Leonard (Migration)

This matter concerned an application for review of a decision not to grant the applicant a Subclass 858 Distinguished Talent (Residence) visa. The applicant sought this visa based on their achievements in the sport of lawn bowls. The Tribunal was required to determine whether the applicant met the criteria for the visa, specifically whether they possessed an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field at the time of application.

The Tribunal considered the evidence provided by the applicant, which detailed their representation of Ireland at junior and senior international levels, and various championship wins within Ireland. However, a critical requirement for this visa subclass is the provision of information regarding a nominator who holds a national reputation and is qualified to attest to the applicant's achievements. The applicant's nominator, Mr Jason Thomas Curry, was identified, but the Department requested further evidence to establish his national reputation within the sport of lawn bowls. This included a CV, reference letters from the Australian lawn bowls peak body, and testimonials from highly regarded specialists.

The applicant failed to provide the requested information regarding their nominator. Consequently, the Tribunal concluded that there was no evidence to establish that the nominator possessed the requisite national reputation and qualifications to attest to the applicant's record of achievement. As the applicant did not satisfy this essential criterion, the Tribunal affirmed the decision not to grant the visa.