Why More US Citizens Are Moving to Australia

Australia is attracting growing interest from high talent individuals in the United States. This noticeable increase from US citizens wanting to move to Australia is reported to be driven by a mix of factors. The appeal is not just about lifestyle. It is also about opportunities, security and long-term stability.

Australia offers a strong economy, a high quality of life and access to a universal public healthcare system. It is also known for its cities, beaches, excellent education options and safer living environment. That can be especially attractive for professionals and families who are thinking beyond short-term career moves.

Australia also continues to welcome skilled professionals, founders, researchers, investors and other high-performing individuals. It is a globally connected market with opportunities across technology, health, research, clean energy and other growth sectors.

For Americans seeking career progression and a clear pathway to permanent residence, Australia is becoming an increasingly attractive option.

The National Innovation Visa (NIV): a direct pathway to permanent residency for highly talented individuals

One of the most important visa options for high talent Americans is the National Innovation Visa, or NIV. This is Subclass 858, a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from around the world.

The NIV is designed for people who will help create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the economy. It is aimed at established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to Australia’s future prosperity.

NIV sectors include, but are not limited to:

• Critical Technologies
• Health Industries
• Renewables and low-emission technologies
• Agri-food and AgTech
• Defence Capabilities and Space
• Education
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Resources

The NIV replaced the Global Talent visa on 7 December 2024. Applicants generally begin by submitting an Expression of Interest, and they must be invited before they can apply for the visa itself.

Who May Be Eligible for the NIV?

The NIV may suit high talent Americans who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. This can include:

• global researchers
• entrepreneurs
• innovative investors
• athletes
• creatives

It may be especially relevant for people working in areas such as technology, AI, health, research, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and other future-focused sectors.

If you are thinking about investing in Australia, the NIV can also be an option, as some states, such as Queensland, can nominate individuals:

• high-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland
• innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

For the right person, the NIV can be a very attractive pathway because it offers permanent residence without needing to go through a traditional points-tested or employer-sponsored pathway first.

Another attractive feature of the NIV is that there is no age limit for this visa. However, if you are under 18 or over 55, you must show that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

It is important to assess each case carefully, because the standard is high and the visa is intended for genuinely exceptional candidates.

What are my Australian visa options if I’m not eligible for the National Innovation Visa?

Not every talented individual will be the right fit for the National Innovation Visa. Many may instead be better suited to an employer-sponsored visa, skilled visas or partner visas.

Employer-sponsored visas

A common option is the Skills in Demand visa Subclass 482, which allows employers to sponsor skilled workers when they cannot source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.

Another important pathway is the Employer Nomination Scheme visa Subclass 186, which allows nominated skilled workers to live and work in Australia permanently.

For individuals in sectors such as technology, engineering, healthcare, education, finance and construction, employer-sponsored visas can be a practical and effective pathway to Australia.

To apply for an employer-sponsored visa you must have an Australian business willing to sponsor you. If you still don’t have an employer to sponsor you, please check our blog “how to find a sponsor”.

GSM visas (189, 190 and 491)

Some Americans may also be eligible for Australia’s skilled migration program. The Government’s SkillSelect system is used for skilled workers who want to express interest in applying for visas such as the Skilled Independent visa Subclass 189, Skilled Nominated visa Subclass 190 and Skilled Work Regional visa Subclass 491.

These visas are points-tested. The Department states that the 189, 190 and 491 visas require applicants to meet or exceed the points threshold of 65, although in practice a higher score is often needed to be competitive for an invitation.

For individuals with strong qualifications, good English, relevant work experience and an occupation that aligns with Australia’s skilled migration system, this can be another pathway worth exploring.

You must be invited to apply for the 189, 190 or 491 visas.

Partner visas

If a US citizen has an Australian citizen or permanent resident spouse or de facto partner, a partner visa may also be an option.

For some, this may be the most suitable long-term pathway, particularly where the relationship is genuine and ongoing and the couple plans to build their future together in Australia.

Which Australian Visa Pathway May Be Right for You?

For high talent individuals from the USA, there is no single visa pathway that suits everyone. The best option will depend on the person’s background, level of achievement, occupation, job opportunities, age and family circumstances.

