What is the National Innovation Visa?
The National Innovation Visa is an Australian permanent residence pathway for individuals who have established a recognised record of achievement and are able to make a meaningful contribution to Australia.
This visa replaced the previous Global Talent visa while retaining the Subclass 858 classification. Applications are invitation based and require the submission of an Expression of Interest before an invitation can be issued.
The program is designed to attract individuals whose work and achievements are recognised internationally and whose expertise aligns with Australia’s long-term national priorities.
MARA registered migration agent Joanna Chen explains how timing is assessed when preparing and lodging a National Innovation Visa application.
National Innovation Visa at a Glance
The program is designed for people whose achievements are recognised internationally and who are active contributors in their field. It supports talent across areas such as research, academia, emerging technologies, business innovation, creative industries, and elite sports.
- Permanent residence visa under Subclass 858
- Invitation only program
- Requires an Expression of Interest
- Requires nomination through Form 1000
- Focuses on internationally recognised achievement
- Prioritised by sector and contribution level
Expressions of Interest remain valid for two years. The Department issues invitations based on priority categories, with the highest ranked applicants identified and invited first.
Benefits of the National Innovation Visa
The National Innovation Visa provides permanent residence in Australia, offering long term stability and flexibility. With this visa, you may:
- Live in Australia on a permanent basis
- Work and study in Australia without limitation
- Access free English language classes through the Adult Migrant English Program, subject to eligibility
- Enrol in Australia’s public health care system, Medicare
- Sponsor eligible family members to migrate to Australia
- Travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of visa grant
- Apply for Australian citizenship, if you meet the relevant eligibility requirements
Who the Subclass 858 Visa Targets
The National Innovation Visa targets individuals who are actively contributing at a high level within their field and whose work demonstrates recognition beyond their home country.
- Researchers and thought leaders with significant publications, recognition, or international achievements
- Entrepreneurs with experience linked to State or Territory initiatives
- Investors focused on innovative and high impact commercial activities
- Athletes and creatives who have represented Australia or achieved recognition beyond their home country
Applicants are expected to demonstrate achievement that clearly stands out within their profession or discipline.
Eligibility Requirements for the National Innovation Visa
To be considered for the National Innovation Visa, applicants must demonstrate:
- An internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research
- Ongoing prominence and active participation in their field
- A clear ability to contribute to Australia
- No difficulty in obtaining employment or becoming established in Australia
- A completed Form 1000 from an eligible nominator with a national reputation
- Functional English or willingness to pay the second Visa Application Charge
Applicants who are under 18 or aged 55 and older must also demonstrate that their contribution will provide exceptional benefit to Australia.
Invitation Priority Categories
Invitations for the National Innovation Visa are issued based on four priority levels.
Priority one
Exceptional candidates who are global experts or recipients of top of field international awards.
Priority two
Candidates nominated by an Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government agency using an approved Form 1000.
Priority three
Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector, including:
- Critical technologies
- Health industries
- Renewables and low emission technologies
Priority four
Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector, including:
- Agri food and AgTech
- Defence capabilities and space
- Education
- Financial services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and transport
- Resources
Priority one and two candidates are invited as soon as they are identified. Priority three and four candidates are invited on a monthly basis.
Tier One and Tier Two Sectors Explained
The program recognises two groups of priority sectors.
Tier One
- Critical Technologies
- Health Industries
- Renewables and low emission technologies
Tier Two
- Agri food and AgTech
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
Applicants with strong achievements in these areas have higher invitation opportunities.
Form 1000 Nomination Requirement
Applicants must provide a completed Form 1000 from an eligible nominator.
The nominator can be:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
- an Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same field.
The nominator must confirm the applicant’s achievements and explain why the applicant is suitable for the National Innovation Visa.
If clarification is required, the Department may request additional information from the applicant or the nominator.
International Recognition
Applicants must show recognition that extends beyond their home country. The field must be practiced internationally, and achievements must align with global standards.
Examples of acceptable indicators include:
- Senior roles in internationally recognised organisations
- Leadership of major international projects
- Academic research with global applications or significant citations
- Awards or achievements recognised at an international level
- Creative or sporting accomplishments that are recognised worldwide
The Department considers qualifications, research standing, professional roles, collaborations, and recognition from respected institutions.
What Is Considered Exceptional and Outstanding Achievement
Achievement is considered exceptional and outstanding when it clearly places an individual above the usual standard in their field.
Evidence may include:
Academia and research
- Reports, books, or refereed journal articles
- Prestigious awards
- High citation counts
- Honours or academic titles
- Grants, fellowships, or appointments
- Patents with strong prospects of application
- Statements from institutions or supervisors
Professions
- National or international industry awards
- Statements from employers and industry peers
- Senior professional titles
- Media recognition
Sport
- International rankings
- Membership of national teams
- Results in major tournaments
- Statements from sporting bodies
Arts
- Published works
- Sales, exhibitions, or commissions
- Awards in creative industries
- Recognition by peers
- Media features
A single major achievement may be accepted where it is highly innovative and clearly demonstrates distinction.
Age and English Requirements
There is no standard age limit for the National Innovation Visa.
Applicants younger than 18 or aged 55 and older must demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia. This contribution must be ongoing, sustained, and realised soon after arrival. It may include economic contributions, job creation, research development, or raising Australia’s global standard in a particular field.
