Distinguished Talent Visa Subclass 124
As of 14 November 2020, the Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 124) is no longer open for new applications.
The closure does not impact applications lodged before this date. Any applications submitted prior will still be processed under the regulations that were in force at the time of application.
Individuals who wish to apply for the Distinguished Talent program must now do so under the Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858) pathway.
The Subclass 124 Visa (Migrant) (Class AL) was a permanent residency visa designed for individuals with an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in eligible fields.
Highlights
- You could apply from inside or outside Australia, but applicants had to be offshore at the time of visa grant.
- Provided the right to live, work, and study in Australia permanently.
- This was a permanent residency visa, granting indefinite stay in Australia.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Must demonstrate an internationally recognised record of excellence in a profession, sport, arts, or academia and research.
- Required to remain prominent in your field of expertise.
- Must prove that you would contribute significantly to the Australian community.
- Should show that you could find employment in Australia aligned with your talent area.
- Must be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a strong national reputation in your area of talent.
- Must demonstrate Functional English or pay a second instalment charge.
- If previously holding a Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa, it must have been held for at least 3 years.
- Must satisfy health, character, Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
Other Considerations
- Applicants under 18 years old or 55 years and above must show they would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
- Those who have provided specialised assistance to the Australian Government in matters of national security could also qualify.
Application Process – Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 124)
Although the Subclass 124 visa is no longer open for new applications, here is how the process worked for applicants who applied before its closure:
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Check Eligibility
- Ensure you had an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in your field (arts, sports, academia, or profession).
- Confirm that you met health, character, and nomination requirements.
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Secure a Nominator
- Obtain a nomination from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a strong national reputation in your field.
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Prepare Documentation
- Collect evidence of your achievements, awards, international recognition, employment history, and proof of ongoing prominence.
- Provide health and character documents.
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Lodge the Application
- Submit the application from inside or outside Australia (but remain offshore at the time of visa grant).
- Pay the visa application charge along with any additional costs (e.g., second instalment if English requirements were not met).
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Visa Decision
- The Department of Home Affairs assessed the application based on eligibility, achievements, and contribution potential.
- Successful applicants received permanent residency, allowing them to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.
Why Apical Immigration Experts?
Apical Immigration Experts provide end-to-end guidance for the Distinguished Talent Visa, ensuring smooth documentation, accurate eligibility assessment, and professional support at every step. With our expertise, your pathway to Australia becomes faster, reliable, and stress-free.
- Specialized Visa Knowledge – Our team has deep expertise in handling Distinguished Talent visa applications, ensuring your achievements are presented strongly and clearly.
- Personalized Guidance – We create tailored strategies to highlight your unique skills and international recognition in the most effective way.
- Strong Documentation Support – From nomination requirements to evidence of achievements, we assist in compiling a complete and compelling application.
- Updated with Policy Changes – Even though the Subclass 124 visa is closed to new applicants, we guide eligible candidates toward the current Subclass 858 pathway.
- End-to-End Assistance – From eligibility checks to final submission, we ensure a smooth and stress-free process.
FAQs: Distinguished Talent Visa Subclass 124
Applicants must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia/research, be still prominent in their field, and show they can contribute to Australia.
Yes—an Australian citizen or permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field must nominate you.
Include major awards, international rankings, media coverage, publications, patents, portfolios, high-level roles or contracts, and strong references that show ongoing prominence and international recognition.
There’s no fixed age limit, but applicants aged under 18 or 55+ generally must show exceptional benefit to Australia; functional English is expected or a second instalment charge may apply.
You can include a spouse/partner and dependent children; processing times vary by case complexity and completeness—well-documented applications typically move faster.
Sumit Katyal
