This article is updated regularly. Last updated: Wednesday, 29 April 2026
On this page
- What is the new National Innovation Visa?
- National Innovation Visa Priorities
- State Nomination Criteria & Summaries
- New South Wales (NSW)
- Victoria (VIC)
- Queensland (QLD)
- South Australia (SA)
- Tasmania (TAS)
- Northern Territory (NT)
- Priority Sectors
- Submitting an EOI
Use our free NIV assessment form so our team can provide you with a free evaluation of your eligibility.
National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858 is an Australian permanent residency visa designed for highly talented individuals, including professionals, entrepreneurs and investors who can demonstrate exceptional skills, achievements or innovation.
The NIV is one of Australia’s most attractive visas because it offers direct permanent residency without the usual barriers found in other visa programs.
Key benefits of the National Innovation Visa include:
Straight to Australian Permanent Residency
No age limit for the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858
No English language requirement
No employer or state sponsorship required (although state nomination options exist)
No Skilling Australia Fund (SAF) contribution, which can cost $1,200–$1,800 per year on temporary visas or $3,000–$5,000 for permanent visas
Health waiver available in certain circumstances
Entrepreneur and Investor pathways, including:
Entrepreneurs with AUD $1 million available capital
Investors with AUD $5 million, where investment capacity may support Queensland state nomination
Because of its flexibility and direct PR outcome, the National Innovation Visa is particularly suited to exceptional global talent, founders, innovators, researchers and high-level professionals seeking long-term settlement in Australia.
The New National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 replaced the Global Talent Visa on the 7 of December 2024.
There are also four levels of priorities and two tier of priority sectors.
The NIV has maintained flexibility, such as not having a high salary as pre-requisite, but being a desirable characteristic. The flexibility will allow the Australian Government to invite the best candidates across a range of professions and sectors.
Complete the free NIV assessment
National Innovation Visa – Summary
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is an Australian visa that provides a direct pathway to permanent residency for individuals with exceptional talent and international recognition, particularly in sectors such as technology, research, innovation and academia.
It is one of the most direct and flexible permanent residency visas available, with no employer sponsorship required, no skills assessment, and no points test.
Key Advantages of the National Innovation Visa (NIV)
No Employer Sponsorship Required
Applicants do not need a job offer or sponsoring employer. This allows greater freedom to work independently, establish a business, innovate, or move between roles and industries.
Direct Australian Permanent Residency
Successful applicants are granted permanent residency immediately. This provides full work rights, access to Medicare, public education, and long-term security, unlike temporary employer-sponsored visas such as the temporary 482 work visa, which require a separate pathway to permanent residency.
No Age Limit in Many Cases
Applicants over 55 — and, in some cases, under 18 — may still qualify if they can demonstrate exceptional ability or outstanding achievements. This avoids the age restrictions common in employer-sponsored and skilled migration pathways.
No Mandatory Skills Assessment or Points Test
Eligibility is based on international recognition, achievements, and the potential to contribute to Australia, rather than formal skills assessments or points-based thresholds.
Priority Processing
NIV applications are prioritised by the Department of Home Affairs, meaning processing is often faster than standard employer-sponsored or skilled visa pathways.
Freedom to Work, Start a Business, or Invest
Visa holders are not tied to a single employer and can work, establish a startup, invest, or change industries without visa restrictions.
Family Included
Partners and dependent children can be included in the application and receive Australian permanent residency.
What is the New National Innovation Visa?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa designed for exceptionally talented individuals from around the world.
The National Innovation Visa is aimed at both established and emerging leaders with exceptional skills and talents who can make meaningful contributions to Australia's future prosperity.
This includes:
- Global researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Athletes and creatives
National Innovation Visa Requirements
To apply for the new National Innovation Visa the applicant must:
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
- Receive a nomination
- Have a nominator
- Be any age, however, if the applicant is under 18 years old, or are 55 years or older when you apply, you must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community
- Have at least Functional English or be willing to pay a second instalment English fee
- Meet the health and character requirement
One important thing to mention is that it is not mandatory to have a salary equal to or above the income threshold, which is currently $183,100. Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs will assess the EOI application by analysing whether the applicant is at an international ‘top-of-field’ level.