Applicants must show functional English or pay the second Visa Application Charge.
National Innovation Visa Invitation Process
The National Innovation Visa is invitation based.
Expressions of Interest remain valid for two years. Invitations are issued according to priority levels. Priority one and two candidates are identified and invited promptly. Priority three and four candidates receive monthly invitations.
The Department may request additional documents if further verification of achievements or recognition is required.
National Innovation Visa Eligibility Checklist
Use the checklist below to assess whether you meet the core requirements for the National Innovation Visa.
Visa Status at Time of Application
You must meet one of the following conditions:
- If applying from outside Australia, you do not need to hold a specific visa
- If applying in Australia, you must hold:
- A substantive visa, or
- Bridging Visa A (subclass 010), or
- Bridging Visa B (subclass 020), or
- Bridging Visa C (subclass 030)
If you currently hold, or last held, one of the following visas, you must have held it for at least three years at the time of application:
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
Invitation Requirement
You must be invited to apply before you can lodge a National Innovation Visa application
Nomination Requirement
At the time of application, you must:
- Provide a completed Nomination for National Innovation Visa (Form 1000)
- Be nominated by an individual or organisation with a national reputation in your field who is one of the following:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian organisation
- Ensure all relevant questions on Form 1000 are answered correctly and the form is signed by your nominator
Record of Exceptional and Outstanding Achievement
You must demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following areas:
- A profession
- A sport
- The arts
- Academia and research
This includes demonstrating that you:
- Have superior abilities and achievements compared to others in your field
- Are recognised as exceptional in countries where your field is practised
- Have a sustained record of achievement that is unlikely to diminish in the near future
- Participate in an area that is recognised in Australia and has international standing
Ongoing Prominence
- You must continue to be active in your field, with recent exceptional achievements demonstrating that you remain prominent
Benefit to the Australian Community
You must show that your contribution will benefit Australia as a whole. This contribution may be:
- Economic
- Social
- Cultural
- Academic, artistic, or sporting, enhancing Australia’s international standing
Ability to Establish Yourself in Australia
You must demonstrate that you will be able to:
- Find work in your area of expertise, or
- Become independently established in Australia without difficulty
Age Considerations
- There is no age limit to apply for this visa
If you are under 18 or 55 years or older at the time of application, you must demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community
The exceptional benefit must be:
- Ongoing
- Sustained
- Likely to be realised shortly after migration
Examples may include:
- Making exceptional contributions to the Australian economy
- Creating employment opportunities for Australian residents
- Driving research, development, or innovation in nationally important sectors
- Enhancing Australia’s global standing in a significant field
English Language Requirement
- Applicants aged 18 years and older must provide evidence of at least functional English
- If you do not have functional English, you must pay a second instalment of the visa application charge, or notify this preference through your ImmiAccount
Health and Character Requirements
- You and any family members included in the application must meet health requirements
- Family members not migrating may also be required to meet health requirements
- You and family members aged 16 and over must meet character requirements
- Family members not migrating may also be assessed for character requirements
Australian Government Debt
- You and any family members must not owe money to the Australian government
- Any outstanding debt must be repaid or a formal repayment arrangement must be in place before visa grant
Australian Values Statement
If you are 18 years or older, you must:
- Read, or have explained to you, the Life in Australia booklet
- Confirm your commitment to respect Australian values and obey Australian laws by signing the Australian Values Statement
Immigration History
- Your immigration history will be considered
- You may be ineligible if you have previously had a visa cancelled or an application refused
In some circumstances, applicants with prior refusals or cancellations may still apply, subject to legislative limitations
How Ugrant Migration Assists
Ugrant Migration provides guidance across the full National Innovation Visa process, including:
- Eligibility assessment
- Positioning and Strategy
- Document preparation
- Evidence organisation
- Form 1000 guidance
- State Nomination Registration of Interest
- Expression of Interest submission
- Support throughout the application process
Our goal is to help you present your strongest case to meet the high standards of the National Innovation Visa.
Why Use a MARA Registered Migration Agent
Australian migration law is complex, technical, and subject to frequent policy change. Engaging a MARA registered migration agent ensures your visa strategy and application are handled in line with current legislation, professional standards, and Department of Home Affairs expectations.
Ugrant Migration is an Australian migration agency led by Joanna Chen, a MARA registered migration agent. All migration advice and case strategy are provided under her direction, ensuring accountability, accuracy, and policy aligned guidance.
As a MARA registered agent, Joanna Chen is regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority and is required to:
- Provide lawful, accurate, and up to date migration advice
- Act in clients’ best interests under a strict Code of Conduct
- Maintain ongoing professional knowledge of Australian migration law and policy
- Handle client information responsibly and confidentially
- Take professional responsibility for migration strategy and application preparation
At Ugrant Migration, the focus is on clear assessment, structured case planning, and realistic guidance. For complex visas such as the National Innovation Visa, this means carefully assessing eligibility, aligning evidence with assessment criteria, and presenting applications in a way that reflects how decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs.
Working with a MARA registered migration agent at Ugrant Migration provides clarity, compliance, and professional oversight, helping you make informed migration decisions with confidence.