Australia’s National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa designed to attract the world’s most exceptional talent in research, innovation, entrepreneurship, arts, and sports.
It replaced the Global Talent Visa in December 2024 as part of Australia’s migration strategy to strengthen its innovation-driven economy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Innovation visa?
The NIV is for established and emerging leaders who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field. It offers:
- Direct permanent residency (no temporary stage)
- No points test and no occupation list
- No job offer required
- Priority processing
- Flexibility on age and English (with second VAC option if English is below functional level)
Who can apply?
- You must be invited to apply for this visa
- You must demonstrate:
- International recognition and a sustained record of exceptional achievement in one of these areas:
- Academia and Research
- Profession
- Arts and Creative Industries
- Sports
- Current prominence in your field and potential to benefit Australia economically, socially, or culturally
- Ability to find employment or work independently in your field in Australia
- International recognition and a sustained record of exceptional achievement in one of these areas:
Expression of Interest
Expression of Interest (EOI) process
- Submit an EOI online using the National Innovation Visa EOI form.
- Provide:
- Passport bio-data page
- Resume/CV
- Evidence of highest qualification
- If nominated by a government agency: Form 1000 and supporting statement
- All documents must be in English (translations required if applicable)
- Accepted file formats: PDF, JPG, PNG
- No cloud links (e.g., Google Drive, OneDrive)
- Provide:
- Important notes
- An EOI is not a visa application
- Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation
- You cannot edit or add documents after submission
- EOIs remain valid for 2 years
- If invited, you have 60 days to lodge your visa application via ImmiAccount
- No bridging visa is granted for submitting an EOI
- After submission
- If invited, you’ll receive:
- Unique reference identifier
- Invitation code
- Details of the achievements that formed the basis of your invitation
- If not invited within 2 years, your EOI expires and you must submit a new one.
- If invited, you’ll receive:
Priority order for invitations
The Department assesses EOIs based on indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement and applies the following priority order:
Priority 1
- Global experts and recipients of top international awards (e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Olympic Gold)
Priority 2
- Candidates nominated by an Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government agency (Form 1000 required)
Priority 3
- Candidates with exceptional achievements in Tier One sectors:
- Critical Technologies
- Health Industries
- Renewables and Low Emission Technologies
Priority 4
- Candidates with exceptional achievements in Tier Two sectors:
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
Indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement
- International “top-of-field” awards
- Recipients of national research grants
- Holders of PhDs with significant academic influence
- Other evidence of high-calibre talent and leadership
- Nominations by government agencies
Key features
- Stay: Permanently
- Cost: From AUD $4,985 (main applicant)
- Processing: Invitation-based, priority processing
- Family inclusion: Partner and dependent children can be included
- Travel: 5-year travel facility, pathway to citizenship
How to apply?
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via the Department of Home Affairs portal
- If invited, apply for the Subclass 858 visa within 60 days
- Provide:
- Evidence of international recognition and achievements
- Nominator details and endorsement
- Health, character, and English documents
Book a free 10 minute consultation now with one of our expert immigration lawyers to discuss the NIV visa and the options available to you.