For some, the National Innovation Visa may be the standout option. For others, an employer-sponsored visa, a skilled visa or a partner visa may be more realistic and more strategically appropriate. The key is understanding which pathway best fits the person’s profile and long-term goals.

Need Help Moving to Australia from the USA?

If you are a high talent individual from the USA or you have an Australian partner and you are considering moving to Australia, getting the right advice early can make a real difference.

Work Visa Lawyers is one of the best migration law firms in Australia and can help you assess your options and identify the visa pathway that best fits your goals, experience and circumstances.

If you would like tailored advice about moving to Australia from the United States, contact Work Visa Lawyers to discuss your visa strategy.

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Tasmania Opens for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Criteria & State Comparisons

The Tasmanian Government has officially opened its state nomination program for the highly anticipated National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858. As the Australian migration landscape continues to shift, Work Visa Lawyers is here to break down what the new Tasmania NIV criteria mean for global talent.

In this update, we explore how Tasmania compares to other open states and help you determine whether this pathway to Australian permanent residence is the right choice for your future.

Key Requirements for Tasmania NIV State Nomination

Tasmania’s newly released criteria place a very strong emphasis on demonstrating a direct, tangible benefit to the state. To be nominated for the National Innovation Visa in Tasmania, candidates are required to have a pre-existing, established relationship with a Tasmanian Government department, authority, or the University of Tasmania.

Furthermore, the nomination process requires the department’s representative to prepare a short business case supporting your application. This means that applicants cannot simply apply based on their global merits alone; they must already be deeply intertwined with Tasmanian institutions and demonstrate how their expertise will transfer to the local economy.

Comparing the NIV: Tasmania vs. Other Australian States

When comparing the subclass 858 criteria across the five currently open states, Tasmania stands out as one of the most difficult jurisdictions for securing a state nomination. Its stringent requirements closely mirror the high barriers recently set by Victoria.

In stark contrast, Queensland remains the most forward-thinking and attractive state for the NIV. Queensland is actively drawing talent from all over the world—especially innovative investors and talent with capital—by identifying priority sectors where people can contribute without requiring pre-existing relationships with local government authorities.

What does this mean for applicants?

For many strong professional candidates, lodging a standard two-state Expression of Interest (EOI) without relying on state nomination may be a much better approach. Pursuing a highly restrictive state nomination and failing can lead to lost momentum, time, and money. Ultimately, state nomination remains best suited for highly established Entrepreneurs and Investors.

Expert Immigration Lawyer Insights: Is the Tasmania NIV Right for You?

Reflecting on Tasmania’s updated criteria, Work Visa Lawyers Principal Lawyer Chris Johnston points out the inherent challenges of the program:

"In terms of requiring a close existing link to a government authority to be part of the nominating process, this approach is very limiting and will shut Tasmania out from some of the best talent around the world," says Johnston. "The assumption that top talent around the world would have an existing link with Tasmania is surprising and unrealistic in most cases. Incredible candidates will not have an existing link with Tasmania but may be able to offer a huge amount of talent going forward."

However, Johnston notes that the Tasmanian pathway shouldn't be entirely ruled out. It presents a strong opportunity for specific profiles:

• Established Investors: Candidates with existing tight ties to Tasmania, especially those with current investments or connections to government agencies.
• Agile Innovators: Candidates who have ties to Tasmania and can develop them quickly to clearly demonstrate local economic and social benefits.

Priority Sectors to Watch in Tasmania

If you are considering this pathway, Johnston highlights two major sectors where Tasmania is primed to benefit from NIV talent:

• Agri-food and AgTech (Tier 2): Tasmania features some of the most productive land in Australia. Benefiting from high rainfall, the state hosts Australia's largest fish farming industry, and sustains strong poppy growing, vegetable, wine, and rock lobster industries. This makes it an excellent location for agricultural product innovation.
• Renewables and Low Emission Technologies (Tier 1): As a major hydro energy producer with established infrastructure, Tasmania is perfectly placed for tier-one renewables. This opens the door for specialisations in clean energy tech, emissions reduction, and circular economy innovations. With its large agricultural base, waste-to-energy technology using agricultural waste is another prime area for innovation.

