The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is Australia’s premier permanent residency pathway for globally recognised talent. Designed to attract exceptional individuals at the forefront of their industries, this visa offers a streamlined route to live, work, and contribute to Australia’s innovation and economic development.
Previously known as the Global Talent Visa, the 858 visa continues to evolve—now structured around a tiered priority field system that aligns with Australia’s future-focused growth sectors.
What Is Subclass 858?
The 858 visa provides immediate permanent residency to individuals who have an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement and who can demonstrate their potential to be a significant asset to Australia.
This is not a points-tested visa. Instead, your eligibility is based on:
Global recognition
Professional prominence
A trusted Australian nominator
Potential to contribute socially, culturally, or economically
Priority Fields for Eligibility
To qualify, your expertise must fall within one of Australia’s national priority fields, structured into tiers to reflect national interest:
Submit an EOI through the Global Talent portal, including details about your achievements, your priority field, and how you’ll contribute to Australia.
If selected, you’ll receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to formally apply for the visa.
You’ll have 60 days to lodge your visa application. Required documents include:
– Proof of international recognition (e.g., awards, patents, publications)
– Evidence of income potential or current salary at or above $183,100 AUD (Fair Work High Income Threshold as of 1 July 2025)
– Completed Form 1000 from your nominator
You and any family members included in your application must undergo health exams and provide police clearances.
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest (EOI)
Stage 2 – Invitation to Apply
Stage 3 – Visa Application
Stage 4 – Health & Character Checks
858 – Global Talent Visa – Processing Times
The processing duration for visas depends on the visa stream and applicant profile together with government workload requirements. The official government source provides the most accurate and current information about visa processing times.
Work & Study: Unrestricted rights throughout Australia
Travel: Multiple re-entry rights for 5 years, after which you can apply for a Resident Return Visa
Key Eligibility Criteria
Requirement
What You Need
International Recognition
A globally recognised track record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
Prominence
You must still be active and well-regarded in your field
Earning Potential
Ability to attract a salary at or above $183,100 AUD
Nominator
Must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen, or an Australian organisation with national standing in your field
Age
No strict limit, but if under 18 or over 55, you must demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia
English Proficiency
Functional English, or pay the second instalment visa charge
Benefits of the National Innovation Visa
Permanent Residency with full rights to live, work, and study in Australia
Access to Medicare, Australia’s public healthcare system
Pathway to Australian Citizenship after meeting the required residency period
Family Inclusion: Add eligible family members to your application
Global Mobility: Travel freely for five years, with renewal options via a Resident Return Visa
858 – Global Talent Visa - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What counts as "exceptional talent"?
Achievements must be internationally recognised—such as major awards, peer-reviewed publications, patents, high-profile roles, or significant media recognition.
Who can nominate me?
An Australian individual or organisation with national standing in your field. They’ll complete Form 1000 to endorse your application.
Do I need a job offer?
No. But you must show that you can establish yourself professionally in Australia, either through employment or independent work.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. You can include your spouse or partner, dependent children, and other eligible relatives in your application.
Will this lead to citizenship?
Yes. Once you’ve lived in Australia for four years (with at least one year as a permanent resident), you may be eligible to apply for citizenship.
Ready to Apply?
The National Innovation Visa is for high-calibre individuals who are ready to shape Australia’s future. At Questra, our migration experts will guide you through every step—from preparing your Expression of Interest to submitting a strong, decision-ready application.
Contact us today and take the next step toward living and innovating in Australia.
Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thank you all for your amazing support throughout this process. We felt guided every step of the way, and your kindness during more anxious moments helped us feel comfortable making informed decisions.
We are thrilled to share that our residency has been approved. Thank you again for everything
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Inna Kuzminykh
May 11, 2026.
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Great team to work with. Very responsive, with fast turnarounds, flexibility, empathy for their clients and strong knowledge of the migration process. Would highly recommend!
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April 29, 2026.
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I had a very positive experience with Bill's team handling my visa application. They were professional, knowledgeable, and guided the process efficiently from start to finish.
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April 16, 2026.
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I’m so grateful to Questra for helping me and my partner through our visa journey. From the beginning, they were supportive, patient, and always available to answer our questions.
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April 16, 2026.
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I had a really good experience with Questra. They helped me and my partner through the whole sponsorship process, and thanks to them I finally got my 186 visa granted.
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dayanna lorena torres arias
April 15, 2026.
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I just want to share my gratitude with Questra Immigration for all the support, advice, and diligence I received throughout my journey in Australia.
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March 2, 2026.
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We’ve been working with Questra Immigration for over a year now, and honestly, they’re fantastic.
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