{"id":10007,"date":"2026-08-14T08:30:06","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:30:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aussizzgroup.com\/uae\/?p=10007"},"modified":"2026-08-14T08:30:07","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T07:30:07","slug":"ministerial-direction-120-national-innovation-visa-priorities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aussizzgroup.com\/uae\/blog\/ministerial-direction-120-national-innovation-visa-priorities\/","title":{"rendered":"Ministerial Direction 120 Explained: National Innovation Visa Processing Priorities in Australia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Australia\u2019s National Innovation visa subclass 858 is designed for exceptionally talented people who can make a significant contribution to Australia\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <strong>National Innovation visa<\/strong>, as well as older <strong>Global Talent<\/strong> and <strong>Distinguished Talent<\/strong> visa applications that were lodged but not finally decided before the Direction started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/Visa-subsite\/files\/md-120.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ministerial Direction 120 came into effect on <strong>25 July 2026<\/strong><\/a> 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 \u201cexceptional and outstanding achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aussizz Group has helped <strong>200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2>Ministerial Direction 120 is About Priority Order, Not Automatic Visa Grant<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aussizzgroup.com\/uae\/blog\/australia-national-innovation-visa\">National Innovation visa<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is different from visas such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aussizzgroup.com\/uae\/blog\/general-skilled-migration-visa-189-190-491-australia-complete-guide-faqs\">subclass 189, 190 or 491<\/a>. 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\u2019s potential contribution to Australia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Class BX Includes National Innovation, Global Talent and Distinguished Talent Applications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ministerial Direction 120 applies to <strong>Class BX<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For new applicants, the relevant pathway is the National Innovation visa subclass 858.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>The Direction Sets Five Processing Priority Levels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ministerial Direction 120 sets out five priority levels for Class BX visa applications. Priority 1 is the highest, and \u201call other visa applications\u201d sit at the lowest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Priority level<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Who falls into this category<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 1<\/td><td>Exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 2<\/td><td>Applicants nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency on approved Form 1000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 3<\/td><td>Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 priority sectors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 4<\/td><td>Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 2 priority sectors<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 5<\/td><td>All other Class BX visa applications<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, priority level alone is not enough. The applicant still needs to prove they are exceptional and outstanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f03e45\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Priority 1 Is for Global Experts With Top-of-Field International Awards<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highest priority under Direction 120 is for exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Priority 1 evidence type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it may show<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top international award<\/td><td>Recognition at the highest level of the field<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Global expert status<\/td><td>Applicant is recognised internationally<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Field-leading contribution<\/td><td>Work has changed or shaped the field<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Independent recognition<\/td><td>Achievement is not only self-claimed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Strong public evidence<\/td><td>Award, media, institution or industry recognition supports the claim<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Very few applicants will fit Priority 1. It is designed for people who are clearly at the top of their field globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);color:#f03e45\" class=\"has-inline-color\">Priority 2 is for Government Agency-Nominated Applicants<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Priority 2 applies where the applicant is nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency using the approved <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/help-support\/departmental-forms\/pdf-forms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Form 1000<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Government nomination requirement<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it should explain<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Completed Form 1000<\/td><td>Nominating agency details and support<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Supporting statement<\/td><td>Why the agency is nominating the applicant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Strategic contribution<\/td><td>How the applicant can help Australia<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Collaboration<\/td><td>Any past or proposed collaboration with the agency<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Field relevance<\/td><td>Why the agency sees the applicant as exceptional<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Tier 1 Priority Sectors Sit Above Tier 2 Sectors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Direction 120 separates sector-based achievement into Tier 1 and Tier 2 <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/working-in-australia\/visas-for-innovation\/national-innovation-visa\/priorities\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">priority sectors<\/a>. Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 sectors are placed above applicants in Tier 2 sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Tier<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Priority sectors<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 1<\/td><td>Critical technologies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 1<\/td><td>Renewables and low emission technologies<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 1<\/td><td>Health industries<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Agri-food and AgTech<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Defence capabilities and space<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Education<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Financial services and FinTech<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Infrastructure and transport<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Tier 2<\/td><td>Resources<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not mean Tier 2 sectors are weak. It simply means Direction 120 places Tier 1 sector applications higher in the processing order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Applicants should also remember that being in a listed sector is not enough. The applicant must show exceptional and outstanding achievements within that field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Recent NIV Invitation Data Shows Tier 1 Sectors are Highly Visible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Home Affairs\u2019 April to June 2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/working-in-australia\/visas-for-innovation\/national-innovation-visa\/current-invitation-round\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">NIV invitation<\/a> information gives useful context. During that three-month period, the Department received <strong>2,166 EOIs<\/strong> and issued <strong>248 invitations<\/strong>. Of the invitations, <strong>192<\/strong> were issued to Priority 3 candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 sectors, while <strong>38<\/strong> were issued to Priority 4 candidates in Tier 2 sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>NIV invitation data, April\u2013June 2026<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><strong>Number<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Total EOIs received<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">2,166<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Invitations issued<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">248<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 1 invitations<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fewer than 5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 2 invitations<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fewer than 20<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 3 invitations<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">192<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Priority 4 invitations<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">38<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This data shows that Tier 1 sector candidates were strongly represented in that period. Critical technologies alone received <strong>122 invitations<\/strong>, followed by health industries with <strong>45<\/strong> and renewables and low emission technologies with <strong>33<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Sector<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Invitations issued<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Critical technologies<\/td><td>122<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Health industries<\/td><td>45<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Renewables and low emission technologies<\/td><td>33<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Financial services and FinTech<\/td><td>14<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Agri-food and AgTech<\/td><td>9<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Defence capabilities and space<\/td><td>7<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Education<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Infrastructure and transport<\/td><td>Fewer than 5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Resources<\/td><td>Fewer than 5<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sports and the arts<\/td><td>6<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This does not guarantee future invitation outcomes, but it gives applicants a practical view of how the program is currently prioritising high-calibre profiles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Exceptional and Outstanding Achievement Needs Strong Evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s profile is considered as a whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Evidence type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What it may support<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>National or international research grants<\/td><td>Shows recognised top-level research potential or achievement<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>PhD with high academic influence<\/td><td>Supports research leadership or thought leadership<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Publications in top-ranked journals<\/td><td>Shows field-level recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Strong h-index for career stage<\/td><td>Supports research impact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Keynote at major international conference<\/td><td>Shows international standing<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Patents or recognised intellectual property<\/td><td>Shows innovation and practical contribution<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High income or high salary offer<\/td><td>May support market recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Top sports or arts awards<\/td><td>May support exceptional achievement outside research fields<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entrepreneurial or investor achievements<\/td><td>May support business innovation impact<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The key word is \u201cexceptional.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>A High Income Can Help, But It is Not the Whole Case<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, income alone should not be treated as automatic eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>High income evidence<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Important caution<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Australian job offer at or above threshold<\/td><td>Can support market value<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Current earnings above threshold<\/td><td>Can support seniority or demand<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Salary evidence<\/td><td>Should be documented clearly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>High income alone<\/td><td>Does not prove exceptional achievement by itself<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Sector relevance<\/td><td>Should connect to the applicant\u2019s field and contribution<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Entrepreneurs, Investors, Athletes and Creatives Need Different Evidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The National Innovation visa is not only for researchers. It can also include entrepreneurs, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aussizzgroup.com\/uae\/blog\/queensland-national-innovation-visa-subclass-858-investors\/\">innovative investors<\/a>, athletes and creatives. But each group needs evidence that fits the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Applicant type<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Stronger evidence examples<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Researcher<\/td><td>Grants, publications, citations, patents, keynote talks<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Entrepreneur<\/td><td>Scalable