National Innovation Visa · TAS

Tasmania state nomination

Tasmania operates a referral-only NIV nomination model. Direct EOIs are not accepted. The pathway runs through engagement with eligible TAS-based organisations.

Program status

Tasmania operates a referral-only NIV nomination model. A Tasmanian Government department or agency, the University of Tasmania, the Menzies Institute, or another relevant Tasmanian research or academic organisation prepares a business case for the candidate. Migration Tasmania assesses the case and, if supported, completes the Form 1000 nomination. Candidates cannot self-initiate the process. TAS nomination places candidates in Priority 2. Email enquiries to [email protected].

The TAS NIV ecosystem

Tasmania's NIV pipeline is concentrated in the University of Tasmania and its research institutes (Menzies, IMAS for marine science, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture), in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, in the renewable energy sector (Tasmania is a leader in pumped hydro and wind generation), and in advanced manufacturing including specialised maritime engineering.

The federal NIV framework

The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa is a federal program administered by the Department of Home Affairs. It replaced the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program from 7 December 2024. The visa is invitation-only. Applicants must lodge an Expression of Interest, receive an invitation, and lodge a complete visa application within 60 days.

Eligibility requires an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, continuing prominence in the applicant's field, and capacity to make a substantial contribution to Australia. The visa application stage requires nomination on Form 1000 by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in the field.

State or territory government nomination at the EOI stage places the applicant in Priority 2. Tier One sector achievements (Critical Technologies; Health Industries; Renewables and Low Emission Technologies) place the applicant in Priority 3. International top-of-field awards place the applicant in Priority 1. Strategic positioning of the EOI within this framework materially affects invitation prospects.

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We assess your record of achievement against the priority framework, identify the strongest available priority position (state-nominated, federal Form 1000, or Tier One sector), and prepare the EOI and visa application to a litigation-ready standard.

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Other NIV pathways for TAS-based applicants

State nomination is one of several routes to NIV invitation. Where Tasmania nomination is not the right fit, the alternatives include nomination by another state or territory government, federal Form 1000 nomination by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation, and Tier One sector achievement supporting a Priority 3 EOI.

For applicants whose achievements meaningfully meet the NIV threshold, the right strategic question is which priority level the profile genuinely supports and which nominator best matches the field. Lodging speculatively at a low priority wastes the EOI; lodging at the strongest available priority is the strategic position.

Common questions

Does Tasmania nominate for the National Innovation Visa?
Tasmania operates a referral-only NIV nomination model. A Tasmanian Government department or agency, the University of Tasmania, the Menzies Institute, or another relevant Tasmanian research or academic organisation prepares a business case for the candidate. Migration Tasmania assesses the case and, if supported, completes the Form 1000 nomination. Candidates cannot self-initiate the process. TAS nomination places candidates in Priority 2. Email enquiries to [email protected].
What is the TAS NIV ecosystem?
Tasmania's NIV pipeline is concentrated in the University of Tasmania and its research institutes (Menzies, IMAS for marine science, the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture), in Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, in the renewable energy sector (Tasmania is a leader in pumped hydro and wind generation), and in advanced manufacturing including specialised maritime engineering.
What is the alternative if TAS does not nominate?
Tasmania nomination is one route. Applicants who do not meet TAS's criteria may still pursue the NIV through other routes: nomination by another state or territory government with a different focus, federal-pathway Form 1000 nomination by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation, or Tier One sector achievement supporting a Priority 3 case.
What is Form 1000?
Form 1000 is the formal nomination form required at the visa application stage of the NIV. It must be completed by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in the applicant's field, attesting to the applicant's record of achievement and proposed contribution. Government agency nomination is one type of Form 1000 nomination; non-government nomination by senior academics, industry bodies, or recognised professional organisations is the alternative.
How does the priority framework work?
The Department of Home Affairs prioritises NIV invitations into four levels. Priority 1: candidates with international top-of-field awards. Priority 2: candidates nominated on Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency. Priority 3: candidates with exceptional achievements in Tier One priority sectors (Critical Technologies; Health Industries; Renewables and Low Emission Technologies). Priority 4: all others. Higher priorities receive faster invitation prospects.
Can family be included?
Yes. Spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children may be included as secondary applicants on the NIV. Each must meet health, character, and identity requirements. All approved family members receive permanent residence from grant.

Information current as at 30 April 2026. State and territory NIV nomination programs are revised through the program year. Confirm current settings at migration.tas.gov.au and at homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging an Expression of Interest.

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