The National Innovation Visa (NIV) has replaced the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858). Applications for Global Talent Visas which are still pending will be processed according to priorities and migration planning levels.
Under the NIV program, highly skilled applicants in selected industries will receive priority processing for permanent residency in Australia. It is designed to attract the best talent from around the world in future-focused industries to Australia.
This includes:
- global researchers
- entrepreneurs
- innovative investors
- athletes and creators
The program also benefits Australians by providing an opportunity to transfer skills, promote innovation, and create job opportunities.
The main features of this program are:
- No job offer is required
- The visa is a permanent visa
- The application receives priority processing
- No Skilling Australians Fund levy is required
What are the eligibility requirements for the NIV visa?
The requirements for the NIV visa applicant include:
- The applicant must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the four following areas:
- a profession
- a sport
- the arts
- academia and research.
- NIV applicants will need to be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident or organisation before they receive an invitation to apply.
How to apply for the National Innovation visa?
Step 1: the NIV applicant needs to submit an Expression of Interest (sometimes referred to as an EOI) with the Department of Home Affairs.
If they are successful and meet the program parameters, they will be provided with a unique identifier, which will be used to apply for the visa.
Step 2: the NIV applicant needs to lodge a National Innovation visa application in ImmiAccount.
As part of the application, the NIV applicants will need to be endorsed by a nominator who has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant and be either:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident
- an eligible New Zealand citizen, or
- an Australian organisation
Book a free 10 minute consultation now with one of our expert immigration lawyers to discuss the GTI visa and the options available to you.