company, commercial traction, investment, innovation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Investor<\/td><td>Track record supporting successful innovative ventures<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Executive<\/td><td>Leadership of internationally recognised companies or IPO success<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Athlete<\/td><td>Top-level international awards and competitive recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Creative professional<\/td><td>Major international awards, exhibitions, publications or cultural impact<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Community innovator<\/td><td>Exceptional service improving community wellbeing or cohesion<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A generic business profile may not be enough. The evidence should show why the applicant is exceptional compared with others in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3>Common Mistakes in National Innovation Visa Planning<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Many applicants misunderstand Ministerial Direction 120 because they focus only on the priority sector list and ignore the achievement standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong>Common mistake<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Better approach<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Assuming sector alone is enough<\/td><td>Prove exceptional achievement within the sector<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Treating EOI as a visa application<\/td><td>Understand that EOI is only the first step<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Submitting weak documents<\/td><td>Provide strong independent evidence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Confusing Global Talent and National Innovation<\/td><td>Use the current NIV subclass 858 pathway<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Relying only on salary<\/td><td>Combine salary with achievement evidence<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Ignoring Form 1000 requirements<\/td><td>Prepare nomination documents correctly where relevant<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Claiming awards without context<\/td><td>Explain level, competitiveness and recognition<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Submitting EOI too early<\/td><td>Strengthen evidence before lodging<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>Final Advice for Ministerial Direction 120 Applicants<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aussizz Group can help applicants review National Innovation visa eligibility, EOI evidence, priority sector fit, Form 1000 nomination strategy and subclass 858 application planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Aussizz Group has helped <strong>200,000+ applicants to their Australian Dreams<\/strong>, and the right guidance can help high-calibre applicants understand whether their achievements are strong enough before submitting an EOI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4>FAQs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q1. What is Ministerial Direction 120?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q2. When did Ministerial Direction 120 start?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ministerial Direction 120 came into effect on 25 July 2026 and revoked Ministerial Direction 112.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q3. Which visa does Ministerial Direction 120 apply to?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It applies to Class BX visa applications, including the National Innovation visa subclass 858, and certain on-hand Global Talent and <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/visas\/getting-a-visa\/visa-listing\/distinguished-talent-124\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Distinguished Talent visa<\/a> applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q4. Does Ministerial Direction 120 guarantee a National Innovation visa?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No. It only sets processing priority and assessment guidance. Applicants must still meet all visa requirements and provide strong supporting evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q5. What is the highest priority under Ministerial Direction 120?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The highest priority is for exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q6. What are Tier 1 sectors under the National Innovation visa?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tier 1 sectors are critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, and health industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q7. What are Tier 2 sectors under the National Innovation visa?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Tier 2 sectors are Agri-food and AgTech, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and FinTech, infrastructure and transport, and resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q8. Is the National Innovation visa the same as the Global Talent visa?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q9. Do I need an invitation to apply for the National Innovation visa?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. The Department of Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply for the National Innovation visa. You first <a href=\"https:\/\/immi.homeaffairs.gov.au\/work-in-australia\/Pages\/visas-for-innovation\/submitting-your-expression-of-interest.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">submit an Expression of Interest<\/a> showing your achievements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-vivid-red-color\">Q10. Can Aussizz Group help with a National Innovation visa EOI?<\/mark><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Aussizz Group can help review your profile, achievements, priority sector fit, EOI evidence and subclass 858 application strategy.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Australia\u2019s National Innovation visa subclass 858 is designed for exceptionally talented people who can make a significant contribution to Australia\u2019s 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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10008,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[3],"tags":[3353,3364,3357,3387,3388,3348,3384,3372,3383,3363,3354,3367,3376,3374,3352,3356,3350,3369,3378,3377,3360,3345,3362,3380,1017,3379,3393,3381,3394,2511,3366,3368,3361,3358,3346,3359,3351,3344,3347,3375,3370,3371,3389,3365,3386,3385,3349,3382,3373,3390,3391,3392],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Ministerial Direction 120: National Innovation Visa Priorities<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Ministerial Direction 120 sets processing priorities for Australia\u2019s National Innovation Visa subclass 858. Explore priority levels, Tier 1 and Tier 2 sectors, and NIV requirements.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Ministerial Direction 120: National Innovation Visa Priorities\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Ministerial Direction 120 sets processing priorities for Australia\u2019s National Innovation Visa subclass 858. 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