Complete the free NIV assessment
National Innovation Visa Priorities
The Department of Home Affairs announced there are four levels of priorities for the National innovation visa which are:
Priority number 1:
Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
Priority number 2:
Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
Priority number 3:
Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector:
- Critical Technologies
- Health Industries
- Renewables and low emission technologies
Priority number 4:
Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector:
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
Priority number 5:
All other applicants.
What are the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements?
Exceptional and outstanding achievements suitable for the NIV may include the following:
International ‘top-of-field’ level awards
Awards for exceptional and outstanding achievements that are available in all fields. These include but are not limited to:
- Nobel Prizes
- Breakthrough Prizes
- Rousseeuw Prize
- Eni Award
- Institution of Electrical Engineers Medal of Honor
- Fields Medal
- Chern Medal
- Abel Prize
- L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science
- Turing Award
- ACM Prize in Computing
- Pulitzer Prize
- International Booker Prize
- International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal
- Olympic Gold Medal
- Laureus World Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year
Recipients of national research grants
Receipt of a national level research grant for the highest quality research in Australia or from other countries showing that the individual is at the top of their field such the Australian Research Council grants.
Holders of PhDs with high-levels of academic influence or thought leadership
Holders of a PhD with high-levels of academic influence or thought leadership in their field, such as:
- recent publications in top ranked journals, for example Nature, Lancet or Acta Numerica
- a high h-index for their stage of career, for example an early career researcher with a h-index of 14
- a research-based degree from a top global university, for example, ranked in the top 100 World University Rankings by Times Higher Education.
Other measures of high-calibre talent
- Other measures of high-calibre talent may include:
- recent keynote appearance at a high-profile international conference. For example: the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium.
- earning at or above the Fair Work high income threshold, where:
- there is written communication from an Australian employer offering employment in Australia with an annual salary equivalent to, or higher than, the high income threshold or
- the primary applicant's current earnings are an amount equal to, or greater than, the high income threshold.
Candidates nominated by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency
Other indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements we may consider in conjunction with nomination by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency include:
- athletes and creatives who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field
- evidence of innovative investment activity with an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures
- evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly where linked to Commonwealth, State or Territory based innovation hubs.
- recognised intellectual property attributed to them, for example holding relevant international patents
State Nomination Criteria & Summaries
Jump to:
- New South Wales Nomination
- Victoria Nomination
- Queensland Nomination
- South Australia Nomination
- Tasmania Nomination
- Northern Territory Nomination
State nomination is optional, but it can fast-track your application. Below is a simple summary of what each state looks for:
New South Wales (NSW)
New South Wales operates a highly structured nomination program tailored to five distinct professional pathways: Researchers and Academics, Entrepreneurs, Innovative Investors, Sports Professionals, and Creative Professionals.
Key Criteria
NSW strictly assesses candidates on tangible, past achievements rather than speculative ideas. Passive investments do not qualify; you must demonstrate a clear track record of scaling businesses, driving cutting-edge research, or shaping culture.
Why Apply
Successful candidates receive comprehensive state backing to accelerate their impact within Sydney and the broader NSW innovation ecosystem.
View NSW State Nomination Criteria
Victoria (VIC)
Victoria employs an exclusive, referral-only system. You cannot register your interest directly; instead, you must be formally identified and referred by a Victorian Government department or agency.
Key Criteria
You must have engaged with a Victorian agency to execute a project and demonstrate how your internationally recognised expertise will be transferred to Victoria to drive productivity and economic growth.
Priority Sectors
Victoria targets high-calibre individuals whose expertise aligns with the state's five key priority sectors: advanced manufacturing and defence, health technologies and medical research, circular economy, digital technologies, and agribusiness.
Queensland (QLD)
Migration Queensland offers a competitive, invitation-based pathway focusing on financial viability and high-level innovation across the state.
Key Criteria
Researchers need a confirmed job placement or 2-year funding at a QLD institution. Entrepreneurs must commit a minimum of $1 million to expand innovative ventures, while Innovative Investors are required to commit at least $5 million to the local innovation ecosystem.
