National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

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National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

At a glance

What it is: A permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia/research.
Program change: The Global Talent visa closed to new applications on 6 Dec 2024; the National Innovation visa (NIV) replaced it.
How you apply: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); if invited, you have 60 days to lodge the visa application online.
Nominator: You must provide Form 1000 from a nominator with a national reputation (Australian citizen/PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation).

Overview
Eligibility checklist
Step-by-step: EOI to decision
Documents & evidence guide
Costs
After grant (rights & obligations)
How we help
FAQs

1) Overview

Australia’s National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is an invitation-only permanent residence pathway for established or emerging leaders with high-calibre talent who can contribute significantly to Australia’s prosperity. It replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.

What you can do with this visa: live and work in Australia permanently, enrol in Medicare, sponsor eligible family, travel in and out of Australia for 5 years, and pursue citizenship if eligible.

2) Eligibility checklist

You must meet all of the following core criteria:

Invitation required: You can only apply after the Department invites you (EOI first; see Step-by-step). Lodge within 60 days of invitation.
Area of talent: You have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia/research; still prominent with recent achievements and a sustained record.
Nominator: Provide Form 1000 from a nominator with a national reputation in your field (Australian citizen/PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation).
Location: Apply inside or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance) both at lodgement and decision.
If applying in Australia: You must hold a substantive visa or BVA/BVB/BVC; if you currently hold (or last held) a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years at application.
English: Applicants ≥18 must show functional English or pay a second instalment before grant.
Health, character, debts, values statement: Standard checks and declarations apply.
Age: There is no set age limit. If under 18 or 55+, you must show exceptional benefit to Australia (ongoing, sustained, realised shortly after migration

3) Step-by-step: EOI to decision

Step 1 — Submit an EOI

Complete the National Innovation visa EOI (online form). EOIs stay in the system for up to 2 years; you cannot update after submission (only re-submit if your circumstances change significantly).

Step 2 — Invitation

If selected, the Department emails an invitation; from that date you have 60 days to lodge your application via ImmiAccount.

Step 3 — Apply online (subclass 858)

Lodge the visa with Form 1000 (signed nominator), evidence of achievements and prominence, English, health and character.

Step 4 — Processing

Times vary and are published in the visa processing time guide (indicator only).

4) Documents & evidence guide

Nominator (Form 1000): Nomination letter + proof of nominator’s national reputation (credentials, positions, awards, media).
Achievement & prominence: Awards, grants, high-impact publications/citations, patents/IP, portfolio, contracts, leadership roles, keynote invitations, rankings, competitive selections.
Benefit to Australia: Evidence of job creation, investment, commercialisation, research translation, cultural or sporting impact.
Ability to establish: Job offers, market traction, funding/term sheets, customer/revenue metrics, endorsements.
English: Test results or evidence meeting functional English (or declare willingness to pay the second instalment).

5) Costs

Visa application fee: AUD 4,985 (as of July 2025). Fees may change, and additional charges apply for extra applicants. A second instalment may be required for applicants aged 18 and over without functional English.
Additional costs may include migration agent/lawyer professional fees, health exams, police checks, and biometrics as required.

6) After grant (rights & obligations)

Permanent residence from grant; enrol in Medicare, work/study, sponsor eligible family, and travel for 5 years (then use RRV 155/157 to re-enter as a PR).
Citizenship pathway: Time towards citizenship accrues per residence rules.
Obligations: Obey Australian laws and contribute in your field as expected under the program intent.

7) Need expert help?

Book a 30-minute consultation with Jade Immigration Lawyers for $250. If you proceed with us, your consultation fee will be credited towards your legal fees. We assist clients Australia-wide and internationally.

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FAQ

Find answers to common questions about our National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) immigration services and processes. For further support, contact Jade Immigration Lawyers.

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

No. The Global Talent visa closed to new applications on 6 Dec 2024. The NIV (subclass 858) replaced it.

Do I need a nominator? Who can nominate me?

Yes. You must submit Form 1000 from a nominator with a national reputation in your field (Australian citizen/PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation).

What is the EOI timeline?

EOIs remain valid for up to 2 years. If invited, you have 60 days to lodge the visa application via ImmiAccount.

I’m in Australia now. Can I apply onshore?

Yes, if you hold a substantive visa or BVA/BVB/BVC. If you hold (or last held) a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years when you apply.