National Innovation Visa (niv)

Yes. The Australian Government imposes an annual cap on the number of National Innovation Visas granted. As a result, the program is highly competitive, and applicants must demonstrate outstanding talent or achievement to be considered.

There is no minimum English language requirement for the initial application. However, each applicant aged 18 or over who cannot provide evidence of Functional English will be required to pay a second instalment fee of AUD 4,980.

Yes. A completed Form 1000 must be submitted at the time of application to support the nomination.

A nominator must be an individual or organisation with a nationally recognised reputation in the applicant’s field of expertise. This includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, eligible New Zealand citizens, or Australian organisations. The nominator is responsible for completing and submitting Form 1000, which affirms the applicant’s record of achievement.

There is no specific age limit. However, applicants under 18 or over 55 years of age must demonstrate that their proposed contribution to Australia will provide an exceptional, ongoing, and substantial benefit to the community.

An EOI for the National Innovation Visa is valid for two years from the date of submission. This provides ample time for applicants to secure a nomination and receive an invitation to apply.

Priority is given to applicants in the following order:
1. Global talent with prestigious international awards (e.g., Nobel Prize, Olympic Gold).
2. Nominees endorsed by Commonwealth, State, or Territory government agencies.
3. Applicants with exceptional achievements in Tier 1 sectors: critical technologies, renewable/low-emission technologies, and health industries.
4. Applicants in Tier 2 sectors: agri-tech, defence and space, education, fintech, transport, and resources.
5. All other eligible applicants.

To qualify for the Subclass 858 visa (Global Talent), applicants must show they are internationally recognized for exceptional and outstanding achievements in their field. This means they have a history of excellence and are likely to make a significant contribution to
Australia. According to Direction No. 112, the following are examples of what may be considered exceptional and outstanding:

• Academic or research excellence, such as major grants (e.g., from the ARC), publications in leading journals, or a high h-index.
• International recognition, including speaking at major global conferences or holding patents.
• High income or employment offers, particularly if they meet or exceed the high-income threshold under the Fair Work Act.
• Innovative or entrepreneurial success, especially if supported by reputable startup incubators.
• Notable leadership or community contributions that align with Australia’s national priorities.

These indicators help demonstrate a level of global distinction and future potential that the visa aims to attract.

Yes, you can still submit an EOI for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa, even if your field is not included in the priority sectors outlined in Direction No. 112.

While applicants in Tier 1 and Tier 2 sectors receive priority in processing, all eligible applications are assessed. Applicants outside the priority sectors may experience longer processing times but are not excluded from consideration. To be eligible, you must still demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievement in your area of expertise.

In summary, priority sectors influence processing order—not eligibility.

Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa from within Australia, provided you hold one of the following visas at the time of application:

• A substantive visa
• A Bridging Visa A (BVA) – Subclass 010
• A Bridging Visa B (BVB) – Subclass 020
• A Bridging Visa C (BVC) – Subclass 030

If you currently hold, or last held, a Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 491 or a Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa – Subclass 494, you must have held that visa for a minimum of three years at the time of applying.