Navigate the National Innovation Visa with Confidence

The National Innovation Visa offers a fast-track to permanent residency, but choosing the right strategy is critical. If you believe you meet the criteria for the NIV subclass 858, our expert legal team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of state nominations, EOIs, and Form 1000 requirements.

Complete our free NIV assessment today to discover your eligibility.

Complete our free NIV assessment

February Immigration News 2026: An Anti-Immigration Party Is Rising, State Nomination Updates and the Best Australian Visas for 2026

In this February immigration update, we focus on the information that will help you plan and apply for Australian permanent residency (PR) in 2026.

This month’s key topics include:

• A significant political shift that couldimpactfuture migration settings
• The most popular employer-sponsored visas: Subclass 482 and Subclass 186
• State nomination updates for the Subclass 190 and Subclass 491
• DAMAs and regional migration pathways
• Queensland’s approach to the National Innovation Visa
• The predicted new income threshold for employer-sponsored visas

Watch the Full Video:

Political Shift: The Rise of One Nation and Immigration Policy

One Nation is now recording its second-highest approval rating. This is a major political shift that could ultimately lead to a reduction in immigration. This may negatively impact the chances of many people seeking Australian permanent residency.

The Rise of One Nation

To quote the Australian Financial Review on 1 February:

“Following two weeks of Coalition infighting, first-preference support for One Nation has jumped to 26 per cent, up from 17 per cent in December. One Nation overtaking the Liberals and Nationals for the first time ….”

In the same poll, Labor was at 34 per cent.

What are the current immigration policies of One Nation?

According to their website, One Nation’s migration policies include:

• Capping visas at 130,000 per year — referring to permanent residency visas, which are currently set at 185,000 per year
• Deporting 75,000 illegal migrants
• Reintroducing Temporary Protection Visas (TPVs)
• Proposing an eight-year waiting period for citizenship and welfare eligibility

The history of One Nation began with an anti-immigration maiden speech by Pauline Hanson in 1996. There have been many ups and downs since then.

In her maiden speech, she called for multiculturalism to be abolished, with anti-multiculturalism themes continuing to the present.

One Nation is generally anti-immigration, and if it gains more popularity, this could reduce immigration in the future.

For example, major parties could adopt or move closer to One Nation policies. This previously occurred during the John Howard period.

State Nomination News: 190 and 491 Visa Updates

New South Wales 491 Visa Closed

On 19 January 2026, New South Wales opened and closed its 491 Pathway 1 and Pathway 3 on the same day due to exceptionally high demand. Many people missed out simply because they couldn’t apply quickly enough.

Is NSW selecting the best candidates or just the fastest applicants?

South Australia Invitation Rounds

South Australia is currently running invitation rounds on the first Monday of each month.

For February, South Australia invited:

• 227 applicants for the Subclass 190 visa
• 137 applicants for the Subclass 491 visa

Health professionals were the clear winners in this round.

If you are working in healthcare or an allied health occupation, South Australia may currently offer stronger prospects than some other states.

Northern Territory Closure

The Northern Territory has now closed to new applications.

According to the NT Government website:

“The NT Government has now received sufficient applications to fill the nomination allocation for the 2025–26 program year. The NT nomination portal is now closed to new applications. Applications lodged prior to the closure will continue to be assessed, with outcomes to be provided by 30 June 2026.”

We expect more states to start closing soon.

Should You Move States for State Nomination?

This is one of the most common questions we receive.

Work Visa Lawyers is cautious with this advice because every state is dealing with the same issue: large numbers of temporary visa holders competing for a relatively small number of state nomination places.

We are now well into the 2025–26 program year, which ends on 30 June 2026.

There is a real risk that you:

• Relocate
• Spend significant money
• Change jobs
• And then the state program closes shortly after

Relocating is expensive, and finding new employment takes time. Migration decisions should be strategic — not reactive.

Please book an appointment before you move states. 

Employer-Sponsored Visas: 482 and 186 Pathways

This brings us to employer-sponsored visas, such as:

• Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream)
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme – Permanent Residency)

If you secure a genuine job offer with strong prospects of sponsorship in your occupation, I am much more open to relocation.

At the moment, employer-sponsored visas can be a more reliable pathway than waiting for state nomination invitations.

Of course, finding an employer willing to sponsor you is not easy. We have published guidance on how to approach employers strategically and position yourself for sponsorship.

