The National Innovation Visa (NIV) was launched on 7th December 2024 and replaced the Global Talent Visa (GTV) and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). The NIV aims to attract exceptionally talented individuals who can drive Australia’s innovation economy, foster critical growth, and improve global standing. Under Subclass 858, there is a pathway for applicants from diverse backgrounds and industries. 

This article aims to provide essential information on the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858. Key information in this article:   

• Key features of the National Innovation Visa (NIV)

• National Innovation Visa (NIV) priority groups  

• Eligibility criteria for the National Innovation Visa (NIV) 

• Steps to apply for the National Innovation Visa (NIV)  

Key features of the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858  

• Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR): Visa holders can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. 

• Flexibility in age and English proficiency: There are no specific age limits, and applicants with less than functional English can opt to pay a second Visa Application Charge (VAC). 

• No occupation restrictions: The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is available to individuals across various sectors, provided they meet the achievement criteria. 

• Invitation requirement: The NIV is an invitation-only Visa and applicants must receive a written invitation from the Minister to apply for the NIV within a specified timeframe.  

• Alignment of achievements: The applicants are required to demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements that is outlined in their invitation letter. 

National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 priority groups  

Priority 1 – This includes exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards. These awards include (but are not limited to):  

• • Nobel Prizes, Breakthrough Prizes, Rousseeuw Prize, Eni Award, Institution of Electrical Engineers Medal of Honor, Fields Medal, Chern Medal, Abel Prize, L’Oreal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science, Turing Award, ACM Prize in Computing  

• • Pulitzer Prize, International Booker Prize  

• • International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal  

• • Olympic Gold Medal, Laureus World Sportsman or Sportswoman of the year. 

Priority 2 – Priority 2 is focused on individuals from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency. This may include:  

• • Athletes and creatives who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field  

• • Evidence of innovative investment activity with an established 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 them, for example holding relevant international patents. 

Priority 3 – Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector such as:  

• • Critical Technologies  

• • Health Industries  

• • Renewables and low-emission technologies 

 Priority 4 – Candidates 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 

Eligibility criteria for the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 

• Displaying exceptional achievements in their respective fields.  

• Demonstrating they would be an asset to the Australian community, culture and economy. 

• Proving that they can secure employment or establish themselves in their area of expertise. 

• Securing a nomination by an Australian individual or organisation. 

• Have functional English proficiency or be willing to pay additional applicant charge to be exempted from this criterion. 

Steps to apply for the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 

• Determine your eligibility – The first step to apply for the National Innovation Visa (NIV) is to assess your eligibility. The Visa should suit your goals, career path, qualifications and industry experience.  

• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) – As the National Innovation Visa (NIV) is an invitation-only visa, submitting an EOI is crucial. You can submit the EOI via the online Government portal. This is the step where you add detailed information and of your qualifications, experience and aims of contributing to Australia’s economy.  

• Wait for an Invitation to apply – If your EOI is successful, you will receive an invitation to submit a visa application. 

• Lodge your Visa application – Submit the necessary documentation, including evidence of qualifications, experience and industry recognition to support your application.  

• Receive the Visa decision – If successful, you will be granted permanent residency under the National Innovation Visa subclass 858.  

At Questra Immigration, our team of experienced and registered migration agents can help you achieve your Australian dreams via the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858. Get in touch today if you need support:   

• Understanding your eligibility  

• Submiting your application  

• Navigating the complexities of the Visa process