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National Innovation Visa

→ Australian Visa and Immigration Advice → NATIONAL INNOVATION VISA - AUSTRALIA

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NIV for Talented

In 2025, Exceptionally Talented Applicants can apply for the National Innovation Visa and acquire Permanent Residence of Australia! Contact VisaConnect's Migration Agents for an initial NIV Visa eligibility Assessment Now!

The National Innovation Visa targets the following high calibre migrants who can make significant contributions that will be of a considerable benefit to Australia's economic prosperity:

  • Global Researchers
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Innovative Investors
  • Athletes and Creatives

Expression of Interest

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), with information regarding your Exceptional Talent, including listing major Achievements (Awards, Publications, Keynote Speaker Presentations, Patents etc), qualifications, Resume/CV and Recommendations. In addition, your updated CV/Resume and Highest Qualification should be uploaded to the EOI to prove your Innovation and Research capabilities.

EOI Application

The EOI (Expression of Interest) is the Applicant's Statement of Intent and interest in applying for the NIV 858 Visa. The EOI is not a Visa application, and even if the EOI is approved and you receive an Invitation, it is no guarantee that the Visa will be approved. The claims made regarding your Exceptional Talent in the EOI will need to be confirmed with evidence of all your Achievements, such as Publications, Patents, Presentations, Awards etc. Also, if the Applicant has secured a State Government Nominator, then the Government Nominator's application must be uploaded to the EOI.

Note that the EOI can be submitted directly by the Applicant or by your Registered Migration Agent. If a Migration Agent is representing and assisting you, then the APplicant will need to sign Form 956 (Appointment of a Migration Agent).

EOI Priority Order

The following is the Priority Order in terms of your EOI receiving an Invitation to apply for the Subclass 858, National Innovation Visa: 

Priority One - Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards, including: Nobel prize, Pullitzer prize, Rousseaux prize and Gold medal Olympic Athletes.

Priority Two - Applicants from any sector nominated on the approved 1000 Nomination Form, by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.

Priority Three - Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector:

  • Critical Technologies
  • Health Industries
  • Renewables and Low Emission Technologies

Priority Four - Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector:

  • Agri-food and AgTech
  • Defence Capabilities and Space
  • Education
  • Financial Services and FinTech
  • Infrastructure and Transport
  • Resources

Critical Technologies

Critical Technologies includes potentially transformative enabling technology, with the following specialisations:

  • Advanced information and communication technology
  • Advanced manufacturing and materials technology
  • Artificial intelligence technology
  • Autonomous systems
  • Biotechnology
  • Clean energy generation and storage technology
  • Cyber security technology
  • Quantum technology
  • Photonics
  • Robotics
  • Positioning, timing and sensing technology

Renewables and Low Emission Technologies

This sector includes Renewables and Low-Emission Technologies, in the following specialisations:

  • Bio-methane production
  • Circular economy innovations
  • Clean energy technology
  • Emission reduction and carbon storage
  • Green metals
  • Low-carbon liquid fuels
  • Processing and refining of critical minerals
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Transmission, distribution or storage
  • Renewable hydrogen
  • Waste to Energy (WtE) technology.

Innovation in Medical Manufacturing

This Innovation in Medical Manufacturing sector includes the following specialisations:

  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Artificial intelligence in health
  • Biochemistry and cell biology
  • Biotechnology
  • Genomics
  • Emerging health threats and emergencies
  • Health economics
  • Implantable and wearable devices
  • Infectious disease prevention
  • Pharmaceuticals and precision medicine
  • Medical science manufacturing for therapeutic products

Nomination by Government Agency

Applicants who have exceptional and outstanding talent can possibly get Nomination by a specialised Commonwealth or State/Territory Government Agency, under Priority Two including:

  • Athletes and creatives who will increase Australia’s international standing in their field
  • Evidence of innovative investment activity with a proven track record of supporting successful innovative ventures
  • Evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly where linked to Commonwealth, State or Territory based innovation hubs.
  • Recognised intellectual property attributed to the Applicant, for example holding relevant international patents.

Victorian Government Nomination

As at 17 July 2025, the Victorian Government is now able to Nominate National Innovation Visa candidates to the Australian Government in order to attract high-calibre, high-performing individuals who can drive innovation, productivity and economic growth in Victoria and contribute to enhancing the State’s international profile.

Your Expression of Interest (EOI) will be supported by Victoria State Nomination to the Australian Department of Home Affairs and enables you to be considered under Priority Two of the visa processing pathway.

Requirements for Victoria

To be eligible for Victorian nomination, Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Demonstrate exceptional talent - through a career record of significant achievements.
  • Have Contacted a Victorian Government department or agency - regarding how your internationally recognised track record and expertise will be transferred to Victoria.
  • Be Referred - by a Victorian Government department or agency with expertise in your field.
  • Meet the Department of Home Affairs’ criteria - for the National Innovation Visa.
  • Be Aged under 55 Years - (or provide a compelling case if under 18 or over 55).
  • Prove a Genuine commitment - to live in and contribute to the State of Victoria.

NSW Government Nomination

In July 2025, the NSW Government announced that it will start to support eligible Applicants applying for an EOI for the National Innovation Visa with NSW Government Nomination.

