National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858

In launching the National Innovation Visa (NIV) program the Australian Government is providing a pathway to Australian permanent residence for exceptionally talented migrants who will make a significant contribution to a range of nationally important industry sectors. The NIV replaced the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program on 7 December 2024.

The NIV program is a small, invitation-only program seeking to attract to Australia, the world’s most highly skilled and talented individuals in four broad categories including:

• Global Research and Thought Leaders: with a global reputation of expertise in their field
• Entrepreneurs: established or emerging with evidence of promising entrepreneurial success
• Innovative Investors: with a demonstrated track record of supporting successful innovative ventures
• Athletes and Creatives: who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field

Summary of requirements

The NIV eligibility requirements include that the visa applicant:

• Has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field
• Is currently prominent in their field
• Will be an asset to the Australian community by bringing economic, social, cultural benefit, or will raise Australia’s academic, artistic, or sports standing internationally
• Must demonstrate that they will be able to find work or will not have difficulty in becoming independently established in their area of expertise in Australia

Applicants must also meet the English, health, and character requirements.

If aged under 18 years or 55 years and over, they must also demonstrate exceptional future benefit to Australia.

In addition, the applicant must be nominated by:

• An individual who is a permanent resident or Australian citizen and has a national reputation in the same field as the applicant; or
• An Australian organisation (which could be a prospective employer) with a national reputation, in the same field as the applicant.

Nominators must be prepared to attest to how the applicant is a global talent and meets the requirements for the grant of the visa.

Before applying for the visa, a NIV applicant must receive an invitation to apply via an Expression of Interest (EoI) process. The EoI and visa application will be considered base on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement claimed as well as the NIV program priorities, listed in the table below:

Innovation and Visa Application Processing Matrix

Priority Three is focused on Tier 1 Sectors which include:

• Critical Technologies
• Health Industries
• Renewable and Low Emission Technologies

Priority Four is focused on Tier 2 Sectors which include:

• Agri-food and AgTech
• Defence Capabilities and Space
• Education
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Infrastructure and Transport
• Resources

How we can help

Since the introduction of the GTI (now the NIV) pathway, we have assisted hundreds of applicants to secure these visas. We have also worked closely with organisations who have been willing to support eligible applicants, regardless of whether an employment offer was available.
Our professional services in relation to this pathway include:

• Assessing eligibility and whether it is a suitable alternative to other schemes
• Approaching the Department of Home Affairs to secure a unique identifier
• Undertaking research to support the application
• Interviewing referees and preparing their supporting statements
• Advising on documentation and supporting evidence
• Drafting supporting references, outlining achievements, prominence and benefit to Australia
• Drafting extensive submissions on how the applicant meets the requirements
• Preparing and submitting the nomination and visa applications
• Liaising with the Department of Home Affairs until a decision is made

For further information and a quotation for advice and assistance, please contact click here to contact Visa Lawyers Australia.