National Innovation Visa: Australia’s invitation-only visa program for global talent
On 7 December 2024, the Australian government launched its new National Innovation Visa (NIV), an invitation-only permanent visa program for exceptionally talented migrants from around the world.
The exclusive program aims to attract established and emerging leaders with world-leading skills who can make significant contributions that will benefit Australia’s future prosperity. This includes global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, and high-calibre athletes and creatives.
This visa has replaced the Global Talent visa, which closed to new applicants as of 6 December 2024. Global Talent visa applications submitted before this date will continue to be processed in accordance with the government’s processing priorities and annual migration planning levels.
National Innovation Visa eligibility requirements
To apply for a National Innovation (subclass 858) visa, you will need to meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must have been invited to apply for the visa and lodge your visa application within 60 days of invitation.
- You must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following areas:
- A profession
- A sport
- The arts
- Academia or research.
- You must have a nominator with a national reputation in your area of talent who is one of the following:
- An Australian citizen.
- An Australian permanent resident.
- An eligible New Zealand citizen.
- An Australian organisation.
There is no age limit for the NIV and English language requirements are flexible. The government will accept Expressions of Interest (EOIs) made from overseas or from people already in Australia on a temporary visa.
How to apply
The National Innovation Visa is an invitation-only program. This means the Australian Department of Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply for the visa.
The application process consists of the following basic steps:
- To be considered for an invitation, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) that shows your achievements. You can submit an EOI from inside or outside Australia, but you must not be in immigration clearance when you apply and when this visa is granted. EOIs for the NIV are valid for 2 years. You may be invited to apply for a visa at any time during this period.
- If the Department of Home Affairs invites you, your invitation will contain a unique reference and identifier to use when you apply for a visa. You must apply within 60 days of the invitation.
- The visa application is completed online, and as part of your application you will need to submit your supporting documents and pay the application fee (from AUD 4,840.00).
The Department of Home Affairs will notify you on the outcome of your visa application in writing. For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool.
National Innovation Visa benefits
This exclusive visa offers many benefits for the highly talented migrants who qualify for the program.
With a National Innovation Visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare.
- Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia for 5 years.
- If eligible, apply for Australian citizenship.
Support with your Australian visa application
If you require advice on this category or if you would like to discuss your Australian immigration options, our global immigration team is here to help.
Smith Stone Walters is now part of Envoy Global, the leading corporate immigration services provider committed to delivering a better way for companies to manage global immigration.
This partnership will significantly expand our global immigration services and enable us to offer an even higher level of support for employers and applicants. To find out more, please contact us today.
