SA Nomination — National Innovation visa (858)

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SA Nomination

Overview

South Australia (SA) runs a state nomination pathway to support exceptional talent applying for the National Innovation visa (NIV) subclass 858. SA targets high-calibre individuals who can drive innovation, productivity and growth in the state. If approved for SA nomination, you’ll receive a completed Form 1000 and a business case letter to include with your EOI to the Department of Home Affairs. Note that SA nomination does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.

Who SA wants to nominate

SA is seeking established and emerging leaders with internationally recognised achievements who will contribute to the SA economy. Priority profiles include:

Global researchers & thought leaders
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Creative talent
Other globally talented individuals (case-by-case)

Nomination categories & typical evidence

1) Global researchers & thought leaders

Examples of qualifying signals: national research grants, recent keynote roles at top international conferences, recognised IP/patents, earnings or a job offer at/above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), and strong academic influence (top-ranked journal publications, competitive h-index, or a degree from a Times Higher Education Top-100 university).

2) Entrepreneurs

Show that your activities will lead to commercialisation in SA or creation of a high-growth startup with local jobs. Demonstrate domain expertise, commitment to launching in SA, and that the majority of development, assets and staff will be in SA. (No minimum investment threshold).

3) Innovative investors

Provide an established track record of backing successful innovative ventures or leading high-reputation companies to IPO. Managed-fund investments are only considered exceptionally and require proof of significant SA economic benefits to date and a forward SA investment strategy. (No minimum investment threshold.)

4) Creative talent

Demonstrate significant creative achievements, ideally with international-level awards or recognition.

5) Other globally talented individuals

If you don’t fit the above, SA can consider you case-by-case with evidence of significant international achievement.

Eligibility basics (DHA + SA)

You must satisfy Home Affairs NIV criteria (invitation-only, international record of exceptional and outstanding achievement; nominator with national reputation; apply onshore with a substantive/BVA/BVB/BVC or offshore; additional settings for <18 or 55+). SA nomination requires that you also meet SA’s category guidelines above.
Invitation & timing: NIV is EOI → invitation → visa. If invited, you generally have 60 days to lodge the visa application in ImmiAccount.
Nominator (Form 1000): NIV applications require Form 1000 from an Australian citizen/PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field. (SA provides a completed Form 1000 if it approves your nomination.)

SA ROI document checklist (what to prepare)

When lodging SA’s Registration of Interest (ROI), prepare concise, English documents (one copy each), such as:

Passport bio page (you & partner if included), onshore applicants: visa grant notice
CV (max 4 pages); degrees/transcripts; for Australian study, letter confirming course details
Employment reference(s) & any SA job offer (title, duties, salary, hours, location; signed on company letterhead with manager/HR contact)
If represented: Form 956
If referred by an SA Government agency: support letter naming agency/contacts and alignment
If residing in Australia: proof of residency (lease/utility/vehicle rego; stat decs/mobile bills/driver licence not accepted)

How to apply (SA pathway → DHA)

Prepare ROI — confirm you meet DHA & SA criteria and assemble the checklist above.
Submit ROI via SA’s Skilled & Business Migration portal.
Panel interview — SA may contact you for an interview with SA Government representatives.
SA decision — if approved, SA issues Form 1000 + business case letter for your EOI.
Lodge EOI to Home Affairs with SA documents.
Invitation — if selected by DHA, apply for NIV (subclass 858) within the specified timeframe.

Notes & exclusions

“Innovative investment” excludes: cafés/restaurants, consulting firms, labour-hire, franchises, purchase of existing enterprises, real estate/rental management, and general retail.
Meeting SA guidelines does not guarantee a DHA invitation or visa grant. NIV remains invitation-only under national criteria

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.

Does SA nomination guarantee an invitation for NIV?

No. SA nomination strengthens your EOI with Form 1000 and a business case letter, but DHA controls invitations and visa decisions.

Is there a minimum investment for SA’s Entrepreneur or Innovative Investor categories?

No minimum threshold—focus is on innovation and SA economic impact (commercialisation, high-growth jobs, ecosystem benefits).

What happens after SA approves my ROI?

SA sends you a completed Form 1000 and a business case letter for your EOI. If DHA later invites you, you’ll apply for the 858 visa within the invitation window.

Who can be my nominator for the visa?

An Australian citizen/PR, eligible NZ citizen, or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field—submitted on Form 1000.