Queensland has opened nomination pathways under the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) for individuals who can deliver exceptional economic, research, cultural, and innovation benefits to the state.
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The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a direct permanent residency visa, designed for highly talented individuals across several key sectors. Queensland has now published detailed nomination guidelines and evidence requirements for each pathway.
This blog provides an overview of all NIV pathways available in Queensland.
If you are an entrepreneur or investor, we have published a separate, more detailed blog covering those pathways in depth, which we recommend you review for full eligibility and evidence requirements.
What Is the National Innovation Visa (NIV)?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa for individuals who are internationally recognised and who can contribute to Australia’s national interest.
Queensland currently offers nomination pathways for the following sectors:
- Global Researchers
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative Investors
- Creatives (Arts and Cultural Professionals)
- Athletes and Sports Professionals
Each pathway has both Home Affairs indicators and Queensland Government guidelines, and candidates must meet both to be considered for nomination.
If a state nominates you for the NIV, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for the NIV visa significantly increase. At present, Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria are open for candidates to submit an Registration of Interest (ROI) to seek state nomination.
We also have a detailed page explaining the National Innovation Visa, as well as a free assessment where our team can assess your eligibility.
Queensland Global Researchers Pathway
Queensland is actively seeking world-class researchers who will strengthen the state’s international research reputation.
Home Affairs indicators
You must demonstrate that you are at the top of your field, such as by:
- Holding a PhD with high academic influence or thought leadership, and/or
- Being a recipient of a national-level or international research grant for high-quality research
Queensland Government guidelines
Queensland requires global researchers to have a strong academic profile (including a high h-index for their career stage) and meet one of the following:
- Criteria 1: A confirmed job placement at a Queensland university
- Criteria 2: Confirmed funding (via grant or partnership) to support a research placement at a Queensland research institute for at least two years
Examples of supporting evidence
- Letter of support and executed employment contract from a Queensland university
- Research funding agreements or grants (e.g. ARC Linkage, CRCs)
- Research proposals and partnership agreements
- Evidence of leading research projects, supervising HDR students, or industry collaboration
- Funding or support from Queensland or Australian science and innovation programs
Queensland Entrepreneurs Pathway – 1 Million Investment
Queensland nominates established or emerging entrepreneurs who are ready to commercialise or expand an innovative product or service in the state.
Key points
- Minimum investment threshold: AUD $1 million
- Business must be innovative and aligned with Queensland’s priorities
- Strong focus on operational readiness and economic contribution
This pathway requires detailed business, funding, and commercialisation evidence.
For full eligibility criteria and evidence requirements, please refer to our detailed blog on the Queensland NIV for Entrepreneurs and Investors.
Queensland Innovative Investors Pathway – 5 Million Investment
Queensland also seeks innovative investors with a proven track record of supporting high-growth ventures.
Key points
- Minimum investment: AUD $5 million
- Investment commitment of two or more years
- Investments may include venture capital, private equity, R&D, asset management, or co-investments
Investors must demonstrate both financial capacity and active involvement in innovative ventures.
For full eligibility criteria, investment structures, and evidence requirements, please see our dedicated Queensland NIV Investor blog.
Importance of the Queensland Entrepreneur and Investor Pathways
The National Innovation Visa is designed to deliver significant long-term benefits to Queensland’s economy.
Even a relatively small number of nominations can have a major impact. For example, if Queensland were to nominate just 200 innovative investors, this could result in around $1 billion being invested directly into Queensland’s innovation ecosystem, supporting business growth, job creation, and ongoing economic development through commercialisation and expansion.
Athletes and Sports Professionals Pathway (Brisbane 2032 Focus)
Queensland offers a National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) pathway for elite athletes and sports professionals who will enhance Australia’s international sporting reputation and support Queensland’s long-term high-performance sport strategy, particularly in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
This pathway is suitable for:
- Elite athletes
- High-performance coaches
- Sports specialists such as sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches
Home Affairs indicator
- Athletes and sports professionals who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field.
Queensland Government guidelines
Queensland seeks high-calibre sporting talent that can:
- Strengthen Queensland’s elite sport and high-performance systems
- Develop local sporting talent and specialist expertise
- Contribute to community sport and athlete development programs
- Support workforce gaps in high-performance and sports science roles
Examples of supporting evidence
If invited to proceed after submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI), evidence may include:
- An internationally recognised record of sporting achievement
- Evidence of specialist roles aligned with high-performance sport needs
- Post-graduate qualifications in sport or performance-related fields
- ESSA accreditation or Sport Scientist Level 2 (ASpS L2), where applicable
- Letters of support from the Queensland Academy of Sport, Australian Institute of Sport, or a funded national sporting organisation
Creatives Pathway
Queensland offers a pathway for elite or high-calibre creatives who will enhance the state’s arts, cultural, and creative sectors.
This pathway is particularly relevant in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a strong focus on building Queensland’s creative capacity and international reputation.
Home Affairs indicator
- Creatives who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field
Queensland Government guidelines
- Individuals who can make a unique contribution to Queensland’s arts, culture, and creative industries
- Contribution may include cultural impact, sector development, or specialist technical skills
Examples of supporting evidence
- Portfolio of creative work or professional résumé
- Academic or vocational qualifications demonstrating technical expertise
- National or international awards or recognition
- Evidence of a job offer, funding, or commercial creative projects in Queensland
How the Queensland Nomination Process Works
Across all pathways, the process generally involves:
- Meeting Home Affairs NIV indicators
- Meeting Queensland Government guidelines
- Submitting a Registration of Interest (ROI)
- Providing detailed supporting evidence if invited by Queensland
Nomination is competitive, which means there are limited places available and the Queensland Government selects only the strongest candidates.
Meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee that you will receive an invitation.
Applications are assessed comparatively, and preference is given to candidates who can clearly demonstrate exceptional achievements, strong evidence, and a clear benefit to Queensland’s economy, innovation, research, sport, or creative sectors.
How Work Visa Lawyers Can Help
The National Innovation Visa is a highly strategic visa, and success depends on strong evidence, careful positioning, and alignment with Queensland’s priorities.
We provide clear guidance on the NIV across all sectors, and you can also complete our free online eligibility assessment to see whether this pathway may be suitable for you.
If you are considering Queensland nomination under any NIV pathway, early planning is critical. We recommend speaking with an experienced immigration lawyer before submitting your Registration of Interest.
Take our free NIV assessment.
