NATIONAL INNOVATION VISA | SUBCLASS 858

Potential applicants may include:

• Global researchers and academics
• Entrepreneurs
• Innovative investors
• Highly accomplished professionals
• Athletes
• Artists and creatives
• Other exceptionally talented individuals with internationally recognised achievements

The National Innovation Visa is invitation-only. Before a visa application can be lodged, an applicant must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.

National Innovation Visa Subclass 858 Eligibility

The National Innovation Visa is a highly selective migration pathway. Applicants need to demonstrate achievements that distinguish them as exceptional and outstanding in their field.

Internationally Recognised Achievement

A strong application should demonstrate an established record of achievement that is recognised internationally.

Depending on the applicant's profession, relevant evidence may include:

• International awards or recognition
• Published research and academic achievements
• Significant professional accomplishments
• Major business or entrepreneurial achievements
• Patents or innovative developments
• Media recognition
• Industry leadership
• Significant sporting achievements
• Artistic or creative achievements
• Evidence of international influence
• Other substantial evidence demonstrating exceptional standing in the field

The Department considers the achievements claimed in the EOI and later assesses the visa application on its own merits and supporting evidence.

Who Is the National Innovation Visa For?

The National Innovation Visa can be relevant to exceptionally talented individuals such as:

Global Researchers and Academics

Researchers and academics with internationally recognised research achievements, publications, awards or significant contributions to their field may be considered.

Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders

The visa may be relevant to successful entrepreneurs and business leaders whose achievements demonstrate significant international recognition and potential contribution to Australia.

Innovative Investors

Highly accomplished investors with a strong record of achievement and relevant expertise may also be considered.

Athletes

Elite athletes with internationally recognised sporting achievements may potentially qualify, subject to the applicable requirements.

Artists and Creatives

Accomplished artists and creative professionals with an internationally recognised record of achievement may be considered under the National Innovation Visa program.

National Innovation Visa Invitation Process

Unlike many Australian visas, you cannot simply lodge a National Innovation Visa application without first receiving an invitation.

The general pathway is:

Expression of Interest → Invitation → Visa Application → Assessment → Visa Decision

Step 1: Prepare Your EOI

Submit an Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs National Innovation Visa EOI process.

The EOI should clearly present your achievements and supporting evidence.

The Department requires applicants to provide information including their:

• Passport biodata page
• Resume or CV
• Highest qualification
• Evidence supporting their claimed achievements
• Other required supporting documentation

Documents submitted with the EOI must be in English, or accompanied by appropriate English translations.

Step 2: Submit the EOI

The EOI is submitted to the Department for consideration.

Importantly, an EOI is not a visa application, and submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation.

An invitation also does not guarantee that the eventual visa application will be approved.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation

The Department considers submitted EOIs according to the applicant's claimed achievements and the National Innovation Visa priority framework.

Invitation rounds currently occur monthly.

Step 4: Lodge the Visa Application

If invited, the applicant can proceed with the National Innovation Visa application and provide the detailed evidence required to establish that the visa criteria are satisfied.

The visa application is assessed independently from the EOI.

National Innovation Visa Priority Areas

The Department currently uses priority levels when considering NIV candidates.

Priority One

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

Priority Two

Exceptional candidates from any sector who are nominated by an expert Australian, State or Territory Government agency.

Priority Three

Exceptional candidates with achievements in Tier One sectors, including:

• Critical technologies
• Renewables and low-emission technologies
• Health industries

Priority Four

Exceptional candidates with achievements in Tier Two sectors, including:

• Agri-food and AgTech
• Defence capabilities and space
• Education
• Financial services and FinTech
• Infrastructure and transport
• Resources

The Department's invitation data shows that priority sectors can significantly influence the distribution of invitations.

Australian Nomination

A National Innovation Visa application requires an eligible nomination.

An applicant may be nominated by an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation, subject to the applicable requirements.

Where an applicant is nominated by an expert Australian Government or State or Territory Government agency, additional nomination documentation and a supporting statement are required.

The nomination should support the applicant's claims and explain their potential contribution to Australia.

English Language Requirement

English requirements may apply depending on the applicant's circumstances.

Australian visa English-language requirements and approved testing arrangements changed from 7 August 2025, so applicants should rely on the current Department of Home Affairs requirements rather than older IELTS or PTE information.

Where applicable, an applicant who does not meet the required English standard may be subject to a second visa application charge.

National Innovation Visa Benefits

The National Innovation Visa is a permanent visa.

Successful applicants may generally:

• Live permanently in Australia
• Work in Australia
• Study in Australia
• Include eligible family members
• Access Medicare where eligible
• Travel to and from Australia during the applicable travel facility
• Potentially become eligible for Australian citizenship
• Potentially sponsor eligible family members for appropriate Australian visas

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

National Innovation Visa Family Members

Eligible family members may be included in the visa application, subject to the applicable requirements.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Spouse
• De facto partner
• Dependent children
• Other eligible dependent family members

Applicants should ensure that all family relationships are accurately declared and supported by appropriate documentation.

National Innovation Visa Processing

The National Innovation Visa is subject to a dedicated processing priority framework.

Ministerial Direction 120, which commenced on 25 July 2026, applies to subclass 858 applications, including National Innovation Visa applications.

Processing times can vary depending on the application, supporting evidence, Department workload and applicable priorities.

Applicants should not rely on a guaranteed processing timeframe.

National Innovation Visa: EOI vs Visa Application

It is important to understand that the EOI and visa application are two different stages.

An EOI is not an assessment of visa eligibility, and an invitation is not a guarantee of visa approval.

National Innovation Visa EOI Evidence

A strong EOI should present evidence clearly and consistently.

Depending on the applicant's field, evidence may include:

• Professional CV
• Academic qualifications
• International awards
• Research publications
• Citation records
• Patents
• Business achievements
• Investment achievements
• Media coverage
• Sporting results
• Artistic achievements
• Professional memberships
• Industry recognition
• Evidence of leadership
• Evidence of international influence
• Evidence of potential contribution to Australia

Applicants should focus on quality and relevance of evidence, rather than simply submitting a large number of documents.

National Innovation Visa and Previous Global Talent Visa

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

The National Innovation Visa is therefore the current subclass 858 pathway for exceptionally talented migrants.

The former Distinguished Talent and Global Talent pathways should be treated as historical or legacy programs rather than current visa application categories.

Why Choose The Visa for National Innovation Visa Assistance?

The National Innovation Visa is one of Australia's most selective permanent migration pathways. A successful strategy requires more than simply having a successful career or high qualifications.

At The Visa, we can assist eligible applicants with:

• National Innovation Visa eligibility assessment
• Achievement and profile assessment
• EOI strategy
• Supporting evidence review
• CV and achievement presentation
• Nomination considerations
• Priority-sector assessment
• Visa application preparation
• Supporting documentation
• Family member considerations
• Ongoing application guidance

Are You a Highly Accomplished Professional?

If you have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement as a researcher, entrepreneur, investor, professional, athlete, artist or creative, the National Innovation Visa may be an Australian permanent migration option worth assessing.

Contact The Visa to discuss your profile, achievements and potential National Innovation Visa pathway.

Australian visa requirements, invitation priorities, eligible sectors and processing arrangements can change. This information is general in nature and should not be treated as legal advice. Check the latest Department of Home Affairs requirements before submitting an EOI or visa application.