What was the Distinguished Talent visa?
Distinguished Talent was Australia’s talent visa name until 27 February 2021. The 2020 and 2021 amendment Explanatory Statements describe subclass 124, Distinguished Talent (Migrant) (Class AL), and subclass 858 (Class BX), and the later rename.
The 2021 Explanatory Statement explains that Global Talent Independent used Distinguished Talent visas from 2019, principally 858. The 2021–22 Migration Program Report used “Distinguished Talent” for non-priority applications. Home Affairs’ old distinguished-talent-858 address now redirects to National Innovation.
124 vs 858: the two Distinguished Talent subclasses
The Explanatory Statement to the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment (2020 Measures No. 2) Regulations 2020, the subsequent amendments and Home Affairs’ archived Global Talent page establish these differences.
| Subclass | Where applied | Status | What replaced it | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 124 Distinguished Talent (Migrant) (Class AL) | Outside Australia | Repealed; last day to apply 13 November 2020 | One 858, applied for and granted in or outside Australia | 14 November 2020 |
| 858 Distinguished Talent (Class BX) | In Australia; then in or outside Australia | Renamed | Global Talent (858), then National Innovation (858) | 27 February 2021; 6 December 2024 |
| Distinguished Talent pathway inside Global Talent | In or outside Australia | Ended with Global Talent | National Innovation, invitation only | 27 February 2021 – 5 December 2024 |
Home Affairs’ archived page identifies the pathway as covering other sectors without invitation; its 2021 Global Talent Visa Program FAQ describes few places against “overwhelming demand”.
Is the subclass 124 visa still open?
No. The subclass 124 was repealed on 14 November 2020, and the last day to apply was 13 November 2020, under the 2020 amendment described above.
Home Affairs’ Subclass 124 Distinguished Talent visa page says it is closed. Its banner dated 27 February 2021 still points to “Global Talent”; today’s name is National Innovation. Under item 1113(3)(b) and clause 858.411 of the Migration Regulations 1994, 858 applications and grants are permitted in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
The exceptional and outstanding achievement wording: Distinguished Talent history
Clause 858.212(2)(a) of the Migration Regulations 1994 requires “an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement” in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research.
The 2021 Global Talent Visa Program FAQ assessed recognition, achievement, prominence, benefit to Australia and ability to become established. The 2024 National Innovation Explanatory Statement says the Global Talent assessment criteria carried over unchanged. These sources do not establish the pre-2021 wording.
For today’s limb-by-limb explanation, see the exceptional and outstanding achievement criterion.
Distinguished Talent applications still on hand
An application lodged before 6 December 2024 is decided under the law in force when lodged, under Schedule 13 clause 14201(1) of the Migration Regulations 1994. Ministerial Direction No. 120, section 4(1), sets the processing order for applications not finally determined.
Home Affairs’ Migration Program planning levels page says existing applicants are not adversely affected and count within Talent and Innovation. The Administration of the Immigration Program, 16th edition, table 9, lists no separate Distinguished Talent places for 2025–26. The planning page lists 3,500 Talent and Innovation places for 2026–27, including 20 Business Innovation and Investment places.
Someone who qualified under the old rules but never applied now needs an invitation, according to the National Innovation Explanatory Statement.
Distinguished Talent visa processing time and grant rate
Home Affairs’ processing-time tool and Report on the Migration Program 2024–25, table 2.18, publish:
| Measure | Figure | As at | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing time: “Distinguished Talent / Global Talent (Independent)” | 25%: 12 months; 50%: 16 months; 75%: 19 months; 90%: 24 months | Updated 29 September 2026; decisions to 31 August 2026 | Home Affairs tool |
| Distinguished Talent category grant rate | 90.1% | 2024–25 | Report, table 2.18 |
| Category lodgements | 336; 400; 602; 484 | 2021–22 to 2024–25, respectively | Report, table 2.18 |
| Category outcomes (places) | 225; 300; 300; 300 | 2021–22 to 2024–25, respectively | Report, table 2.18 |
| Category applications on hand | 1,019 | 30 June 2025 | Report, table 2.18 |
The tool’s stream label is quoted as published. Whether this series includes National Innovation decisions, and which series describes new applications, remains unsettled. The historical grant rate is not an individual prediction of grant or refusal.
For both series and the tool’s explanatory note, see 858 visa processing time after you lodge.
Distinguished Talent, Global Talent (Australia) and the 858 today
- Distinguished Talent: Part 858 dates from 1999; the 2020 Explanatory Statement describes two subclasses until 14 November 2020.
- Global Talent: the 2021 amendment and archived Home Affairs page describe one 858 with Global Talent and Distinguished Talent pathways. See what changed for the Global Talent visa (Australia).
- National Innovation: from 6 December 2024, invitation only, with unchanged assessment criteria; Direction 120 applies from 25 July 2026. Read about the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) in Australia.
- Citizenship: Home Affairs’ citizenship residence page names Distinguished Talent and Global Talent holders processed under the Distinguished Talent pathway for a residence discretion involving regular overseas work: “that is, the Department did not invite the person”.
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for a Distinguished Talent visa?
No. The 2020 amendment repealed 124; the 2024 amendment renamed 858 National Innovation, requiring invitation.
Who is eligible for a Distinguished Talent visa in Australia now?
Nobody applies under that name. Under the current Migration Regulations and Home Affairs’ National Innovation process, eligible applicants apply after an EOI and invitation.
What was the Distinguished Talent pathway?
Home Affairs’ archived Global Talent page describes the 2021–2024 route outside priority sectors: no invitation, few places.
What happens to a Distinguished Talent application lodged before December 2024?
Schedule 13 preserves the law at lodgement; Direction 120 sets processing order. The 2024–25 Migration Program Report records 1,019 on hand at 30 June 2025.
Was the subclass 858 only for people in Australia?
Yes, before 14 November 2020. The 2020 amendment then allowed application and grant in or outside Australia.
Ask an Australian migration lawyer to establish whether your file is governed by the pre-6 December 2024 Distinguished Talent rules or the National Innovation process, then prepare evidence for the applicable route.
Considering a review of your application’s position? The site enquiry form accepts questions addressed to Australian Migration Lawyers. A reference appears only after the email send is accepted and its status recorded.