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:
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Global researchers
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Entrepreneurs
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Innovative investors
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Athletes and creatives
What This Visa Allows You To Do
With the National Innovation Visa, you can:
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Stay in Australia permanently
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Work and study in Australia
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Enrol in Medicare
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Sponsor family members
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Travel to/from Australia for 5 years
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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:
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A researcher, scientist, or academic with global impact
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An entrepreneur commercialising innovative ventures
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An innovative investor involved in high-growth industries
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A creative professional with recognised achievements
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A professional athlete, coach, or elite sports contributor
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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:
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Achievements beyond your peers globally
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A sustained track record unlikely to diminish
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Your field is recognised and valued in Australia
2. Nominator with a National Reputation
Your nominator must be:
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An Australian citizen, PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation, and
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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:
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Strengthen Australia’s industries
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Support research, innovation, culture, or economy
Priority Processing Categories
The Department assesses EOIs under five priority levels:
Priority 1
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International award recipients and top-of-field global leaders
(e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal, Olympic Gold, Pulitzer Prize)
Priority 2
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Applicants nominated by a State or Territory Government using Form 1000
(New feature — now State nomination is possible.)
Priority 3
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Exceptional candidates in Tier One Priority Sectors, including:
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Critical Technologies (AI, quantum, robotics, cybersecurity, biotech)
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Health Industries
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Renewables & Low-Emission Technologies
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Priority 4
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Exceptional candidates in Tier Two Priority Sectors, including:
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Agri-food & AgTech
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Defence & Space
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Education & Higher Research
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Financial Services & FinTech
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Infrastructure & Transport
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Resources & Critical Minerals
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Priority 5
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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
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Academic & Research
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Entrepreneur
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Innovative Investor
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Sports Professional
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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
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Submit your EOI (no fee)
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EOI remains valid for 2 years
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The Department may issue an Invitation
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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:
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Distinguished Talent Visas
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Global Talent Visas
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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
Begin Your National Innovation Visa Pathway
Option 1 — Book a Consultation
Speak directly with a Migration Agent to discuss your background and pathway.
👉 Book a Consultation: https://www.racc.net.au/booking-calendar/pr-pathways-and-visa-options-1
Option 2 — Submit a National Innovation Visa Eligibility Audit
👉 Submit NIV Eligibility Assessment Form: https://www.racc.net.au/free-assessment-niv-subclass-858




