The National Innovation Visa (NIV) (subclass 858) (replacing the former ‘Global Talent Visa’) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from across the world. The visa targets established and emerging leaders and supports Australia’s need for highly skilled professionals across key sectors. This includes:
- Global Researchers: Academics and researchers with internationally recognised expertise.
- Entrepreneurs: Innovators driving commercial success through start-ups and tech ventures.
- Innovative Investors: Leaders investing in high-growth Australian businesses.
Athletes and Creatives: Professionals who elevate Australia’s global reputation in sports and the arts.
Benefits of the National Innovation Visa
The NIV offers a range of benefits for highly talented individuals looking to contribute to Australia’s innovation landscape. Here are the benefits of the NIV program:
- Permanent Residency – live and work in Australia indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship.
- No Age Limit – while all ages can apply, applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia.
- No Points Test or Skills Assessment – unlike other skilled visas, NIV does not require a points test or formal skill assessment.
- Functional English requirement – only functional English proficiency is required (or pay an additional visa charge if not met).
- Medicare Access (Australia’s healthcare scheme) – enjoy government healthcare benefits as a permanent resident.
- No Employer Sponsor Required – work freely in Australia without being tied to a specific employer or occupation.
- Apply in Australia or from Offshore – lodge your application in or outside Australia.
- Access to Health Waiver – applicants and their families are now able to seek a waiver of the health requirements if they suffer from a severe medical condition that would otherwise have resulted in a visa refusal.
- Priority Processing – certain high-calibre applicants in critical sectors receive faster processing.
Requirements for the NIV program
To be invited to apply for the NIV, applicants must:
- be internationally recognised for exceptional and outstanding achievement, remain prominent in their field, and provide evidence such as senior roles, patents, professional awards, international publications, or memberships
- demonstrate that they would be an asset to Australia, can easily gain employment or establish themselves in their field, and contribute to the country through economic, social, cultural, academic, artistic, or sporting achievements
- be nominated by a recognised organisation or individual in Australia within the same field or by an Australian State, Territory, or Federal Government agency.
Processing Priorities for NIV
Visa applications are processed according to Ministerial Direction 112, with priority given to:
Priority 1: Global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.
Priority 2: Nominations on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government agency.
Priority 3: Exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 sectors:
- Critical technologies
- Health industries
- Renewables and low-emission technologies
Priority 4: Exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 2 sectors:
- AgTech and Agri-food
- Fintech and Financial Services
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
Application Process for the National Innovation Visa
Step 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Begin by submitting an EOI for the NIV showing your achievements. Your EOI will remain active in the Department of Home Affairs system for two years from the date of submission.
Step 2 – Invitation
The Department of Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply for this visa.
Step 3 – Visa Application
Once invited, submit your 858 visa application within 60 days of receiving the invitation.
We know how important it is for you to understand the details and requirements for these visas. Our knowledgeable and experienced team at Migration Affairs is here to help you.
FAQs
A nominator must be:
- An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or
- An Australian organisation with expertise in your field
Your nominator must confirm your achievements and contribution to innovation.
Yes, you can include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner
- Your dependent children
We can provide recommendations and connections based on your professional profile. Migration Affairs is dedicated to working with independent National Innovation Advisers to identify and help exceptionally talented professionals in these target sectors obtain permanent residency in Australia.
Please also refer to our page regarding Independent National Innovation Advisors for further information.
Yes, 4,000 places are available for the National Innovation Visa program in FY2024/25.
Exceptional and outstanding achievements suitable for the NIV may include the following:
- International ‘top of field’ level awards
- Recipients of national research grants (e.g., Australian Research Council grants, equivalent level grants from other countries such as the UK Research and Innovation Grants Program)
- Holder of PhDs with a level of academic influence or thought leadership (e.g., recent publications in top-ranked journals, a high h-index for their stage of career, a research-based degree from a top global university)
- Other measures of high calibre talent (e.g., recent keynote appearance at a high profile international conference such as Web Summit, earnings at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT)
- Nomination by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency
- Promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia or the development of a business or enterprise in Australia
- Intellectual property ownership, such as holding relevant international patents
- Innovative business success, including leading a company to Initial Public Offering (IPO)
A job offer is not mandatory; however, applicants must showcase outstanding achievements and contributions in a priority sector, along with a demonstrated ability to foster innovation and create a meaningful impact in Australia.
Global Talent Visa applications already submitted will continue to be processed under the existing rules. The Department of Home Affairs will assess each application based on the criteria in effect at the time of submission, regardless of the transition to the National Innovation Visa.