The NSW Government will support Nominations through 5 Priority pathways:

  1. 1. Academic and Researcher
  2. 2. Entrepeneur
  3. 3. Innovative Investor
  4. 4. Sports Professional
  5. 5. Creative Professional

Queensland Government Nomination

As at 11 September 2025, Migration Queensland are evaluating Queensland government nomination under the NIV program. Currently, the nomination process is not open. However, Migration Queensland will release information regarding Nomination when prepared, with the timeframe still to be determined.

South Australian Government Nomination

As at 11 September 2025, the South Australian State Government is open for NIV Nomination. Applicants are required to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) application.

Checklist for NIV Registration of Interest to SA

1. Personal Identification and Details

  • A copy of the biodata page of your current valid passport.
  • A copy of your visa approval letter from the Department of Home Affairs (if you are in Australia).
  • A copy of your Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 4 pages).

2. Qualifications

  • A Graduation certificate and/or academic transcript for any qualification relevant to your NIV ROI application.
  • For any qualification(s) completed in Australia, you must provide a copy of your academic transcript or a letter from your Education Provider confirming course completion.

3. Employment Reference Letter or Job Offer Letter

An employment reference letter for:

  • Any current employment and/or a South Australian job offer relevant to your NIV ROI application.
  • Your current employment reference letter (if applicable) that details: Job role, tasks, salary, workmduration and location.

4. Appointment of Migration Agent

Completion of Form 956 for Appointment of Migration Agent to assist and advise you with your ROI for the NIV.

 5. Letter of Referral from South Australian State Government Agency

A Referral Support letter (if available) from the South Australian State Government Agency referring you to submit a NIV ROI application that details: any proposed cooperation or collabotation with the SA State Government Agency and how your area of work or business aligns with this SA Government Agency.

6. Resident in Australia

Provide evidence of currently residing in Australia, including, Current lease agreement, recent Utility bill or Current Vehicle Registration.

ACT Government Nomination

As at 11 September 2025, the ACT State Government is considering and reviewing the procedures for ACT Government Nomination munder the NIV Program. Currently, the ACT Government Nomination Program is not yet open and therefore it is not possible to make an Expression of Interest, as yet.

Migration Agents NIV Advice

Contact VisaConnect's Migration Agents and Australian Immigration Lawyers at VisaConnect for advice and assistance with the National Innovation Visa for permanent residence, in Australia. Our Registered Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers are experienced and ethical. We can assist eligible Innovation visa clients in our offices in Parramatta, Sydney, Australia and Singapore and Hong Kong. Moreover, our Australian qualified Lawyers can advise clients worldwide, with a fast and efficient Consultation by telephone or Zoom Video call, with advice regarding:

  • Eligibility Assessment for the National Innovation Visa
  • Visa Application process and Residency requirements
  • Supporting documents to prove Innovation
  • Expression of Interest (EOI) requirements
  • Guidance regarding Nominator and review of Form 1000 and attachments
  • Preparation of Evidence of Innovation, Leadership, Research and Exceptional Ability
  • Advice regarding how to sit an English language test and required score
  • Advice regarding how to apply for Police Clearance certificates
  • Medical examination and Chest x ray referral letter
  • Visa Processing time guidance
  • Government Visa Application fee

In 2025, call or Email VisaConnect's Migration Agents for fast, professional advice and assistance with your National Innovation Visa application for Australian permanent residence!

VisaConnect Australia Office

Contact VisaConnect's Consultants at our Sydney, NSW, Australia office below:

VisaConnect Sydney
Suite 19, 103 George Street
Parramatta
NSW 2150
Australia

Telephone: (+61) 2 9151 7350

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Processing time for an NIV EOI?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted for the National Innovation Visa is processed according to your Priority Order. So, if the Priority is 1, then it may take just 1 -3 months. For Priority 3, it appears that the processing time is approximately 9 - 11 months.

After receiving an Invitation, how long do I have to apply for the 858 Visa?

After submitting an EOI, and receiving an Invitation to apply for the 858 Residence visa, the Applicant has 60 days to prepare and submit their application for the 858 Visa.

What are the requirements for a Nominator?

The Nominator should have an International reputation in the same field as the Applicant, and also have Exceptional Talent in the field. The Nominator is usually an Expert in their sector, such as a University Professor, with substantial Research and Publications. Also, the Nominator must be an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident, an Eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organization. 

How do I apply for State Government Nomination?

Apply for State or Territory Nomination at the start of the process. Each State has their own application requirements. For example, NSW requires Applicants to complete an initial Registration of Interest and the Applicant must work in a specific field, including: Researchers and Academics, Entrepeneurs, Innovative Investors, Sports Professionals and Creative Professionals. 

What is the processing time for the Subclass 858 Visa?

As at October 2025, the NIV 858 Visa processing time is approximately 9 - 22 months.

Do I need to undergo Medicals and get a Character certificate?

Yes, you will need to undergo a comprehensive set of Medicals and a Chest x-ray, as well as provide Police Character certificates for every country that you have lived in for 12 months or more, during the last 10 years.

Does the Immigration Department need my original documents?

No, all original documents should be scanned, with a high-quality colour scan, and saved as separate pdf files.

In what areas, should the Applicant have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement?

In the following areas: 1. A Profession. 2. A Sport. 3. the Arts. 4. Academia and Research.

For the 858 Visa, do I need to upload my Documents?

Yes, you or your Registered Migration Agent must upload to the Immi Account, all your documents relating to your Identity, your Family's Identity, Evidence of your Achievements and any other relevant documents.