Additionally, Athletes and Sports Professionals must be elite talent capable of strengthening Queensland's high-performance sports systems (especially ahead of Brisbane 2032), and Creatives must demonstrate a distinctive, lasting contribution to the state's arts and cultural industries.
Why Apply
QLD prioritises candidates who can demonstrate a high-income earning potential and an immediate contribution to the state's sovereign capabilities.
They are also looking for high-calibre talent who can contribute to sporting opportunities, considering they are hosting the 2032 Olympics, and those who can elevate Queensland’s arts and cultural sector.
South Australia (SA)
South Australia actively seeks established and emerging leaders through a comprehensive Registration of Interest (ROI) and panel interview process.
Key Criteria
SA assesses candidates based on exceptional achievements and their ability to directly contribute to the local economy across five targeted categories: Global Researchers, Entrepreneurs, Innovative Investors, Creative Talent, and other Globally Talented Individuals.
Why Apply
Ideal for innovators aiming to commercialise a new product or investors actively supporting successful venture capital funds within South Australia's rapidly growing startup hubs.
View SA State Nomination Criteria
Tasmania (TAS)
Tasmania has one of the most stringent nomination pathways, requiring deep, pre-existing ties to the state before an application can be considered.
Key Criteria
Applicants must have an established, pre-existing relationship with a Tasmanian Government department, authority, or with the University of Tasmania, and secure a direct business case referral from them or be recommended by a Tasmanian business that has an established relationship with a Tasmanian government agency.
Target Sectors
Rather than limiting to specific industries, Tasmania aligns with the national Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority sectors, provided candidates can clearly demonstrate that their expertise is of the scale and vision to deliver significant innovation, productivity, and economic growth to the state.
View Tasmania State Nomination Criteria
Northern Territory (NT)
The Northern Territory operates a highly selective, referral-only model designed to fast-track global experts into the region to support specific economic goals.
Key Criteria
Candidates cannot apply directly to MigrationNT. They must be formally referred by an eligible NT-based organisation, such as Government agencies, peak industry body, university, or venture capital fund.
Priority Sectors
Preference is heavily weighted towards innovators and leaders in gas, mining, defence, aerospace, agriculture, and renewables.
View Northern Territory State Nomination Criteria
Complete the free NIV assessment
Other State and Territory nominations
As soon as we have more information about the nomination for the National Innovation Visa from Western Australia and Australian Capital Territory, we will update this page.
Priority sectors
Tier One Priority Sectors
Critical Technologies
Potentially transformative enabling technology. This includes:
- advanced information and communication technology
- advanced manufacturing and materials technology
- artificial intelligence technology
- autonomous systems
- biotechnology
- clean energy generation and storage technology
- cyber security technology
- quantum technology
- photonics
- robotics
- positioning, timing and sensing technology
Renewables and low emission technologies
Technology that will support Australia to reach net zero. This sector includes:
- bio-methane production
- circular economy innovations
- clean energy technology
- emission reduction and carbon storage
- green metals
- low-carbon liquid fuels
- processing and refining of critical minerals
- renewable energy generation
- transmission, distribution or storage
- renewable hydrogen
- Waste to Energy (WtE) technology
Health Industries
Innovation in medical manufacturing and sovereign capabilities in medical science. This sector includes:
- antimicrobial resistance
- artificial intelligence in health
- biochemistry and cell biology
- biotechnology
- genomics
- emerging health threats and emergencies
- health economics
- implantable and wearable devices
- infectious disease prevention
- pharmaceuticals and precision medicine
- medical science manufacturing for therapeutic products
Tier Two Priority Sectors
Agri-food and AgTech
Innovation or value-adding in agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors. This sector includes:
- biotechnology
- biosecurity and disease management
- farm management technology
- food technology
- processing primary industry outputs into higher value goods
- innovation and sustainability in agriculture, forestry and fisheries
- manufacturing of products for use in or connection with primary industries
Education
Academia, research or management in universities and higher learning institutions. This sector includes:
- senior management of universities and higher learning institutions
- senior academics and researchers at Australian academic level D or E (or international equivalent).
