Question 1

Which country should I apply to first: the US, the UK or Australia?

Accepted Answer

Start where your record is strongest today and where you actually want to live. The US EB-1A rewards sustained, documented acclaim. The UK Global Talent visa turns on an endorsement from a recognised body in your field. Australia's National Innovation Visa asks for an internationally recognised record plus a nominator of national standing. Our route assessment scores you against all three, so you lead with the likeliest win and keep the others in reserve.

Question 2

Can I apply to more than one country at the same time?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each application is separate, and they can run in parallel. That is exactly why we build one core evidence file and shape it for each country, rather than starting again three times. We will also tell you when it makes sense to sequence them instead.

Question 3

Do I need a PhD or a famous award to qualify?

Accepted Answer

No. A PhD or a major award can help, but neither is required. Talent visas look at the overall weight of your record, meaning citations, judging, press, leadership, pay, and impact on your field. Many strong applicants have none of the "famous" markers and a well-documented body of work.

Question 4

Do I still need an employer to sponsor me?

Accepted Answer

No. EB-1A can be self-petitioned, the UK Global Talent route is not tied to a single employer, and the National Innovation Visa relies on a nominator rather than a sponsor.

Question 5

Is Ambott a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No, and we don't give legal advice. We are a talent visa mentorship and evidence-strategy practice. Filing is handled by licensed professionals from our partner network: immigration attorneys in the US, regulated advisers in the UK and registered migration agents in Australia.

Question 6

How many EB-1A criteria do I need to meet?

Accepted Answer

At least three of the ten regulatory criteria, or evidence of a one-time, internationally recognised major award. Meeting the threshold is only step one: the officer then weighs the whole record to decide whether you are among the small percentage at the very top of your field.

Question 7

Can I file an EB-1A from outside the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The petition does not require you to be in the US. If you are abroad when it is approved, the green card is usually processed through a US consulate in your home country.

Question 8

Is premium processing available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for an additional government fee. It speeds up the decision on the petition itself, not the later green card stage.

Question 9

Do I need a job offer for the EB-1A?

Accepted Answer

No. You do need to show that you intend to keep working in your area of extraordinary ability in the United States, which is usually shown with a statement and supporting documents.

Question 10

What is the difference between Exceptional Talent and Exceptional Promise?

Accepted Answer

Exceptional Talent is for people already recognised as leaders in their field; Exceptional Promise is for people with a clear path to becoming one. The stage you apply at affects how your evidence is read and, generally, how soon you can settle.

Question 11

Do I always need an endorsement?

Accepted Answer

Most applicants do, from the endorsing body for their field. People who have won certain eligible prestigious prizes can apply without one.

Question 12

Can my family come with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A partner and dependent children can usually apply as your dependants.

Question 13

Can I change jobs or work for myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Global Talent is not tied to a sponsoring employer, so you can be employed, self-employed or a company director, and change between them.

Question 14

Who can be my nominator?

Accepted Answer

An Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation — with a national reputation in the same field as you.

Question 15

Is the National Innovation Visa permanent?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It is a permanent residence visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.

Question 16

How does the application start?

Accepted Answer

With an expression of interest. Applicants who are invited then lodge the full visa application with their evidence.

Question 17

Which sectors are prioritised?

Accepted Answer

The government publishes priority areas, such as critical technologies, clean energy, health, agriculture technology, defence and space, education, financial technology, and infrastructure and resources. Applicants outside them can still apply.

Question 18

What does the route assessment include?

Accepted Answer

A strategist reviews your CV and evidence, scores it against all three routes and sends a written recommendation with a prioritised list of gaps, followed by a strategy call.

Question 19

How long does a case take to prepare?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how much evidence already exists and how quickly referees respond. Most files take a few months from assessment to handover.

Question 20

Are government and legal fees included?

Accepted Answer

No. Government application fees and your legal partner's fees are always separate, and we show them to you before you commit.

Question 21

Can I pay in stages?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Larger engagements are split into milestones, so you pay as each stage of the file is delivered.

Talent visa questions,
answered plainly

Ask the mentor who would run your case

Talent visa questions, answered plainly