Full Guide on Talent Visas: Which Countries Provide, Conditions, and Costs

Over the last 5 years, the number of countries offering visas for talent has doubled. This trend reflects the growing competition for highly skilled specialists on the global labour market.  In our big guide we will tell you all the details related to talent visas: what they are, which countries issue them and for how long, how much it may cost to apply for them, and what are the conditions in each specific case.

What is a Talent Visa?

A talent visa is a type of visa designed for outstanding professionals who can significantly benefit the economy and culture of the country to which they wish to relocate. These visas are usually granted on the basis of certain professional requirements, special skills, and recommendations from employers or experts.

Which Countries Issue Talent Visas?

Here's a list of countries that currently issue talent visas:

1. United States of America
2. Canada
3. United Kingdom
4. France
5. Australia
6. New Zealand
7. Denmark
8. China
9. Hong Kong
10. Malaysia

Each country has its own peculiarities and procedures for obtaining a talent visa. Therefore, it's important to carefully study the requirements and prepare in advance.

USA — O-1 Visa

Who can apply for a U.S. talent visa?

The non-immigrant O-1 visa in the U.S. is issued to people with extraordinary ability and achievement, namely:

• O-1A: those with exceptional ability in science, education, business, or sports.
• O-1B: people with extraordinary ability in the arts or outstanding achievements in the motion picture or television industry.
• O-2: those accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance.
• O-3: spouses or children of such visa holders.

Main conditions and application process

First, a U.S. employer, agent in the U.S., or foreign employer through a U.S. agent must file Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) on your behalf, along with necessary evidence. It's advisable to file this document at least 45 days before the employment date, but no earlier than one year before your services are needed.

A U.S. agent can be 1) your actual employer, 2) a representative of both you and the employer, or 3) a person or entity authorized by the employer to act for or on its behalf.

The first page of Form I-129

To qualify for a U.S. talent visa, you must prove that you have extraordinary ability in one of the listed areas. This could include:

• Documentation of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards.
• Evidence of membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements.
• Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or media.
• Evidence of your participation in judging the work of others in your field.
• Evidence of your original contributions of major significance to your field.
• Authorship of scholarly articles.
• Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations with a distinguished reputation.
• Evidence of commanding a high salary compared to others in your field.

For details on how an applicant's eligibility is assessed, refer to the USCIS Policy Manual and Appendix.

Additional requirements:

• A contract between you and the receiving party.
• An itinerary with dates of events that will take place during the planned trip.
• A written advisory opinion from a relevant peer 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. Extensions are possible for up to one year at a time. You may be admitted to the U.S. for the validity period of the petition plus up to 10 days before and after this period.

Application cost

The filing fee for Form I-129 is $460. If you're filling out multiple forms, you must pay the fee for each form separately. Note that there may be additional fees.

Benefits

Your spouse and children under the age of 21 may accompany you or join you later; they will need to apply for a non-immigrant O-3 visa. O-3 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. but may study.

You can apply and learn more here.

The main 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 skilled foreign workers.

Who can apply?

GTS has two categories:

1. Category A: for innovative companies that need workers with unique and specialized talents. Companies must be referred by one of the designated referral partners.
2. Category B: for companies that need highly skilled workers for positions on the Global Talent Occupations List, which includes but is not limited to:

• Computer and information systems managers.
• Engineers (civil, mining, aerospace, computer, electrical, and electronics).
• Mathematicians and statisticians (excluding actuaries).
• Information systems analysts and consultants.
• Database analysts and data administrators.
• Software engineers and designers.
• Computer programmers and interactive media developers.
• Web designers and developers.
• Information systems testing technicians.
• Certain digital media and visual effects roles.

Part of the list of occupations eligible for the Canadian talent visa

Main conditions and application process

• Employers must develop a Labour Market Benefits Plan (LMBP) showing how hiring a foreign worker will benefit the Canadian labor market.
• Employers must provide proof of business legitimacy.
• While there are no minimum recruitment requirements, employers are encouraged to seek Canadian workers first.
• Wages must match the prevailing amount paid to Canadians and permanent residents in the same position.
• Employers must provide medical insurance to workers.
• All Canadian labor laws and workplace safety requirements must be followed.
• Only English or French language can 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.

Application cost

Each application is charged $1000 to cover processing costs. This amount is paid by the employer and cannot be recovered from the worker.

Benefits

Spouses of foreign workers can also obtain work permits in Canada. Children can study in Canada.

