members of national academies of sciences or engineering academies, professors and associate professors from leading world universities.
- High-level executives in large international companies or Chinese enterprises of strategic importance.
Main conditions and the submission process
Required documents:
- A valid passport with a validity period of at least 6 months.
- A correctly completed application form.
- A recent passport-size color photo (no older than 6 months).
- A letter of recommendation from the relevant Chinese government authority confirming the applicant’s status as a highly qualified specialist and a high-level talent.
Note: The Chinese Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents to confirm your application.
The standard application processing time is about 4 business days, but may vary.
To start filling out applications, you need to select the location from which you intend to do this
Validity period
A talent visa in China is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa for a period of 5-10 years. The owner can stay in China for up to 180 days per visit.
The cost of filing
The R visa itself is issued free of charge. However, when applying through the Chinese Visa Service Center (CVASC), a service fee may be charged (from $149, depending on the services provided).
Advantages
- Spouses and minor children of applicants are also eligible for accompanying visas with a similar validity period.
- Simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit in China.
- The opportunity to enjoy social benefits on an equal basis with Chinese citizens in some regions.
You can apply and find out more details here.
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Hong Kong — Top Talent Pass Scheme
Who can apply?
Talents who have not yet received a job offer in Hong Kong, but are interested in settling and working there, can apply under the TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme).
Hong Kong Talent visa applicants may include:
- Category A: Persons with annual income reaching HK$2.5 million or higher in the year immediately preceding the application date.
- Category B: Graduates of top universities with at least three years of work experience in the last five years immediately preceding the application date.
- Category C: Graduates of top universities in the last five years with less than three years of work experience — visas will be distributed taking into account the annual quota, which is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Main conditions and the submission process
What will be required from the applicant:
- A recent photo of the applicant.
- A valid travel document of the applicant.
- Hong Kong identity card of the applicant (if any).
- An official bachelor’s degree certificate and an extract of academic records from the relevant universities (for categories B and C).
- Verification of bachelor’s qualifications (for categories B and C).
- Documentary evidence of the applicant’s work experience (for categories A and B).
- Documentary evidence that the applicant has an annual income of HK$2.5 million or higher (for category A).
It usually takes four weeks to process applications for a visa/entry permit under TTPS after receiving all the necessary documents.
Home page before applying for a Hong Kong Talent visa
Validity period
TTPS participants are usually granted an initial stay of 24 months without other conditions of stay. An extension of this period is possible.
Advantages
You can bring your spouse and minor children as dependents.
It is important to note:
- TTPS does not apply to citizens of Afghanistan, Cuba and The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
- The top universities are determined by an aggregated list based on several world rankings.
- There is an annual quota for category C.
The application can be submitted online through the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
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Malaysia — Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)
The Pass-Talent Residence (RP-T) was introduced in April 2011 by the Malaysian Government. This visa is aimed at attracting and retaining the best talent in the country.
Who can apply?
RP-T is offered to highly qualified expats who want to live and work in Malaysia on a long-term basis.
Main conditions and the submission process
To obtain a Malaysia Talent Visa, candidates must:
- To work in Malaysia for at least three 3 years in a row.
- Have a valid Employment Pass with a validity period of more than 3 months at the time of filing (repeated, including) the application.
- Receive a basic monthly salary of 15,000 ringgit (about $3,450), excluding any allowances and/or bonuses.
- Have a Malaysian tax number and pay income tax for the last 2 years (minimum) at the time of application.
- Have a PhD/Master’s/bachelor’s degree or a diploma in any discipline obtained at a recognized university, or a professional certificate of competence obtained at a recognized professional institute.
- Have at least 5 years of total work experience.
The application process includes the following steps:
- Confirmation of compliance with the RP-T criteria and collection of necessary documents.
- Create an RP-T account and apply online.
- Download all required documents.
- Payment of the application fee.
- After approval, the term of the valid work permit is reduced to a maximum of 30 days.
- Completion of the confirmation process (endorsement) within 6 months from the date of approval.
To apply, you must first register
Validity period
The pass holder will be allowed to stay and work in Malaysia for 10 years with the possibility of renewal.
The cost of filing
- The application fee per applicant is RM540 (including 8% SST), i.e. approximately 125 USD.
- Processing fee for the main applicant and spouse (if any) — RM5400 (USD 1243) for each.
- The processing fee for children under the age of 18 and other dependents is RM4860 (1120 USD) per person.
- The fee for an immigration pass for one applicant is RM500 ($115).
- Multiple-entry visa fee (if applicable) — the cost varies depending on the country.
All payments are made online, by credit or debit card.
Advantages
- You can change the employer without the need to update the document.
- The spouse and children (under 18 years of age) of the RP-T owner will receive a residence permit, while the spouse will be able to work in Malaysia.
Additional information
- The processing time of the application is 21 working days with a full set of documents.
- Notification of the application status will be sent within 10 business days.
- After approval, the pass will be processed within 7 business days and delivered to the applicant by Pos Malaysia: 2 business days in the Klang Valley, 3 business days in other states.
Find all the necessary information for submission here.
Author
Yulia Yanukovych Editor-in-Chief
I am responsible for the work of the editorial office. I write expert interviews and guides.
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