Ministerial Direction 120 Explained: National Innovation Visa Processing Priorities in Australia

Australia’s National Innovation visa subclass 858 is designed for exceptionally talented people who can make a significant contribution to Australia’s future. This pathway is not for general skilled workers. It is for high-calibre applicants such as global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives who can show exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field.

Ministerial Direction 120 is now important for this visa because it sets the order in which Class BX visa applications are considered and processed. Class BX includes the current National Innovation visa, as well as older Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visa applications that were lodged but not finally decided before the Direction started.

Ministerial Direction 120 came into effect on 25 July 2026 and revoked Ministerial Direction 112. It does not create a new visa. It does not guarantee approval. It does not remove the legal requirements for subclass 858. Instead, it explains the processing priority order and gives guidance on how decision makers assess “exceptional and outstanding achievement.”

Aussizz Group has helped 200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams, and this update is especially important for applicants who are planning a National Innovation visa Expression of Interest or are waiting for a decision under the subclass 858 pathway.

Ministerial Direction 120 is About Priority Order, Not Automatic Visa Grant

The first thing applicants should understand is that Ministerial Direction 120 is a processing direction. It guides decision makers on the order of considering and disposing of Class BX visa applications. It does not mean an applicant is eligible simply because they work in a priority sector.

A National Innovation visa applicant must still meet the visa requirements. The applicant must be invited before applying, must show exceptional and outstanding achievement, and must support claims with strong evidence.

This is different from visas such as subclass 189, 190 or 491. The National Innovation visa is not based on a simple points score. It is based on exceptional talent, recognised achievements, priority sectors and the applicant’s potential contribution to Australia.

Class BX Includes National Innovation, Global Talent and Distinguished Talent Applications

Ministerial Direction 120 applies to Class BX visa applications. This class includes the current National Innovation visa and also older versions of subclass 858 that existed before the National Innovation visa replaced the Global Talent visa.

This matters because some applicants may still refer to the visa as Global Talent, while the current pathway is the National Innovation visa. The processing priority direction now clearly covers the Class BX group.

For new applicants, the relevant pathway is the National Innovation visa subclass 858.

The Direction Sets Five Processing Priority Levels

Ministerial Direction 120 sets out five priority levels for Class BX visa applications. Priority 1 is the highest, and “all other visa applications” sit at the lowest level.

This priority order helps applicants understand why some profiles may be considered faster than others. A global award winner may sit above a strong sector-based candidate. A person nominated by an expert government agency may sit above someone who is relying only on general sector evidence.

However, priority level alone is not enough. The applicant still needs to prove they are exceptional and outstanding.

Priority 1 Is for Global Experts With Top-of-Field International Awards

The highest priority under Direction 120 is for exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards.

This is a very high standard. It is not about receiving a local certificate, workplace award or university prize. The Direction gives examples of major international-level awards, such as Nobel Prizes, Fields Medal, Turing Award, Pulitzer Prize, International Booker Prize, Olympic Gold Medal and other globally recognised awards.

Very few applicants will fit Priority 1. It is designed for people who are clearly at the top of their field globally.

Priority 2 is for Government Agency-Nominated Applicants

Priority 2 applies where the applicant is nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency using the approved Form 1000.

This can be important for applicants whose work aligns strongly with government strategic priorities. The agency nomination must explain why the applicant is being nominated and how their expertise is expected to make a significant contribution to Australia.

Applicants should not assume that any government connection is enough. The agency must be an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency, and the nomination must be properly documented.

Tier 1 Priority Sectors Sit Above Tier 2 Sectors

Direction 120 separates sector-based achievement into Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority sectors. Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 sectors are placed above applicants in Tier 2 sectors.

This does not mean Tier 2 sectors are weak. It simply means Direction 120 places Tier 1 sector applications higher in the processing order.

Applicants should also remember that being in a listed sector is not enough. The applicant must show exceptional and outstanding achievements within that field.

Recent NIV Invitation Data Shows Tier 1 Sectors are Highly Visible

Home Affairs’ April to June 2026 NIV invitation information gives useful context. During that three-month period, the Department received 2,166 EOIs and issued 248 invitations. Of the invitations, 192 were issued to Priority 3 candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 sectors, while 38 were issued to Priority 4 candidates in Tier 2 sectors.

This data shows that Tier 1 sector candidates were strongly represented in that period. Critical technologies alone received 122 invitations, followed by health industries with 45 and renewables and low emission technologies with 33.