Additional information:

• The program includes annual checks on the fulfillment of LMBP commitments.
• Some professions have minimum salary requirements.
• Quebec has special requirements for the program.

You can find detailed information and the application form on the official Canadian government website.

UK — Global Talent Visa

The Global Talent visa appeared in the UK in February 2020, replacing the previous Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visa.

Global Talent виза подходит для талантов и профессионалов со всего мира, которые стремятся переехать в Великобританию и работать на благо этой страны.

Who can apply?

The visa is for leaders or potential leaders in one of the following fields:

1. Academic research: scientific researchers, healthcare professionals, engineers, humanities scholars.
2. Arts and culture: organizers and producers, architects, artists, designers, dancers, musicians, theater and film workers, writers, photographers.
3. Digital technology: fintech company employees, specialists in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and games.

The visa is divided into two categories: Exceptional Promise and Exceptional Talent. The first category is for people at an early stage of their professional career (awards and achievements are less important), while the second category is for experienced specialists in their field (in this case, awards and achievements play a key role).

Main conditions and application process

To obtain a visa, you'll need to go through two main stages:

1. Obtaining approval (endorsement) from the relevant organization or having a specific prize.
2. Submitting a visa application.

For endorsement, you need to prepare a standard set of documents, including:

• Resume. It's important to check and update all information, including your LinkedIn profile, and detail your contribution to a specific product or field.
• Three letters of recommendation from different experts and companies.
• Ten documents confirming that you meet your chosen talent criteria.
• Awards and cover letters. These can be work contracts, financial reports, publications, portfolios, and other documents that prove your expertise and achievements.

It's important to note that documents can be resubmitted for reconsideration. If your Global Talent Visa application was rejected, you can reapply within 28 days.

After your application is approved, you'll receive an email from the Home Office. Within 3 months of receiving it, you'll need to apply for your visa. You'll need to provide a valid passport and TB test results for this.

The beginning of the application form for the Global Talent visa

Validity period

Up to 5 years per application. You can extend the visa an unlimited number of times.

Application cost:

The total cost is £716 (about $937). If you're applying based on endorsement, this amount is split into:

• £524 when applying for endorsement.
• £192 when applying for the visa itself.

Additionally, you must pay the healthcare surcharge, which is usually £1035 per year per person.

Benefits:

• Ability to live and work in the UK for up to 5 years per application.
• No need to prove English language proficiency.
• No proof of income required.
• You can move with your family (partner and children under 18).
• You can work as an employee or be self-employed.
• You can change jobs without reapplying for a visa.
• You can volunteer.
• Possibility to obtain indefinite leave to remain after 3 or 5 years, depending n your field of activity.

You can apply and find out more details on the official UK government website.

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 from which professionals are given priority consideration:

• Resources (e.g., geology and metallurgy, resource waste management, etc.).
• Agri-food and AgTech (agricultural data analytics, biology, biotechnology, etc.).
• Energy.
• Health care industries.
• Defense, advanced manufacturing, and space.
• Circular economy (artificial intelligence and digital technology, 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 explore the sectors in more detail here.

People who have achieved outstanding results in sports, arts, and science will also be considered.

Main conditions and application process

In addition to exceptional achievement in one of the priority areas, you must:

• Have a nominator (representative) with a national reputation in your area of talent. This can be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization.
• Be able to earn a salary 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.

Application process:

• Submit an expression of interest using the Global Talent contact form.
• Upon receiving an invitation via email, apply for the Global Talent visa (subclass 858) through ImmiAccount.

Application processing time is 5 to 7 months.

The beginning of the expression of interest form

Validity Period

This is a permanent visa with no time limit, meaning you can stay in Australia indefinitely.

Application cost

The visa costs 4840 Australian dollars (3220 US dollars). Each family member applying with you is charged an additional fee of the same amount.

Benefits

With this visa, you can:

• stay in Australia permanently;
• work and study in Australia;
• attend free English language classes provided by the Adult Migrant English Program;
• enroll in Australia's public health program, Medicare;
• sponsor your relatives to come to Australia;
• apply for Australian citizenship.

You can apply and find out more details on the Australian Department of Home Affairs official website.

New Zealand — Talent Visa

Who can apply?

You can apply for a New Zealand Talent Visa if you have exceptional talent in arts, sports, or culture.

