Subclass 858
National Innovation Visa
Invitation-only permanent residence for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. No points test. No occupation list. The fastest pathway to Australian permanent residence for global talent.
The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa replaced the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclass 188) from 7 December 2024. It is an invitation-only permanent residence visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
The NIV does not use a points test, does not require an occupation on the MLTSSL or CSOL, and does not impose age limits in the way the General Skilled Migration program does (applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community). Where the General Skilled Migration program is broad and competitive, the NIV is narrow and selective. The 2025-26 Migration Program allocates 4,300 places to the Talent and Innovation category.
For applicants who genuinely qualify, the NIV is the most attractive permanent residence pathway in the Australian system. Permanent residence is granted from the date of the visa grant, with no provisional period. The visa includes family members. The pathway from invitation to permanent residence is materially shorter than the GSM equivalent.
The four priority levels
Priority 1: Exceptional from any sector
Global experts and recipients of international top-of-field awards from any sector. Nobel laureates, holders of equivalent peak awards, founders of internationally significant ventures, athletes at the highest international level, and similar profiles. Priority 1 invitations are infrequent but materially fast-tracked when issued.
Priority 2: Government-nominated
Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency. State and territory government nomination opens the program to artists, sportspersons, entrepreneurs, and investors with achievements that may not meet Priority 1 thresholds. State nomination is currently available in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory; ACT and WA do not currently operate state nomination programs for the NIV.
Priority 3: Tier One priority sectors
Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier One priority sectors. The Department currently identifies three Tier One sectors: Critical Technologies (including artificial intelligence, quantum, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology), Health Industries (including medical research, pharmaceuticals, medical technology), and Renewables and Low Emission Technologies. Achievement in a Tier One sector strengthens an EOI without requiring government nomination.
Priority 4: Other
All other candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements who do not fall within the higher priorities. Priority 4 invitations are issued less frequently and represent the most competitive cohort within the program.
Eligibility framework
Internationally recognised record
The substantive requirement is an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. The Department's policy guidance defines this as achievement that has been, or would be, acclaimed as exceptional and outstanding in any country in your field.
Continuing prominence
You must demonstrate continuing prominence in your field. Past achievement alone is not sufficient; the Department looks for evidence that the applicant remains active and recognised in the field at the time of application.
Substantial contribution to Australia
You must demonstrate the capacity to make a significant contribution to Australian innovation, productivity, competitiveness, or community standing in your field.
Nomination on Form 1000
At the visa application stage, you must be nominated on Form 1000 by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in your field. The nominator may be a senior academic, an industry body, a recognised professional organisation, or a Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
Functional English (or second VAC)
The applicant must hold functional English or pay a second instalment of the Visa Application Charge in lieu. Family members are subject to the same requirement.
Health and character
All applicants and family members must meet public interest criteria including health and character requirements. Police certificates from each country of residence for 12 months or more in the last 10 years are required.
State and territory nomination programs
State or territory government nomination places EOIs in Priority 2. Six jurisdictions currently operate NIV nomination programs; two do not. Each program has its own eligibility, mechanism, and priority sectors.
Australian Capital Territory
Not currently openACT Migration is finalising the framework. EOIs not currently being accepted.
New South Wales
OpenFive-pathway nomination framework: researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, sports professionals, creatives.
Northern Territory
Open (referral-only)Nomination by referral from an NT-based eligible organisation. Direct EOI not accepted.
Queensland
OpenNomination via Trade and Investment Queensland (TIQ). ROI-based selection.
South Australia
OpenROI through Migration SA. Pathways for researchers, entrepreneurs, and innovative investors.
Tasmania
Open (referral-only)Referral by a Tasmanian Government agency, the University of Tasmania, or an associated research institute.
Victoria
Open (referral-only)Engagement with a Victorian Government department or agency on a project plan. No direct ROI.
Western Australia
Not currently openWA does not operate a NIV nomination program at this time.
Speak with an immigration lawyer about your NIV prospects
We assess your record of achievement against the priority framework, identify the strongest priority position available to you, and prepare the EOI and visa application to a litigation-ready standard.
Book a consultationStrategic positioning
The NIV is not a visa to lodge speculatively. EOIs are evaluated on the documentary record presented. A weak or generic EOI is a wasted opportunity. The substantive question for any applicant is which priority level the profile genuinely supports, and which category of nominator at the visa stage best matches the applicant's field.
Where Priority 1 is genuinely available (peak international awards, top-of-field global recognition), the EOI is positioned at that level. Where Priority 2 is available through state government nomination, the choice of state matters; programs and priority sectors differ materially. Where Priority 3 is the realistic level (achievement in a Tier One sector without government nomination), the EOI must establish both the achievement and the sector alignment.
For applicants who qualify, the NIV is materially faster than the GSM pathway. For applicants who do not, the GSM remains the appropriate program. We assess both routes in every consultation.
Common questions
What is the National Innovation Visa?
How do I apply?
What are the priority levels?
Do I need a state government nominator?
What is functional English and do I need it?
Can family members be included?
Information current as at 30 April 2026. The Department of Home Affairs publishes the current NIV criteria and priority framework at homeaffairs.gov.au. State and territory nomination program status changes through the program year.