This article is updated regularly. Last updated: Friday, 27th of June 2025
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The New National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 replaced the Global Talent Visa on the 7 of December 2024.
Some of the Criteria has changed but it has maintained the same subclass of 858 and it still is a direct application straight to Australia Permanent Residency.
The NIV places a greater emphasis on achievements and awards and for some candidates allows for the state to nominate, which is a new feature.
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.
Take the free NIV assessment so our team can provide you with a free evaluation of your eligibility.
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 $175,000. Additionally, the Department of Home Affairs will assess the EOI application by analysing whether the applicant is at an international ‘top-of-field’ level.
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 or Territoty Nominations - Priority 2
Prior to submitting an EOI for this priority category, you will need to obtain a completed Form 1000 and supporting statement or letter from the Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
New South Wales Nomination
In June 2025, NSW recently announced the NSW National Innovation Visa (NSW NIV) framework. The framework has been designed to target individuals who meet the National Innovation visa’s (subclass 858) criteria of “exceptional and outstanding achievement”, whilst also having a clear alignment with NSW’s strategic interests – whether economic, scientific, cultural or sporting. NSW wants “innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovative ecosystem in NSW”
NSW Government recently stated in an industry presentation that their NIV nomination is:
- Not for Passive investment (not the BIIP)
- Not for vague or unsubstantiated ideas
- Not granted on potential alone
- Not fit for those without a track record
National Innovation Visa New South Wales Criteria
There are five nomination pathways in the NSW NIV:
- Academic and Researcher
- Pathway for individuals with a distinguished record of achievement and significant potential in academic or research fields of strategic importance to NSW; and
- Have ‘Research Excellence’. The applicant must demonstrate a strong track record of original and impactful research relevant to NSW's current or future economic or social needs.
- Entrepreneur
- Pathway for individuals with a demonstrated history of entrepreneurial success and innovative, scalable business ventures with high growth potential for NSW; and
- Have a “Track Record of Entrepreneurial Success”. The applicant should have a proven history of founding, leading, or significantly contributing to successful innovative businesses.
- Innovative Investor
- Pathway for individuals with a demonstrated track record of providing significant capital and expert insight into innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovation ecosystem within NSW; and
- Have a “Significant Angel Investment Track Record”. The applicant must demonstrate a history of providing substantial “angel” investment in innovative ventures with a track record of supporting their success.
- Sports Professional
- Pathway for highly talented individuals in sports, including athletes, coaches, and other specialists, who will raise NSW's international standing and contribute to the development of the sports sector; and
- For Athletes, have “Exceptional Sporting Achievement”. Athletes must demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievements at the highest levels of their sport, with significant national or international recognition; or
- For Coaches and Specialists, have “Outstanding Coaching or Specialist Expertise”. Coaches and specialists (e.g., sports scientists, high-performance managers) must demonstrate a proven track record of outstanding success and significant impact at a high level of sport.
- Creative Professional
- Pathway for highly talented individuals in arts and cultural fields who have achieved national or international recognition and will enrich NSW's creative and cultural landscape; and
- Have “Exceptional Talent and Artistic Distinction”: The applicant must demonstrate exceptional talent and a high level of artistic distinction in their specific creative field (e.g., music, visual arts, performing arts, literature, design, film, digital media).
NSW government is looking for evidence of action, not just aspiration. Favourable consideration for ventures already underway in NSW. They emphasise on a demonstrated past of achievement and seek applicants who have:
- A clear alignment with NSW priorities. Some key NSW strategies to consider include:
- Turning Ideas into Jobs,
- 20-Year R&D Plan; and
- R&D Roadmap
- An impact already underway
- Credible, well-supported plans to contribute to NSW.
Nomination process
There is an extensive process to obtain a NSW nomination. NSW is taking an EOI-led selection process to assess and nominate candidates. Candidates will be invited to apply for a nomination.
- Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
- Prospective candidates for NSW nomination will first submit an EOI through an online portal,capturing key information about the individual’s field, achievements, and proposed contribution to NSW.
- Expert Review and Shortlisting
- NSW nomination officers (with expertise across the pathways) will review EOIs. They will assess qualitative aspects – the significance of achievements, the credibility of the candidate’s plans, and fit with NSW priorities – applying a risk-based lens. The assessor may consult domain experts as needed.
- Invitation to apply for nomination
- Comprehensive Application & Third Party Endorsement
- Invited candidates will submit a complete application to NSW, addressing the relevant criteria in detail. In addition to an applicant’s letters of support, NSW will seek an independent expert endorsement for each shortlisted applicant.
- This endorsement will come from a recognised individual or institution with national or international standing in the applicant’s field, selected from a curated register of endorsers. This process ensures that every NSW nomination is underpinned by credible third-party validation.
- NSW assesses application and makes Nomination decision
- Final Nomination (Form 1000 and Letter of Support)
- Follow-Up
NSW will publish the latest program updates and nomination criteria on their website. You can also subscribe to their newsletter to receive regular updates, policy changes and invitation round alerts.
National Innovation Visa South Australia Criteria
In June 2025, South Australia recently published further information about their NIV nomination process.
There are five nomination categories which emphasise on the applicant’s contribution to SA’s economy and can drive innovation, growth and prosperity in the state. Nomination requirements for each category are published on their website.
- Global researchers and thought leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Creatives
- Other globally talented individuals, including athletes
Nomination process
Like NSW, SA has a Registration of Interest (ROI) nomination process. An ROI application can be submitted online through their Application Portal. Further information on how to apply is published on their websites.
For Innovative investors the following investments will not be considered as ‘innovative’ for the purposes of the SA nomination:
- Cafes and restaurants
- Consulting firms/companies
- Employment/labour hire agencies
- Franchises
- Purchase of existing enterprise
- Real Estate/rental management
- Retail.
If your application progresses, a Skilled and Business Migration officer will contact you about the assessment process, which includes an interview with representatives from the SA government.
If your nomination is successful, you will receive a completed Form 1000 and case letter to submit as part of your EOI application to the Department of Home Affairs.
National Innovation Visa Queensland Criteria
Migration Queensland are currently considering the framework for Queensland (QLD) government nomination under the NIV program. At this stage, the nomination process is not open. However, Migration Queensland will release details when ready, with the timeframe yet to be determined.
As QLD are considering their framework, it will be interesting to see whether they will adopt similar criteria that have been published by other state governments. However, based on industry information to-date we’re expecting the following will form the overall QLD NIV framework.
Nomination Process
Like NSW and SA, they are seeking Registration of Interests (ROI) from applicants that are:
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Athletes or
- Creatives
These applications are likely to be assed by Trade and Investment Queensland, which is a dedicated global business agency with representation in 16 countries, across 21 locations. Internationally they are led by 12 Trade and Investment Commissioners covering seven regions around the world. Their objectives is to help Queensland companies access international markets, establish and grow their export business while also facilitating foreign investments in the state.
Successful ROIs will be shortlisted and invited for an assessment.
Successful nominations will receive a completed Form 1000 and statement/letter of support from the Trade and Investment Commissioner.
General Criteria (QLD)
As a general criteria the applicant must:
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in there are of talent
- Be in a prominent area
- Be an asset to the Australin community; and
- Be able to get employment or become independently established in Queensland
Criteria for Innovative Investors
Meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria:
- Evidence of innovative investment activity with an established track record of support successful innovative ventures.
Meet the additional state criteria:
- Ready-to-invest innovative investors, with established track record or supporting successful innovative ventures
- Provide a Queensland investment threshold of AUD$5 million for a minimum of 2 years after visa grant in Queensland focussed projects with proposed structure/investment avenues such as:
- Private equit
- Venture capital
- Co-investments
Evidentiary requirements for nomination
- Proof of AUD$5 million in an Australian bank account in your registered business/company name, and a clear structured investment deployment plan into ‘supported funds’ when visa is granted.