This does not guarantee future invitation outcomes, but it gives applicants a practical view of how the program is currently prioritising high-calibre profiles.

Exceptional and Outstanding Achievement Needs Strong Evidence

Ministerial Direction 120 gives guidance on what decision makers may consider when assessing exceptional and outstanding achievement. The listed factors are not a simple checklist. The applicant’s profile is considered as a whole.

The key word is “exceptional.” A normal career, good salary or strong resume may not be enough. The applicant should be able to show that their work stands out nationally or internationally.

A High Income Can Help, But It is Not the Whole Case

Direction 120 mentions earning at or above the high income threshold as one factor that decision makers may consider. This can include a written Australian employment offer at or above the threshold, or current earnings at or above the threshold.

However, income alone should not be treated as automatic eligibility.

For many applicants, a high salary may support the profile, but the stronger case usually combines salary with awards, research, patents, leadership, media, commercial outcomes or independent recognition.

Entrepreneurs, Investors, Athletes and Creatives Need Different Evidence

The National Innovation visa is not only for researchers. It can also include entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives. But each group needs evidence that fits the field.

A generic business profile may not be enough. The evidence should show why the applicant is exceptional compared with others in the field.

Common Mistakes in National Innovation Visa Planning

Many applicants misunderstand Ministerial Direction 120 because they focus only on the priority sector list and ignore the achievement standard.

For the National Innovation visa, quality matters more than quantity. Ten weak documents may not help as much as five strong documents that clearly prove exceptional achievement.

Final Advice for Ministerial Direction 120 Applicants

Ministerial Direction 120 is an important update for National Innovation visa and Class BX applicants. It came into effect on 25 July 2026, revoked Direction 112, and now sets the processing priority order for National Innovation visa, Global Talent visa and Distinguished Talent visa applications that fall within the Direction.

The highest priority is given to global experts who have received top-of-field international awards. The next priority is for applicants nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency on Form 1000. After that, Tier 1 sectors such as critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, and health industries are prioritised above Tier 2 sectors such as Agri-food and AgTech, defence and space, education, FinTech, infrastructure and resources.

Applicants should not treat Direction 120 as a simple sector list. The real test is whether the person can prove exceptional and outstanding achievement and show the ability to make a significant contribution to Australia.

Aussizz Group can help applicants review National Innovation visa eligibility, EOI evidence, priority sector fit, Form 1000 nomination strategy and subclass 858 application planning.

Aussizz Group has helped 200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams, and the right guidance can help high-calibre applicants understand whether their achievements are strong enough before submitting an EOI.

FAQs

Q1. What is Ministerial Direction 120?

Ministerial Direction 120 is a direction under section 499 of the Migration Act that sets the order for considering and disposing of Class BX visa applications and provides guidance for assessing exceptional and outstanding achievement.

Q2. When did Ministerial Direction 120 start?

Ministerial Direction 120 came into effect on 25 July 2026 and revoked Ministerial Direction 112.

Q3. Which visa does Ministerial Direction 120 apply to?

It applies to Class BX visa applications, including the National Innovation visa subclass 858, and certain on-hand Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visa applications.

Q4. Does Ministerial Direction 120 guarantee a National Innovation visa?

No. It only sets processing priority and assessment guidance. Applicants must still meet all visa requirements and provide strong supporting evidence.

Q5. What is the highest priority under Ministerial Direction 120?

The highest priority is for exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards.

Q6. What are Tier 1 sectors under the National Innovation visa?

Tier 1 sectors are critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, and health industries.

Q7. What are Tier 2 sectors under the National Innovation visa?

Tier 2 sectors are Agri-food and AgTech, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and FinTech, infrastructure and transport, and resources.

Q8. Is the National Innovation visa the same as the Global Talent visa?

The National Innovation visa subclass 858 is the current pathway. The Global Talent visa subclass 858 closed in December 2024, but some on-hand Global Talent applications may still fall under Direction 120.

Q9. Do I need an invitation to apply for the National Innovation visa?

Yes. The Department of Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply for the National Innovation visa. You first submit an Expression of Interest showing your achievements.

Q10. Can Aussizz Group help with a National Innovation visa EOI?

Yes. Aussizz Group can help review your profile, achievements, priority sector fit, EOI evidence and subclass 858 application strategy.