National Innovation Visa and State Nomination SA, NSW and QLD
The National Innovation Visa (NIV), previously known as the Global Talent Visa, is an Australian permanent residency visa for internationally recognised individuals with exceptional talent.
South Australia and New South Wales have now published their criteria for NIV nominations.
Queenlsand has made industry presentations about the development of their framework.
Why State Nomination Can Help You Secure an NIV Invitation Faster!
If one state or territory nominates you, you will have a better chance to be invited for the National Innovation Visa.
Under Directon 112, those nominated by a state get the second highest priority. The highest priority is for international prize winners, such as the Nobel prize.
For a further breakdown of the priorities see our information page on NIV.
Three Stage Process
State nominations being open mean for many NIV applicants this will involve a three-stage process:
- Obtain State Nomination (Completed form 1000 and letter/statement of support)
- Submit Expression of Interest to the Department of Home Affairs; and
- If invited, submit Visa application for NIV.
Which State is Best for NIV Nomination?
The short answer, if you have a proven business track record or a collaboration lined up in a state, then that is the best state. If you don’t have an existing relationship or collaboration with a state, it’s the perfect time to begin making that connection.
Below is a quick comparative table of the frameworks of the states who have announced their criteria:
State | NSW | QLD | SA |
Framework status | Implemented | Under development | Implemented |
Applications opened | TBA – likely July 2025 | TBA | Yes |
Applicant categories |
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Criteria | Similar to DHA criteria for determining ‘exceptional and outstanding achievements’ (Direction no. 112) Proof of nexus or contributions in the state for some categories. NIV nominations won’t be granted: · For passive investment (not the BIIP) · For vague or unsubstantiated ideas · On potential alone · For those without a track record | Depending of the applicant category, additional criteria such as: · Investment thresholds and proofs of funds, · Contribution to state events or industries, · Evidence of established business/investment in QLD | Similar to DHA criteria for determining ‘exceptional and outstanding achievements’ (Direction no. 112) Proof or nexus or contributions in the state for some categories. For investors the following ventures are not ‘innovative’ for the purpose of nomination:
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Application process | 1. Expression/Registration of Interest 2. Shortlisting 3. Invitation 4. Application and third party endorsement 5. Decision 6. Lodgment of Form 1000 and letter of support 7. Follow up, able to provide additional information if needed. | 1. Expression/Registration of Interest 2. Shortlisting 3. Invitation 4. Application/Interview 5. Decision 6. Provided Form 1000 and statement/letter of support | 1. Expression/Registration of Interest 2. Contacted if application progresses 3. Interview 4. Decision 5. Provided Form 1000 and statement/letter of support |
Assessed by | Investment NSW | Trade and Investment Queensland | Skilled and Business Migration |
For a detailed summary of the abovementioned State’s nomination process refer to our information page on NIV.
When Can I Apply?
South Australia nominations are open now, meaning you can apply right not for their state nomination.
New South Wales nominations are anticipated for July 2025.
Interested in Applying?
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.
Stay Updated!
We will share more updates on the NIV soon, including the nomination allocations for the new financial year once they are released.
Share this article if you know someone that is highly talented.
