National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858 Visa
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858 is a permanent visa designed to attract the world’s brightest minds and most accomplished professionals. This visa supports exceptionally talented individuals who can drive innovation, economic growth, and global competitiveness in key sectors of the Australian economy.
The NIV seeks both established and emerging leaders with a proven track record of excellence in their field, ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of global innovation.
Benefits of the Subclass 858 Visa
Permanent Residency
The Subclass 858 visa grants you permanent residency in Australia
Access to Healthcare
You will be eligible for Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Australian citizenship
This visa has a pathway to Australian citizenship.
Work and Study Flexibility
You can work and study anywhere in Australia without any restrictions on location.
Travel Rights
You can travel to and from Australia freely for five years
Sponsor eligible relatives
You can sponsor your family or any eligible relatives to live with you in Australia
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) – Replacing the Global Talent Visa
Effective 6 December 2024, the National Innovation Visa (NIV) will replace the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) while retaining the same visa subclass. This visa is designed to attract exceptionally talented individuals who will drive economic growth and innovation in sectors of national importance.
Key Features of the NIV (Subclass 858):
Direct Pathway to Permanent Residency – No temporary visa stage; applicants obtain PR directly.
No Age or Occupation Restrictions – Open to individuals of all ages and fields.
Nomination Required (Form 1000) – Applicants must be nominated by an Australian citizen, PR, eligible NZ citizen, or an Australian organization with a national reputation in their field.
Invitation-Only Process – Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply. EOIs remain valid for two years.
English Language Requirement – Functional English is required, or applicants can pay a second Visa Application Charge (VAC).
Subclass 858 Visa
MAIN REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?
The NIV targets individuals with an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in the following fields:
Academia & Research
Leading global experts with high publication and citation records.Leading global experts with high publication and citation records.
Entrepreneurs
Both established and emerging innovators, particularly those engaged in successful State and Territory-led programs.
Innovative Investors
High-impact investors focused on quality and influence over financial thresholds.
Athletes & Creatives
Individuals representing Australia internationally in sports, arts, or creative industries.
Applicants must demonstrate:
✔ Continued prominence in their field
✔A clear benefit to the Australian community (e.g., job creation, research advancement)
✔Ability to establish themselves in Australia without difficulty
Invitation Priority Order (DOHA Selection Criteria)
Invitations will be issued in the following priority order:
Exceptional Global Experts – Recipients of top international awards.
Government-Nominated Candidates – Nominated by Commonwealth, State, or Territory agencies.
Tier 1 Sectors:
Critical Technologies
Health Industries
Renewables & Low-Emission Technologies
Tier 2 Sectors:
Agri-Food & AgTech
Defence & Space
Education
Financial Services & FinTech
Infrastructure & Transport
Resources
How DOHA Assesses "International Recognition"
To qualify, applicants must show a sustained record of exceptional and outstanding achievements that meet global standards. Key indicators include:
Holding senior positions in internationally recognized organizations.
Leading major international projects with global impact.
Having world-renowned research or pioneering innovations.
Competing in elite international sports events or producing acclaimed artistic works.
DOHA evaluates qualifications based on Australian tertiary education standards and compares achievements to international benchmarks.
Sample Profiles of Eligible Applicants
Here are seven examples of business owners, entrepreneurs, and skilled professionals who could apply for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858):
Tech Startup Founder – AI & Critical Technologies
Profile: A founder of an AI-driven cybersecurity firm specializing in threat detection, holding patents, investor backing, and international recognition.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by a leading Australian tech incubator, demonstrating how AI solutions can enhance Australia’s cybersecurity sector.
Biotech Innovator – Health Industries
Profile: A biotechnology researcher and entrepreneur who co-founded a startup developing a revolutionary cancer treatment, with multiple peer-reviewed publications and research grants.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by an Australian medical research institute, showcasing expertise that can contribute to Australia’s biotech industry.
Green Energy Investor – Renewables & Low-Emission Technologies
Profile: An impact investor leading multi-million-dollar investments in green hydrogen and solar power projects, aligning with Australia’s clean energy transition goals.
Visa Pathway: Secures nomination from a renewable energy advocacy group, highlighting the potential to fund and develop large-scale renewable projects in Australia.
AgTech Entrepreneur – Agriculture & Food Innovation
Profile: A founder of a precision farming startup developing AI-powered soil monitoring systems to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage, with global AgTech awards and pilot projects.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by an Australian agricultural research institute, with plans to expand operations in Australia to enhance local food production efficiency.
Aerospace Engineer – Defence & Space
Profile: An aerospace scientist and satellite engineer who has worked on propulsion systems for major international space agencies, with groundbreaking research and international awards.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by an Australian aerospace company to lead satellite development projects, advancing Australia’s capabilities in space technology.
FinTech Innovator – Financial Services & FinTech
Profile: A co-founder of a blockchain-based payment platform that has been adopted by major international banks, securing millions in venture capital funding.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by an Australian FinTech association, with innovations that can enhance the country’s digital finance ecosystem.
Infrastructure Expert – Smart Cities & Transport
Profile: A civil engineer and smart infrastructure consultant specializing in AI-powered traffic management systems, with projects improving urban congestion in major cities worldwide.
Visa Pathway: Nominated by an Australian infrastructure firm to implement smart traffic solutions in Australia’s growing urban centers.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
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These will continue to be processed but the processing priorities in Migration Direction 112 will apply
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These EOIs will not be carried forward, a new EOI is needed under the NIV.