- Track record of supporting successful innovative ventures for example:
- Previous investment in private equity, venture capital, research and development, co-investments and or asset management, investments linked to high-growth sectors and in one of the Department of Home Affairs deemed priority sectors.
- Successful exits or returns, IPOs, acquisitions, or funding rounds that contributed to economic growth
- For companies: shareholding, board positions, or leadership roles in start-ups, scale-ups, publicly listed companies or high growth ventures.
Criteria for Entrepreneurs
Meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria:
- Evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly linked to Commonwealth, State or Territory-based innovation hubs
Meet the additional state criteria:
- Established or emerging business owners/entrepreneurs, wanting to commercialise a product or service or develop their business in Queensland;
- Meet a Queensland investment threshold of AUD$1 million minimum to:
- Set-up or expand their business in Queensland
- Expand their business through joint venture opportunities
- Provide evidence of operational readiness and evidence of commitment to Queensland (i.e. actively begun implementing a business expansion strategy in Queensland) in the following 1-2 years.
Some examples of evidence for Entrepreneurs nomination ROIs
- Registered office and business presence, proof of business address or office lease with rental payments in Queensland
- Evidence of funds spent towards setting up the business e.g. market research, feasibility studies, licensing or regulatory approvals
- Onshore staff – e.g. employment contracts for staff employed in Australia
- Secured partnerships – e.g. signed Memorandum of Understanding or Joint Venture agreements with an Australian partner
- Proof of contracts with suppliers, distributors or clients in Queensland
- Evidence of engagement with state-supported innovation hubs or industry groups
- Proof of secured funding of at least AUD$1 million.
- Evidence of success and commercialised potential e.g.
- Established business growth and financial performance
- Commercial partnerships and contracts
- Secured funding
- Industry recognition and market validation such as awards, media recognition, government-backed support
Athletes and Creatives
Meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria:
- Individuals will raise Australia’s international standing in their field; and
Meet the additional state criteria:
- Elite talent that contributes to major events such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games and drive creative sectors such as the screen industry, AI and game development.
Other State and Territory nominations
As soon as we have more information about the nomination for the National Innovation Visa from Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory 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.
Submitting an EOI
To apply for the National Innovation Visa, you must first receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs. To be considered for an invitation, you need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
The Department of Home Affair will consider EOIs based on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements claimed and the NIV program priorities.
The Department stated:
“If we invite you to apply for a NIV, it does not mean we have pre-assessed your eligibility to be granted a visa. Once you lodge a visa application, we will assess you on the merits of your application and the supporting evidence you include when you apply.”
After the applicant submit an EOI, it will remain in the system for two years. During this period, the Department of Home Affairs may invite the applicant to apply for a National Innovation visa.
The applicant cannot update their EOI or submit additional documents once it has been submitted.
Avoid submit multiple EOIs unless there is a significant change in your circumstances.
Nominator
To apply for the National Innovation Visa the applicant must have a nominator who has a national reputation in the same area as you and be an Australia Citizen, an Australian Permanent Resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organisation
Apply onshore or offshore
If the applicant receives the invitation, they can apply for the National Innovation Visa from either inside or outside of Australia, as long as they hold a substantive visa or a Bridging Visa A, B, or C.
Do I need to meet exactly all the criteria required for the National Innovation Visa?
The published criteria serve as a base, but are not limited to them. For example, if you are considered an expert in a field but don't necessarily have an article published in Nature, but have published in other scientific journals, this can also be considered.
We recommend to complete our free NIV assessment to check your elegibility.
Complete the free NIV assessment
To summarize
The National Innovation Visa offers a direct pathway to Australian Permanent Residency for exceptional individuals in their respective fields. With flexible criteria, it recognizes a range of achievements, sectors, high salaries, and even state sponsorship for innovative investment.
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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