DAMAs: A Growing Alternative Pathway

We are seeing increasing interest in Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMAs).

DAMAs are employer-sponsored migration pathways designed for specific regional areas.

Traditionally, interest was driven by:

• A broader range of eligible occupations
• Access for truck drivers, disability carers, and other critical roles
• Age concessions (particularly for applicants aged 45–55)

Increasingly, however, we are seeing applicants turn to DAMAs after years of trying — and failing — to receive invitations for the Subclass 189, 190, or 491 visas.

This is especially common for onshore applicants who are not receiving invitations and need a more realistic pathway to Australian PR.

National Innovation Visa: Queensland Focus

We are seeing strong interest in Queensland’s state nomination options under the National Innovation Visa framework.

Queensland currently offers:

• An entrepreneuroptionrequiring a $1 million investment
• An investoroptionrequiring a $5 million investment

Entrepreneurs and investors often do not fit neatly into traditional migration models. Their education may not align with their professional history, they may not suit skills assessments, and they are typically not dependent on a single employer.

The flexibility of the National Innovation Visa is what makes it so attractive.

We offer a free assessment for those wishing to explore whether this pathway could suit their circumstances.

New Income Threshold for Employer-Sponsored Visas

The new income threshold for the upcoming financial year, starting on 1 July, will be announced soon.

If the government applies a similar increase to last year (approximately 4.6%) the minimum salary requirement for employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 482 and Subclass 186 could rise from $76,515 to approximately $80,000.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics will publish its latest Average Weekly Earnings report on 26 February, which will provide a clearer indication of the likely increase.

If you are close to the current threshold, timing may become critical.

Hate Speech Laws and Migration Policy

Hate speech law changes have now been enacted, and we will continue to monitor how these affect migration policy, visa decision-making, and visa cancellation powers.

Planning Your Australian PR Strategy in 2026

The Australian migration landscape is becoming increasingly competitive and politically sensitive. With tighter state nomination programs, rising income thresholds and potential political shifts influencing migration caps, applicants must approach their Australian permanent residency strategy with careful planning and informed decision-making.

Key takeaways for 2026 include:

• State nomination pathways (Subclass 190 and Subclass 491) are highly competitive

• Employer-sponsored visas (Subclass 482 and Subclass 186) may offer greater certainty

• DAMAs are becoming a realistic and structured regional alternative

• Income thresholds for sponsored visas are likely to rise

• Political developments could influence future migration caps and policy settings

In this environment, relying on timing or chance is no longer sufficient. A clear, strategic migration plan — tailored to your occupation, visa history and long-term goals — is more important than ever.

Work Visa Lawyers is recognised as one of Australian’s leading immigration law firms, with extensive experience in skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, DAMAs, partner visas, global talent, national innovation visa and complex migration matters. 

Our team of immigration lawyers and registered migration agents provides strategic advice through both in-person consultations in Adelaide and secure online consultations for clients across Australia and overseas.

If you are planning your Australian PR pathway in 2026, obtaining professional guidance early can significantly improve your prospects and reduce unnecessary risk.

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Many people planning their future in Australia are asking the same question:

Will I ever get permanent residency in Australia? 

If you are studying, working, or living in Australia on a temporary visa, you may be wondering whether permanent residency is still realistic in 2026 — or whether the system has moved out of reach.

This article looks at the real migration opportunities for 2026, using current data and practical strategies. We also address difficult but important topics, including:

• The lack of invitations for the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa

• Visa cancellations and stricter checks

• How major events, such as the Bondi Beach attack, may influence immigration processing

Our goal is to help you make smarter, more realistic decisions about your migration pathway.

How the Recent Bondi Beach Attack Is Affecting Australian Immigration Processing

We would like to begin by expressing our sincere condolences to the victims and families affected by the tragic Bondi Beach attack in December.

For people living in Australia on temporary visas, this event may have broader implications. We expect to see:

• Stricter background and character checks

• Increased visa cancellations

• Greater scrutiny across visa applications

We will address this topic in more detail in a separate article, as it deserves careful and sensitive discussion.

Are 189, 190 and 491 Visas Still Realistic in 2026?

The reduction in places for the 190 and 491 visas has caused many people to ask whether Australia is still achievable.