Main conditions and application process

Here are the main requirements, in addition to having exceptional talent in arts, sports, or culture:

• you must provide identification;
• you must be 55 years of age or younger;
• you must be supported by a New Zealand organization with a national reputation in the relevant fields. You can read more about sponsors here.

80% of applications are processed within 5 weeks.

Before starting the application, you need to answer these questions

The beginning of the talent visa application

Validity period

After receiving your visa, you have 3 months to arrive in New Zealand. The length of stay is up to 30 months.

Application cost

The application fee starts from 860 New Zealand dollars (about 530 US dollars).

Benefits

With this visa, you can:

• work in any occupation for 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 work in your field; you can include your partner and dependent children in your permanent residence application.

You can apply and find out more details on the official website of New Zealand Immigration.

France — Talent Passport

The multi-year residence permit, or "talent passport," was created in France to facilitate the entry of foreigners who are employed or self-employed and want to contribute to the country's economic attractiveness.

Who can apply?

• Highly qualified professionals.
• Employees of young, innovative companies.
• Employees of public or private research or higher educational organizations.
• Performing artists, authors of literary or artistic work.
• Employees transferred within an international group of companies.

If you're self-employed, you must meet one of the following criteria to qualify for the Talent Passport:

• Create or take control of a business in France.
• Make direct economic investments.
• Implement an innovative economic project recognized by a public body.
• Carry out an activity with national or international recognition.

Main conditions and application process

• Your employment 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 established in the country (as of 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.
• For business creators, it's important to have at least a master's degree or 5 years of professional experience at a comparable level; you'll 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 your arrival in France.

Application process

You and your family must apply for a multi-year residence card at the prefecture of your place of residence within 2 months of arriving in France.

Application cost

Applicants must pay a tax of €200 to the French Office of Immigration and Integration (Office français de l'immigration et de l'intégration – OFII) when the permit is issued. In addition to this tax, a stamp duty of €25 per residence permit is charged.

Benefits

You can be accompanied by your family, who will be issued a multi-year residence permit. This will allow your spouse and child(ren) who have reached the age of 18 to engage in professional activities.

You can read more about the conditions here.

Denmark — Special individual qualifications

Who can apply?

To apply for the Danish talent visa, you need to be a specialist who possesses special individual qualifications. These include:

• performers or artists, including singers, musicians, and conductors;
• professional athletes or coaches;
• specialized chefs.

Main conditions and application process

As a rule, you must have an employment contract with a company registered in Denmark. 

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to apply to the Danish Agency for International Recruitment and Integration (SIRI):

1. Create a case order ID for your application.
2. Pay the fee.
3. Collect and submit the necessary documents, including:
   • A copy of all pages of your passport.
   • Employment contract or job offer.
   • Documents on education relevant to the proposed job.
   • Documents proving your special qualifications.
4. Fill out and submit the application form AR1 or AR6 (part of the form should be filled out by your employer).
5. Register your biometric data (photo and fingerprints).
6. Receive a response.

It's important to note that you'll only be allowed to work for the company specified in your permit. If you're offered a new job or position, you must apply for a new permit.

Start the application by creating a case order ID for your application

Validity period

The residence and work permit is 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 within any 180-day period.

Application cost

The one-time application fee, as of 2024, is 6290 Danish kroner (930 US dollars).

Benefits:

• The residence and work permit allows your spouse/partner and children under 18 to come to Denmark with you.
• You are entitled to free Danish language lessons (provided you are 18 years old and your local address is registered in the Danish National Register).
• If you're an athlete or coach, you may have additional work related to your main activity.

Salary requirements

Your salary and working conditions must meet Danish standards. The salary must be paid to a Danish bank account in your name.

You can apply and find out more details on the official SIRI website.

China — China Talent Visa (R Visa)

The China Talent Visa, also called the R Visa, is issued to foreigners with outstanding talents in certain fields. It allows them 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?

Applicants for the Chinese Talent Visa can be:

• Foreigners participating in talent introduction programs approved by Chinese talent management bodies. Examples of such programs include the CAS “Hundred Talents” project, “Introduction of Famous Professors,” and “1000 Talents Plan.”
• Individuals with outstanding professional achievements: Nobel Prize winners, members of national academies of sciences or engineering academies, professors, and associate professors from leading world universities.
• High-level executives in major international companies or Chinese enterprises of strategic importance.

Main conditions and application process

Required documents:

• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Correctly filled out the application form.
• Recent color passport-size photograph (not older than 6 months).
• A letter of recommendation from the relevant Chinese government body confirming the applicant's status as a highly qualified specialist and high-level talent.

