DISTINGUISHED TALENT VISA (SUBCLASS 124)

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Core Eligibility Requirements

The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is an Australian permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research. The visa is designed to attract established and emerging global leaders who can make a significant contribution to Australia's future prosperity.

Exceptional and Outstanding Achievement

Applicants need to demonstrate a strong and internationally recognised record of achievement in their field.

Depending on the applicant's background, this may include achievements as a:

• Global researcher or academic

• Entrepreneur or business leader

• Innovator

• Investor

• Athlete

• Artist or creative professional

• Other recognised leader in an eligible field

The Department considers the evidence supporting an applicant's achievements and the potential contribution they can make to Australia.

Invitation to Apply

The National Innovation Visa is invitation-only. Before applying for the visa, prospective applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) demonstrating their achievements and suitability for consideration.

Submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation, and receiving an invitation does not guarantee that the visa will ultimately be granted. The Department assesses the visa application separately on its merits.

Australian Nomination

A valid National Innovation Visa application requires nomination using Form 1000.

The nominator may be an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation, as specified under the migration requirements. In certain cases, an Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency may nominate an applicant and provide supporting evidence explaining the applicant's expected contribution to Australia.

Contribution to Australia

Applicants should be able to demonstrate that their expertise, achievements and proposed activities have the potential to make a significant contribution to Australia.

The National Innovation Visa program is particularly focused on attracting highly talented individuals who can contribute to Australia's future prosperity, productivity, innovation and nationally important sectors.

English Language

English requirements may apply depending on the applicant's circumstances. Where an applicant aged 18 or over does not meet the applicable functional English requirement, a second instalment of the visa application charge may apply.

Functional English can be demonstrated through specified citizenship, education or approved English-language test evidence. Australian English-language requirements and approved tests changed from 7 August 2025, so applicants should check the current requirements before relying on an English test result.

National Innovation Visa: Transition from Previous Talent Programs

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) was introduced in December 2024 and replaced the former Global Talent visa (subclass 858).

It is Australia's current invitation-only permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants. The program focuses on attracting highly accomplished individuals who can make significant contributions to Australia, including global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives.

The former Distinguished Talent and Global Talent pathways should therefore be treated as legacy visa programs, rather than current application pathways.

National Innovation Visa Priority Areas

The Department uses a priority framework when considering NIV candidates.

Current priority arrangements include:

1. Priority One: Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international top-of-field awards.

2. Priority Two: Candidates from any sector nominated by an approved Australian, State or Territory Government agency.

3. Priority Three: Exceptional candidates in Tier One sectors, including critical technologies, renewables and low-emission technologies, and health industries.

4. Priority Four: Exceptional candidates in Tier Two sectors, including agri-food and AgTech, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and FinTech, infrastructure and transport, and resources.

Priority arrangements can change, so applicants should review the current Department of Home Affairs requirements before submitting an EOI.

National Innovation Visa Permanent Residency Benefits

The National Innovation Visa is a permanent Australian visa. Successful applicants may generally:

• Live permanently in Australia

• Work in Australia

• Study in Australia

• Include eligible family members in their application

• Access Medicare where eligible

• Travel to and from Australia during the applicable travel facility

• Potentially apply for Australian citizenship when eligible

• Potentially sponsor eligible family members for certain Australian visas, subject to the applicable requirements

Permanent residence and Australian citizenship are separate statuses. Citizenship requires a separate application and satisfaction of the relevant citizenship requirements.

National Innovation Visa EOI Process

The pathway generally begins with an Expression of Interest, rather than directly lodging a visa application.

The process includes:

1. Assess your National Innovation Visa eligibility.

2. Prepare evidence of your exceptional and outstanding achievements.

3. Prepare your CV, qualifications and supporting evidence.

4. Identify an appropriate Australian nominator.

5. Submit the NIV EOI with the required documentation.

6. Wait for consideration and a possible invitation.

7. If invited, lodge the visa application through ImmiAccount.

8. Provide evidence supporting the achievements identified in the invitation.

An NIV EOI remains in the Department's system for two years. If invited, the applicant generally has 60 days to lodge the visa application, and the Department does not extend this application period.

Why Professional Advice Matters

The National Innovation Visa is a highly selective pathway, and submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation. The quality of your achievement evidence, international recognition, nomination and demonstrated potential contribution to Australia can be important when presenting your case.

The Visa can assist eligible professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovators, athletes and creatives in understanding the National Innovation Visa pathway, preparing an appropriate strategy and assessing the evidence required for an EOI and subsequent visa application.

Australian visa requirements, invitation priorities, eligible sectors and processing arrangements can change. Applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before submitting an EOI or visa application.