National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) Australia | Eligibility, Priority Sectors and How to Apply
Overview
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), commonly referred to as the NIV, is a permanent residence visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in their field. The NIV is designed for established and emerging leaders with high calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to benefit Australia's future prosperity. This includes global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives.
What Programs Does the NIV Replace?
The National Innovation Visa consolidates and replaces several previous visa programs into a single streamlined pathway for exceptional talent:
Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) including Subclasses 188 and 888
Global Talent Visa (GTI) Subclass 858 (previous iteration)
Distinguished Talent Visa legacy provisions
Expression of Interest and Invitation Process
You cannot directly apply for the NIV. Instead, you must first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then be invited by the Department of Home Affairs before you can lodge an application. The Department assesses EOIs based on four priority areas, with priority one being the highest. Nomination from a state or territory government, such as Tasmania, gives an EOI priority two status.
How the EOI Process Works
Obtain a nomination from a state or territory government or an approved Australian organisation
Lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) online through the Department of Home Affairs portal along with your nomination documents
The Department of Home Affairs reviews your EOI and decides whether to invite you to apply
If invited, lodge your full visa application ensuring you meet all required criteria
Priority Sectors for NIV Invitations
The Department of Home Affairs considers specific priority sectors when issuing invitations. These sectors are divided into two tiers:
Tier One Priority Sectors
These sectors receive the highest priority when the Department is assessing EOIs:
Tier Two Priority Sectors
These sectors are also considered when issuing invitations:
Eligibility for State or Territory Government Nomination
State and territory governments can nominate NIV candidates to attract exceptional individuals who can contribute in the areas of innovation, productivity and economic growth. For example, the Tasmanian Government actively nominates candidates through Migration Tasmania. To be considered for a state nomination, you must meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate exceptional talent through a record of internationally recognised achievement in your field
Have an established relationship with a state government department or authority, a university or its associated research institutes, or be recommended by a business that has an established relationship with a state government department
Be referred by a state government department or authority, or an area of a university with expertise in your field
Meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria for the National Innovation Visa
Show a genuine commitment to live in and contribute to the nominating state or territory
Indicators of Exceptional and Recognised Achievement
Candidates must demonstrate exceptional achievements and expertise through one or more of the following indicators:
Receipt of awards for exceptional and outstanding achievements (for example, Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, Olympic gold medal)
Significant research funding or advanced academic qualifications
High profile keynote appearances or global leadership roles
Intellectual property rights or successful commercialisation outcomes
Proven innovation or entrepreneurial activity
Sporting or creative achievements that enhance Australia's international reputation
Other indicators of exceptional, internationally recognised talent
How to Be Nominated by a State Government
Using Tasmania as an example, the following outlines the typical step by step process for obtaining a state government nomination:
1. Establish a Relationship with a Relevant Organisation
You must have engaged with a state government department or agency, a university, or another relevant research or academic organisation on work in your field of internationally recognised expertise. Your work must be of the scale and vision to deliver significant innovation, productivity and economic growth to the state. You must have an existing relationship with the department, agency or institution, and a representative will be able to present a compelling business case on your behalf.
2. Obtain a Nomination from the State Government
A state government department or agency can support your nomination based on your internationally recognised expertise and how that expertise will be transferred to the state. The department's representative must prepare a short business case to support your nomination. The state migration authority will work with the government department, university, or other relevant research or academic organisation to complete the Home Affairs Form 1000 nomination form.
3. Submit Your Expression of Interest
Once your nomination documents are complete, submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs along with your state government nomination. The EOI must be lodged through the Department of Home Affairs online portal.
4. Invitation to Apply for the NIV
After you submit your EOI, the Department of Home Affairs will decide whether or not to invite you to apply for a National Innovation Visa. If you are invited to apply, make sure you meet all the required criteria before lodging your visa application. Nomination from a state does not guarantee an invitation. Invitation and visa decisions are made solely by the Department of Home Affairs.
Information for Nominating Organisations
Government agencies, universities, and academic or research institutions that wish to nominate a candidate must prepare a business case that outlines:
How the applicant has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their profession, the arts, sport, or research and academia
How the applicant would be an asset to the Australian community, in particular the nominating state or territory
Details of the applicant's proposed activity in the state and how their skills and experience would be utilised
The representative will then submit this business case to the state migration authority, who will complete the Form 1000 nomination form and provide both the business case and the application form back to the candidate.
Organisations that are not representing a government department, such as academic or research institutions like a university, may still nominate an eligible candidate. Provided they can present a compelling business case, the state migration authority may be able to nominate the candidate on their behalf.
Key Features of the NIV at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | Subclass 858 |
| Visa type | Permanent residence |
| Application method | Expression of Interest (EOI) then invitation |
| Nomination required | Yes, from a state/territory government or approved Australian body |
| Priority with state nomination | Priority two status for EOI assessment |
| Target applicants | Global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives |
| Tier one sectors | Critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, health industries |
| Tier two sectors | Agri-food and AgTech, education, defence, financial services, infrastructure, resources |
Important Note
The BIIP is closed to new applications. If you were planning to apply under the old Business Innovation or Significant Investor stream, you must now wait for the NIV or explore alternative pathways. Nomination from a state or territory does not guarantee an invitation or a visa. The Australian Government through the Department of Home Affairs is solely responsible for invitation and visa decisions.