The answer is yes — for some people. However, the strategy has changed.

For many years, points-tested visas such as the 189 visa, 190 visa, and 491 visa were the primary goal for skilled migrants, with employer sponsorship seen as a second option. That is no longer the case.

Employer-Sponsored Visas: The Strongest Pathway in 2026

If your goal is Australian permanent residency, employer-sponsored visas are now the strongest and most realistic options in 2026.

These include:

• 482 Skills in Demand visa

• 186 Employer Nomination Scheme

• 494 Regional Employer Sponsored visa

• DAMA and Labour Agreements

Australian businesses are facing genuine skills shortages across multiple sectors and are actively seeking reliable workers. As a result, we have seen:

• A significant increase in employer-sponsored visas

• A sharp reduction in state nomination places, including the 190 visa and 491 visa

Visas such as the 482 visa provide a pathway from temporary work to permanent residency through the 186 visa and many migrants are using this pathway as the first option.

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Why State Nomination Is More Competitive Than Ever

Many people ask whether they should target states like Western Australia or Tasmania, which often appear to have more flexible criteria.

However, the reality is this:

• Tasmania has 1,850 nomination places in 2025-26 financial year

• Western Australia has 3,400 places — with 3,355 already issued 

• Combined, that is only 5,250 nominations

You are not competing against hundreds of applicants — you are competing against hundreds of thousands of skilled migrants who already have:

• Skills assessments

• English test results

• Work experience

• Active EOIs

Most applicants, no matter how qualified, will never receive an invitation.

This does not mean the General Skills Migration (GSM) program is dead — but it is highly competitive. 

Which Occupations Are Still Receiving Invitations?

Looking at invitation results from 2025, one thing is clear: Australia is inviting only where there is genuine demand.

If you are under 45 and your occupation is clearly in shortage, it may still be worth:

• Obtaining a skills assessment

• Improving your English score

• Positioning your EOI strategically

High-Demand Jobs in Australia for Skilled Migration

Occupations currently receiving invitations include:

• Construction trades (bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers)

• Construction managers

• Healthcare professionals

• Secondary school teachers

When GSM Is Not the Best Migration Pathway

Some occupations remain on the skilled lists but are not receiving invitations, including:

• Marketing specialists

• Accountants

• Cooks

• Enrolled nurses

• Software engineers

• Contract administrators

• Niche roles such as artistic directors, copywriters, and dog handlers

In these cases, GSM visas may not be your strongest pathway.

Alternative Visa Options to Consider

Instead, you should consider:

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Alternative pathways, such as partner visas if you have an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident partner

We understand that employer sponsorship is not easy — especially if you are offshore — but thousands of applicants succeed each year, and you may be one of them.

Check our blog, “How to Find a Sponsor,” for helpful tips on how to find an Australian business to sponsor you.

Queensland National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – 2026 Update

Queensland has now opened nominations for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).

This visa offers direct permanent residency and targets exceptionally talented individuals, including:

• Entrepreneurs

• Innovative investors

• Researchers

• Athletes

• Creatives

Permanent Residency Pathway for Individuals: 

• Up to the age of 55, or higher in exceptional cases 
• High-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland 
• Innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

This is one of the strongest permanent residency pathways currently available.

 
We have published a detailed guide explaining the Queensland NIV nomination process.

 
We also offer a free NIV assessment, where our team can check your eligibility.

Adelaide University Opens: What This Means for Students

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University has officially opened enrolments, becoming the largest university in Australia.

This will bring:

• More international students

• Increased investment in South Australia

However, students must have a clear migration strategy before enrolling and applying for a student visa, especially if permanent residency is part of the long-term plan.

Check our blog “Best 8 courses to study in Australia to get PR”. 

Student Visa Changes for India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan

Applicants from India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Bhutan may face increased scrutiny, as Australia has updated student visa assessment levels to strengthen integrity measures.

These changes may have been triggered by reports of widespread fraudulent degree practices. As a result, it is more important than ever for students to submit strong, well-documented applications.

Student Visa Expiry Reminder: Avoid Becoming Unlawful

We are seeing a large number of student visas expiring in March, many around the 15th.

Every year, people make the same mistake — waiting too long.

