National Innovation visa

A new invitation-only permanent visa program for exceptionally talented migrants is now open

On 7 December 2024, the National Innovation visa replaced the Global Talent visa.

The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) (NIV) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from across the world. These migrants will help create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.

This may be in areas like advanced robotics, quantum computing and clean energy. Or for those who are exceptionally talented in a field of sport (think Gold Medallists) or within the Arts (think Oscar winning performance).
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These individuals need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs. The department will then invite a select number of people who have made an EOI to apply for a NIV.

How will an EOI be selected?

Invitations will be given in the following order of priority, with priority one being the highest:

Priority one

Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards.

Priority two

Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.

Priority three

Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector.

These are:

• ​Critical Technologies: Potentially transformative enabling technology. This includes artificial intelligence, advanced robotics and cyber security technology.
• Renewables and low emission technologies: Technology that will support Australia to reach net zero.
• Health Industries:​ Innovation in medical manufacturing and capabilities in medical science.

Priority four

Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector.

These are:

• Agri-food and AgTech: Innovation or value-adding in agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors.
• Education: Academia, research or management in universities and higher learning institutions.
• Defence Capabilities and Space: Advancing defence and space capability.
• Financial Services and FinTech: Advancing innovation in the financial services or technology industries.
• Infrastructure and Transport: Advancing innovation in the transport sector and infrastructure projects.
• Resources:​ Innovation, product development or value adding in resource sectors or critical minerals supply chains.

The nuts and bolts of this visa

• Visa Cost: from $4840, additional costs apply for your dependants - The EOI is free.
  
• Validity of EOI: 2 years. 
  
• Validity of Visa: Permanent Resident!

By invitation only: you will need to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait.  No associated bridging visa will be given to the EOI.
Selection: Per Ministerial Direction No. 112, applications will be evaluated based on specific priority tiers, with the highest priority for those recognised as global experts or recipients of top-tier international awards.  
Application time: 60 days from receipt of your invitation.  Bridging Visa will be given if lodged from onshore.
Nomination: Must be nominated by a specified person or an organisation that has a national reputation in your field on Form 1000 and this is to be provided at the time of application.  It is recommended that you are sure you can obtain this even during the EOI stage.
The fields: a specific profession, sport, the arts, academia and research.  You must be currently prominent in your field showing recent achievements.
Age restriction: none!
English: show a functional level of English or pay additional costs.

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As always, we recommend you engage with a registered migration agent to ensure all the steps are taken in the correct order.  One misstep can mean missing out on receiving an invitation, or worse – a visa refusal.  A small investment to ensure a lifetime of security in Australia. 

Contact us to book a personalised consultation where we can discuss your history and eligibility.