National Innovation Visa (NIV) Program (Subclass 858)

National Innovation Visa (NIV) Program Eligibility 

The NIV emphasises candidate contributions in sectors with the below mentioned priority order: 

Priority 1 

• Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international “top-of-field” level awards. 

Priority 2 

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

Priority 3 

• Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector, including: 
  • Critical Technologies 
  • Health Industries 
  • Renewables and Low-Emission Technologies 

Priority 4 

• 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

If you’re a highly skilled worker in one of these fields – for instance a high-impact software engineer, AI researcher, biotech leader, fintech founder – the NIV offers a fast-track PR pathway through excellence, rather than points-based competition.

Criteria 

Applicants must meet core talent requirements: 

• Demonstrate internationally recognized exceptional achievements and sustained acclaim in your area of expertise (e.g., awards, patents, publications, leadership roles, or endorsements from global bodies). 
• Prove current, cutting-edge expertise in your domain. 
• Show that your contributions would provide significant long-term economic, social, cultural, or other benefits to Australia. 
• Evidence your ability to secure suitable employment or establish opportunities in your field within Australia. 
• Secure a nomination from an eligible Australian entity (individual or organization) who can attest to your standing and potential impact. 

Applicants should highlight a distinguished record of accomplishments, such as international awards, high-impact research/publications, entrepreneurial ventures with scalable innovation, or memberships in elite professional associations. Priority is given to nominees endorsed by government agencies, peak bodies, or award-winning programs. PhD holders and early-career disruptors in emerging fields are particularly encouraged. 

Requirements for Nominators 

A nomination is mandatory and must come from a reputable Australian source with expertise in your field. Eligible nominators include: 

• Australian citizens, permanent residents, or eligible New Zealand citizens. 
• Australian organizations, government bodies, universities, or industry associations. 

The nominator must: 

• Endorse your exceptional achievements and international reputation. 
• Explain how your talents will deliver exceptional benefits to the Australian community (e.g., innovation spillovers, job creation, or cultural advancement). 
• Outline your potential pathways to employment, settlement, and integration in Australia. 

Importantly, the nominator is not required to offer employment—the focus is on your independent potential to thrive. 

How to Apply?

Secure a nomination from an Australian entity

(This applies to the visa application stage, after you have been invited. At the EOI stage, nominations must come from an Australian state or government agency. Otherwise, an EOI can be submitted without a nomination). 

You must be nominated by an eligible Australian individual or organization with a proven national reputation in your field. This can include an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Australian entity – but not just any citizen; the nominator must be recognised as an expert in your domain. 

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) 

Your first action is to submit an EOI to the Department of Home Affairs — showcasing your achievements, globally recognised awards or publications, patents, business successes or athlete/creative accomplishments.  

Receive an Invitation to Apply 

If your profile meets the Department’s criteria and priorities in your field, you’ll receive an invitation to apply within the validity of your EOI (typically 2 years).  

Lodge your Visa Application 

Once invited, you must lodge your visa application (Subclass 858) within 60 days. Provide all supporting evidence including nomination, achievements, employment or business evidence and health/character checks.  

Grant of Visa & Permanent Residence 

If approved, you and your family (partner and dependent children) are granted permanent residency rights, unlimited stay, work and study, access to Medicare and eventual citizenship eligibility. 

What You Can Do With NIV?

Upon approval, the NIV grants immediate permanent residency, allowing you to: 

• Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia indefinitely. 
• Access Australia’s world-class public healthcare (Medicare) and social services. 
• Sponsor eligible family members (spouse/partner, dependent children) for their own visas. 
• Travel to and from Australia freely for 5 years (renewable). 
• Pursue Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements (typically 4 years). 

This visa positions you at the forefront of Australia’s innovation agenda, with no restrictions on changing employers or fields. 

Family Inclusion 

Your family unit (spouse/partner and dependent children under 23) can be included in the primary application at no extra cost, provided they meet health and character requirements. If you’re under 18, your parent(s) and their family can apply as dependents. Post-grant, you can sponsor additional relatives. Applications for family members added after lodgment may incur separate fees and processing. 

Want to Apply? We Can Help! 

Unlock your path to Australia’s innovation hub with expert guidance from Aussizz Group’s registered migration agents. We’ll handle EOI preparation, nomination sourcing, document curation, and full application submission to maximize your success under the NIV program.