Defence Capabilities and Space
Advancing sovereign defence and space capability. This sector includes:
- development, manufacturing and sustainment of products that are inputs to defence capability
- electromagnetic technologies
- propulsion systems
- space objects
- space systems engineering
- space sector enabling skills
Financial Services and FinTech
Advancing innovation in the financial services or technology industries. This sector includes:
- innovations in application programming
- blockchain engineering
- cloud technologies
- FinTech cyber and data security
- financial data science and analysis
- software engineering
Infrastructure and Transport
Advancing innovation in the transport sector and infrastructure projects. This sector includes:
- innovative manufacturing and technologies to support the development of the transport sector
- large and complex transport infrastructure projects for roads, bridges, tunnelling, rail and airports
Resources
Innovation, product development or value adding in resource sectors or critical minerals supply chains. This sector includes:
- automation and industry 4.0 skills
- beneficiation technology
- critical and battery minerals
- exploration services
- geology and metallurgy
- oil and gas decommissioning
- resource waste management
- value-add in resource sectors including manufacturing products and technologies to advance mineral processing
If you are in one of the priorities sectors and have an international recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in your field, you may have better chances to receive an invitation.
Application Process for the National Innovation Visa
Applying for the National Innovation Visa Subclass 858 is an invitation-only process. You must prove your internationally recognised achievements. The process involves several key stages and important rules:
1. Find an Eligible Nominator
To apply for the National Innovation Visa, you must have a nominator who has a national reputation in the same field as you. Your nominator must endorse your achievements by completing Form 1000 and be one of the following:
- An Australian Citizen
- An Australian Permanent Resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian organisation
- An Australian State or Territory government agency
2. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Before you can apply for the visa, you must receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. To be considered for an invitation, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online.
How it is Assessed
The Department considers EOIs based on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements you claim, as well as the NIV program priorities.
Two-Year Validity
After you submit an EOI, it will remain in the system for two years. During this period, the Department may invite you to apply.
No Updates Allowed
You cannot update your EOI or submit additional documents once it has been submitted. Ensure everything is correct before applying.
Submit Only One
Avoid submitting multiple EOIs. If you have a significant change in your circumstances, you can withdraw your current EOI and submit a new one.
No Pre-assessment Guarantee
The Department states that receiving an invitation does not mean they have pre-assessed your eligibility to be granted a visa. Once you lodge your final application, you will be assessed on its merits and the supporting evidence you include.
3. Can I apply onshore or offshore?
Yes, if you receive the invitation, you can apply for the National Innovation Visa from either inside or outside of Australia.
If you are applying from inside Australia, you must hold a substantive visa, or a Bridging Visa A, Bridging Visa B, or Bridging Visa C.
4. Do I need to meet exactly all the criteria?
Applicants must meet the core eligibility criteria, but the specific assessment factors outlined in Ministerial Direction 112 are flexible depending on your field.
For example, if you are considered an expert in a scientific field but do not necessarily have an article published in Nature, having your work published in other highly respected scientific journals might be considered as an exceptional achievement.
Free National Innovation Visa (NIV) Assessment
The rules for the National Innovation Visa can be complex to understand. Find out if you qualify by taking our free assessment.
Having successfully assisted hundreds of applicants for the Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visas, we are now helping clients with the latest talent-focused visa—the National Innovation Visa. We will review your professional profile and achievements to see if you meet the government rules and help determine your eligibility for an invitation.
If you are eligible, our experienced immigration lawyers will provide end-to-end representation. This includes building a strong strategy, preparing a comprehensive legal submission to highlight your exceptional achievements, and guiding you seamlessly through both the Expression of Interest (EOI) and the final visa application process.
Complete the free NIV assessment
Having successfully assisted hundreds of applicants for the Distinguished Talent and Global Talent visas, we are now helping clients with the latest talent-focused visa—the National Innovation Visa.
If you’re interested in applying for the National Innovation Visa, we encourage you to contact us. You can also complete our free assessment to determine your eligibility for an invitation.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/national-innovation-visa-858
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/national-innovation-visa/priorities
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