Note: The Chinese Embassy or Consulate may request additional documents to support your application.

Standard processing time is about 4 business days but may vary.

To start filling out the application, you need to choose the location from which you intend to do this

Validity period

The China Talent Visa is usually issued as a multiple-entry visa valid for 5-10 years. The holder can stay in China for up to 180 days per visit.

Application cost

The R visa itself is issued free of charge. However, when applying through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), a service fee may be charged (from $149, depending on the services provided).

Benefits

• Spouses and minor children of applicants are also eligible for accompanying visas with similar validity periods.
• Simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit in China.
• Possibility to enjoy social benefits on par with Chinese citizens in some regions.

You can apply and find out more details here.

Hong Kong — Top Talent Pass Scheme

Who can apply?

Applications under the TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme) are open to talents who have not yet received a job offer in Hong Kong but are interested in settling and working there.

Applicants for the Hong Kong Talent Visa may include:

• Category A: Individuals with an annual income of HK$2.5 million or above in the year immediately preceding the date of application.
• Category B: Graduates from top-tier universities with at least three years of work experience in the last five years immediately preceding the date of application.
• Category C: Graduates from top-tier universities in the last five years with less than three years of work experience — visas will be allocated based on an annual quota distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Main conditions and application process

What will be required from the applicant:

• Recent photograph of the applicant.
• Valid travel document of the applicant.
• Hong Kong identity card of the applicant (if any).
• Official certificate of Bachelor's degree completion and transcript of academic records from relevant universities (for categories B and C).
• Verification proof of Bachelor's degree qualification (for categories B and C).
• Documentary proof of the applicant's work experience (for categories A and B).
• Documentary proof that the applicant has an annual income of HK$2.5 million or above (for category A).

It normally takes four weeks to process visa/entry permit applications under the TTPS after receiving all necessary documents.

Main page before applying for the 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.

Benefits

You can bring your spouse and minor children as dependents.

Important to note:

• TTPS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
• Top-tier universities are determined by an aggregated list based on various world rankings.
• There is an annual quota for Category C.

You can apply online through the official website of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Malaysia — Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T)

The Residence Pass-Talent (RP-T) was introduced in April 2011 by the Malaysian government. This visa aims to attract and retain the best talent in the country.

Who can apply?

RP-T is offered to highly skilled expatriates who wish to live and work in Malaysia on a long-term basis.

Main conditions and application process

To receive the Malaysia Talent Visa, applicants must:

• Have worked in Malaysia for at least three consecutive years.
• Have a valid Employment Pass with more than 3 months validity at the time of application (or re-application).
• Earn a basic monthly salary of 15,000 ringgits (about 3450 US dollars), excluding any allowances and/or bonuses.
• Have a Malaysian tax number and have paid income tax for at least the last 2 years at the time of application.
• Have a Ph.D./Master's/Bachelor's degree or diploma in any discipline from a recognized university, or a professional competency certificate from a recognized professional institute.
• Have at least 5 years of total work experience.

The application process includes the following steps:

1. Confirm eligibility for RP-T and gather necessary documents.
2. Create an RP-T account and submit the application online.
3. Upload all required documents.
4. Pay the application review fee.
5. After approval, reduce the validity of the current work permit to a maximum of 30 days.
6. Complete the endorsement process within 6 months from the date of approval.

To submit an application, you first need to register

Validity period

The pass holder will be allowed to stay and work in Malaysia for 10 years, with the possibility of extension.

Application cost

• Application fee for one applicant: RM540 (including 8% SST), which is about 125 USD.
• Processing fee for the main applicant and spouse (if any): RM5400 (USD 1243) each.
• Processing fee for children under 18 and other dependents: RM4860 (1120 USD) each.
• Immigration pass fee for one applicant: RM500 ($115).
• Multiple entry visa fee (if applicable): cost varies depending on the country.

All payments are made online, by credit or debit card.

Benefits:

• You can change employers without needing to update the document.
• The RP-T holder's spouse and children (under 18) will receive a residence permit, and the spouse will be able to work in Malaysia.

Additional information

• Application processing time is 21 working days with a complete set of documents.
• Notification of application status will be sent within 10 working days.
• After approval, the pass will be processed within 7 working days and delivered to the applicant by Pos Malaysia: 2 working days in Klang Valley, 3 working days in other states.

You can find all the necessary information for the application here.