National Innovation visa

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is designed to attract exceptional and outstanding talent to Australia. This visa is available to globally recognised researchers, innovative investors, artists, athletes, and other professionals with a proven record of sustained achievement in their field. The Australian Government expects that such individuals will contribute significantly to the country’s prosperity by driving innovation and creativity— leading to scientific discoveries, increased productivity, job creation, and an enhanced international profile for Australia.

This visa is available to applicants aged 18 to 55. However, if an applicant can demonstrate that they would bring exceptional benefit to Australia, the age limit may be waived.

Successful applicants become permanent residents of Australia upon visa approval and may later apply for Australian citizenship.

While this visa does not require sponsorship, applicants must be nominated by an individual or organisation that is a recognised authority in their field. For detailed nomination requirements, see the section below.

Interested individuals must first submit an Expression of Interest. If selected, they will receive an invitation to apply. The number of National Innovation Visas granted each year is subject to an annual quota, and invitations are issued based on the priority processing system outlined below.

Let's look at the applicants' priorities in more detail.

Priority 1

Candidates from any field who are of exceptional value and whose talent is recognized at the international level. They may be global scientists, experts or researchers, winners of international awards, holders of international titles and top-level awards in their field.

Priority 2

Candidates from any field of activity who have been nominated by an expert Commonwealth, State or Territory agency.

Priority 3

Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector: - 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

AUMA professional assistance in immigration to Australia

We help you assess your eligibility for the National Innovation Visa and offer expert guidance on how to strengthen your personal and professional presentation. Our goal is to position your application in the best possible light, increasing your chances of receiving an invitation in the shortest possible time.

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Let's look at the basic eligibility criteria for an applicant

1. Nomination

You must be nominated by an eligible individual or organisation with a national reputation in your field. The nominee should align with your professional background and achievements.

2. International Recognition

You must demonstrate outstanding and exceptional achievements recognised on a global scale. This can include:

Leadership positions in your field
Registered patents
Prestigious professional awards
Publications in international journals or media
Features in credible media sources
Membership in internationally recognised professional organisations

3. Current and Ongoing Excellence and Ability to become an Asset to Australia

You must be still prominent and continue to actively contribute to your field and be still recognised as an expert. Your application should also show that you will become an asset to the Australian community able to contribute to the nation as a whole.

4. Employability in Australia

Applicants should be able to establish themselves in the Australian labour market without difficulty. This can be demonstrated by:

Current employment
A formal job offer in Australia
Evidence of high demand for your skills or expertise

5. Salary Threshold

You must be able to attract a salary that meets or exceeds the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently AU$175,000, indexed annually on 1 July).

Acceptable evidence includes:

Current payslips or employment contract
Job offer confirming a qualifying salary

6. Age Requirements

You should be between 18 and 55 years old. Applicants over 55 may still be considered if they can demonstrate an exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

7. English Language Proficiency

You must have at least Functional English (equivalent to IELTS 4.5 overall).

Expert Advice

One of the most powerful ways to demonstrate your unique value as a candidate is through a strategic and well-structured business or impact plan. This document should go beyond listing your past and current achievements — it must clearly outline the future projects you intend to pursue in Australia. To strengthen your case, your plan should highlight how your work aligns with national priorities or emerging sectors; the tangible benefits your contributions will bring to the Australian community; data, projections, and measurable outcomes that support your claims. A compelling plan can significantly enhance your application and increase your chances of receiving an invitation under the National Innovation Visa program.

Discover the National Innovation Visa. Your achievements may be more extraordinary — and more valuable to Australia — than you think.

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Let's look at the requirements for National Innovation Visa nominators

To apply for the National Innovation (Global Talent) Visa, you must be nominated by an eligible individual or organisation with recognised expertise in your field. Eligible nominators include:

An Australian citizen
An Australian permanent resident
An eligible New Zealand citizen
An Australian organisation

Additionally, Australian state or territory governments may also act as nominators under certain circumstances.

Your nominator must operate in the same field in which you are prominent and have a national reputation in Australia for excellence in that field. They are not required to offer employment or sponsorship. Their role is solely to endorse your achievements, talent, and potential contribution to Australia.

While nominators don’t need to offer a job, applicants are expected to demonstrate that they can secure employment in Australia with ease and at a high income level. This can be supported by existing or potential business and professional connections in Australia, job offers or expressions of interest from Australian employers, evidence of market demand for your expertise, and a strategic business or career plan showing your pathway to success in Australia.