NATIONAL INNOVATION VISA (SUBCLASS 858)

Direct Permanent Residency for Exceptional Global Talent

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858 is a direct permanent residency visa for exceptionally talented individuals who can contribute to Australia’s future economic, scientific, cultural, or social prosperity.

It replaced the former Global Talent Visa in December 2024, maintaining the same visa subclass, but introducing refined criteria, clearer priority processing, and new State Nomination pathways.

This visa seeks established and emerging leaders across a broad range of industries — such as research, entrepreneurship, investment, the arts, technology, sports, and other globally recognised professions.

This includes:

Global researchers
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Athletes and creatives

What This Visa Allows You To Do

With the National Innovation Visa, you can:

Stay in Australia permanently
Work and study in Australia
Enrol in Medicare
Sponsor family members
Travel to/from Australia for 5 years
Become eligible to apply for Australian Citizenship

Key Features of the National Innovation Visa

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Permanent (Subclass 858)
Application Pathway	Invitation-based
Nomination Required	Yes – Form 1000 needed at application
Points-Tested?	No
Minimum Salary Requirement	Not required, but may strengthen application
English Requirement	At least Functional English
Sector Limitations	None – open to all sectors, but priority sectors exist
Age Limit	No upper age limit (additional benefit test applies under 18 or 55+)

Who This Visa Is Designed For

You may be a strong candidate if you are:

A researcher, scientist, or academic with global impact
An entrepreneur commercialising innovative ventures
An innovative investor involved in high-growth industries
A creative professional with recognised achievements
A professional athlete, coach, or elite sports contributor
A technologist or specialist in future-focused sector

Core Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must show:

1. Internationally Recognised Record of Achievement

You must demonstrate:

Achievements beyond your peers globally
A sustained track record unlikely to diminish
Your field is recognised and valued in Australia

2. Nominator with a National Reputation

Your nominator must be:

An Australian citizen, PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation, and
Have a national reputation in the same field as you

3. Invitation from the Department of Home Affairs

To be considered, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
If successful, you will receive a reference code to lodge your visa.

4. Ability to Contribute to Australia

You must show your expertise will:

Strengthen Australia’s industries
Support research, innovation, culture, or economy

Priority Processing Categories

The Department assesses EOIs under five priority levels:

Priority 1

International award recipients and top-of-field global leaders
(e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Olympic Gold, Pulitzer Prize)

Priority 2

Applicants nominated by a State or Territory Government using Form 1000
(New feature — now State nomination is possible.)

Priority 3

Exceptional candidates in Tier One Priority Sectors, including:
- Critical Technologies (AI, quantum, robotics, cybersecurity, biotech)
- Health Industries
- Renewables & Low-Emission Technologies

Priority 4

Exceptional candidates in Tier Two Priority Sectors, including:
- Agri-food & AgTech
- Defence & Space
- Education & Higher Research
- Financial Services & FinTech
- Infrastructure & Transport
- Resources & Critical Minerals

Priority 5

All other applicants

State Nomination Pathways (New)

Some applicants may now seek nomination from State/Territory Governments, which can strengthen Priority Level 2 consideration.

Example: New South Wales (NSW) Nomination Pathways

Academic & Research
Entrepreneur
Innovative Investor
Sports Professional
Creative Professional

States such as South Australia and Queensland have also begun releasing frameworks, with additional states expected to follow.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Process

Submit your EOI (no fee)
EOI remains valid for 2 years
The Department may issue an Invitation
Once invited, visa application must be lodged within 60 days

Note: You cannot edit your EOI after submission unless re-lodging with significant changes.

Why Work With RACC?

RACC is a Registered Migration & Education Agency with over a decade of experience assisting clients from:

Distinguished Talent Visas
Global Talent Visas
Research & Innovation migration pathways

We assist with:
✔ Eligibility assessment
✔ Strategic nomination planning
✔ EOI preparation
✔ Nominator engagement
✔ State Nomination pathways
✔ Full visa application submission and representation