If your visa is expiring soon:

• Do not wait until the last minute

• Understand your next visa options early

• Lodge a valid application before expiry

Options may include course extensions, graduate visas, or transitions to skilled visas — but timing is critical.

How We Can Help You Plan Your Migration Strategy for Australia in 2026 

Migration to Australia in 2026 is still possible — but it requires realistic expectations, the right strategy, and early planning.

At Work Visa Lawyers, we are widely regarded as one of the best migration lawyers and one of the best registered migration agents in Adelaide, with extensive experience across skilled, employer-sponsored, and permanent residency pathways.

If you would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, please book an appointment and talk to our team.

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Entrepreneurs $1 Million or Investors $5 Million in Queensland for PR – National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

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Queensland has officially opened its National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) nomination program, a direct permanent residency pathway for:

• high-value entrepreneurs who commit AUD $1 million to new ventures in Queensland

• innovative investors who invest AUD $5 million in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem

The NIV has attractive features:

• a straight-to-permanent residency visa

• no skills assessment or points test

• age limit up to 55 or higher for those who offer exceptional benefits

Below is a simple and clear overview of what Queensland is offering, who may be eligible, and how the nomination process works.

What Is the National Innovation Visa (NIV)?

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is designed for exceptionally talented individuals who can contribute to Australia’s economy, innovation, and global competitiveness, including entrepreneurs and innovative investors.

Queensland has now released specific nomination criteria for entrepreneurs and innovative investors, along with a Registration of Interest (ROI) process.

There are 4,300 NIV places available nationally until 30 June 2026, although Queensland’s state nominations will be a smaller subset of this total.

We provide clear guidance on the National Innovation Visa on our website, and you can also complete our FREE online eligibility assessment to see if this pathway may be right for you.

Why This Is Important for Queensland

This program is expected to deliver major economic benefits to the state.

For example, if Queensland were to nominate just 200 innovative investors, this could inject at least $1 billion directly into Queensland’s innovation economy, with further job creation and long-term economic growth through business expansion and commercialisation.

Queensland NIV Nomination for Entrepreneurs

Queensland is seeking established or emerging entrepreneurs who are ready to commercialise or expand an innovative product or service in Queensland.

Key eligibility requirements

To be considered for Queensland nomination as an entrepreneur, you must:

What evidence may be required

If Queensland contacts you after submitting your ROI, you may need to provide evidence such as:

Examples of strong supporting evidence include

Queensland NIV Nomination for Innovative Investors

Queensland is also nominating innovative investors who have a strong track record of supporting high-growth, innovative ventures.

Key eligibility requirements

To be considered as an innovative investor, you must:

Accepted investment structures may include

What evidence may be required

If invited to proceed, Queensland may request evidence such as:

Candidates with experience in Tier One or Tier Two high-growth priority sectors will be highly regarded.

How the Queensland Nomination Process Works

To seek Queensland Government nomination, you must:

Nomination is competitive and discretionary, and not all eligible candidates will receive an invitation.

Please note that securing Queensland nomination does not guarantee an invitation for all the grant of National Innovation Visa. 

We can assist you with submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI), the NIV Expression of Interest (EOI) and visa application if you are invited.

Entrepreneurs and investors, the wait is over!

Many were left disappointed after the Australian Government closed the subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visa on 1 July 2024.

This left investors with very limited options to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

Complete Our Free NIV Assessment

The National Innovation Visa criteria, as outlined in Direction 112, are complex, and candidates must meet the requirements set out by both the Department of Home Affairs and the Queensland Government.

Strong evidence, positioning, and alignment with Queensland’s priorities are critical.

We have detailed guidance on the National Innovation Visa available on our website, and you can also complete our FREE online eligibility assessment to check whether this pathway may be suitable for you.

If you are an entrepreneur or investor considering Queensland nomination, early planning is essential. 

For tailored advice, we recommend speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer before submitting your ROI.

Please book an appointment with our team. For earlier availability, please call our office or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Sources: 

NIV Queensland Website: https://www.tiq.qld.gov.au/invest/national-innovation-visa

Department of Home Affairs NIV: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/national-innovation-visa-858

NIV Sectors: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/working-in-australia/visas-for-innovation/national-innovation-visa