Profile and Eligibility Assessment
We review your international achievements, industry standing, current work and proposed contribution to Australia.
National Innovation Visa Subclass 858
The National Innovation Visa Subclass 858 is an invitation-only permanent visa for exceptionally talented people who can make a significant contribution to Australia.
It is designed for established and emerging leaders, including global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creative professionals.
Think Higher Consultants can assess the strength of your profile, identify the most suitable nomination strategy and guide you through the EOI, Form 1000 and visa application stages.
Book a consultation with our teamNational Innovation Visa Requirements
- Receive a written invitation from Home Affairs
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement
- Remain prominent in your field
- Demonstrate that you would be an asset to Australia
- Provide a completed Form 1000
How We Can Help
Support Across the National Innovation Visa Process
National Innovation Visa EOI
We help organise the EOI around the achievements, evidence and priority indicators most relevant to your profile.
Form 1000 and Nominator Guidance
We explain the nominator requirements and review whether the proposed person, organisation or government agency is suitable.
South Australia NIV Nomination
We assess whether your profile may fit a South Australian nomination category and guide you through the Registration of Interest process.
Visa Application Support
If invited, we help prepare the supporting evidence and guide you through the Subclass 858 application within the permitted invitation period.
Who Is It For?
Who Is the National Innovation Visa For?
The Australia National Innovation Visa Program may suit applicants with internationally recognised achievements in:
A profession
Sport
The arts
Academia and research
Potential applicants may include:
- Researchers and thought leaders
- Founders and entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Technology specialists
- Medical and health innovators
- Athletes
- Artists and creative professionals
- Other high-calibre leaders with recognised international impact
Key Point
Exceptional achievement matters more than a points score.
The visa is assessed on exceptional achievement rather than a points score. A qualification, senior job title, high income or business ownership alone may not be enough without evidence of international recognition and significant impact.
Requirements
National Innovation Visa Requirements
✓
Receive a written invitation from the Department of Home Affairs
✓
Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement
✓
Remain prominent in their field
✓
Demonstrate that they would be an asset to Australia
✓
Show that they can obtain employment or become independently established in their field
✓
Provide a completed Form 1000
✓
Meet health, character and other visa requirements
✓
Support the achievements identified in the invitation with strong evidence
Applicants under 18 or aged 55 or older
Applicants who are under 18 or aged 55 or older must also show that granting the visa would provide an exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa holders
A person who holds, or whose last substantive visa was, a Subclass 491 or Subclass 494 visa must generally have held that regional visa for at least three years before applying, unless a specified exception applies.
Priority Order and Key Sectors
How Home Affairs Prioritises Invitations
Home Affairs considers National Innovation Visa invitations according to a priority framework.
International top-of-field awards
Global experts from any sector who have received recognised international top-of-field awards.
Government agency nomination
Candidates from any sector nominated on Form 1000 by an expert Commonwealth, State or Territory government agency.
Tier One sectors
Candidates with exceptional achievements in:
- Critical technologies
- Renewables and low-emission technologies
- Health industries
Tier Two sectors
Candidates with exceptional achievements in:
- Agri-food and AgTech
- Education
- Defence capabilities and space
- Financial services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and transport
- Resources
Sports and the arts are also considered within the program. Government nomination may provide higher priority, but it does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant.
Invitation Data
Current National Innovation Visa Invitation Data
Home Affairs conducts invitation rounds monthly.
2,166EOIs received
248Invitations issued
192Priority Three invitations
38Priority Four invitations
For the latest published period of April to June 2026, critical technologies received the highest number of invitations, followed by health industries and renewables and low-emission technologies. These figures show the program's competitiveness but should not be treated as a visa success rate.
Invitation figures can change, so current round information should be reviewed before preparing an EOI.
EOI Process
National Innovation Visa EOI Process
The National Innovation Visa Expression of Interest is submitted through the dedicated Home Affairs online form.
The initial EOI generally requires:
- Passport biodata page
- Resume or CV
- Evidence of the highest qualification
- English translations of non-English documents
A candidate nominated by an expert government agency must also provide the completed Form 1000 and an agency statement explaining the nomination, expected contribution and any previous or proposed collaboration.
The EOI should be checked carefully before submission because additional information cannot be added afterwards.
An EOI:
- Is not a visa application
- Does not guarantee an invitation
- Does not provide a bridging visa
- Remains active for up to two years
- Should not be duplicated unless circumstances have changed significantly
60 days
If invited, the applicant has 60 days to lodge the visa application. This period cannot be extended.
Nomination
Form 1000 and the Nominator
Form 1000 is used to support the applicant’s record of exceptional achievement.
The nominator must generally be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian organisation
The nominator must also have a national reputation in the applicant’s area of achievement.
An individual or organisation may satisfy the visa nomination requirement, but nomination by an expert Australian government agency may provide Priority Two consideration.
A suitable nominator should understand the applicant’s work and be able to explain their international standing, achievements and likely contribution to Australia.
Evidence
Evidence of Exceptional Achievement
Researchers and Academics
Evidence may include international awards, research grants, high-impact publications, citation records, patents, keynote invitations and leadership in recognised institutions.
Entrepreneurs
Relevant evidence may include business growth, international expansion, capital raised, job creation, intellectual property, commercialisation and recognised industry impact.
Innovative Investors
Applicants may provide evidence of successful investments in innovative ventures, business growth, commercialisation, economic contribution and leadership within international investment networks.
Wealth or passive investment alone may not demonstrate exceptional innovation.
Athletes and Creative Professionals
Evidence may include international rankings, awards, competitions, performances, exhibitions, major productions, professional recognition and international media coverage.
The evidence should establish both achievement and continuing prominence in the field.
South Australia
South Australia National Innovation Visa Nomination
South Australia has a dedicated National Innovation Visa nomination pathway for internationally recognised talent seeking to live and work in the state.
South Australian nomination categories include:
- Global researchers and thought leaders
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative investors
- Creative talent
- Other globally talented individuals
Candidates are expected to demonstrate how their expertise, business, investment or creative work could support innovation, productivity and economic growth in South Australia.
The South Australia NIV process generally involves:
- Submitting a Registration of Interest through the Skilled and Business Migration portal
- Completing an assessment and possible panel interview
- Receiving a completed Form 1000 and business case letter if approved
- Including the nomination evidence in the Home Affairs EOI
- Waiting for a National Innovation Visa invitation
State nomination does not replace the Home Affairs EOI or guarantee an invitation. Program availability and nomination criteria should be confirmed before submitting an ROI.
Documents
National Innovation Visa Documents
Identity and Background
- Passport
- Curriculum vitae
- Qualifications
- Employment and professional history
Achievement Evidence
- Awards and international recognition
- Publications, citations or patents
- Business, investment or commercialisation records
- Media coverage and professional endorsements
- Evidence of leadership and industry impact
Nomination
- Completed Form 1000
- Nominator’s supporting evidence
- Government nomination documents, where applicable
Visa Application
- Invitation letter
- Health and character documents
- Family relationship evidence
- English translations of non-English documents
The final document strategy should match the achievements listed in the invitation.
National Innovation Visa Age Limit
There is no standard upper age limit.
Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and above must show an exceptional benefit to Australia. The evidence should explain why the applicant’s future contribution remains significant despite falling outside the usual working-age range.
Can Family Members Be Included?
Eligible members of the family unit may be included in the Subclass 858 application.
Family members must meet the applicable health, character and relationship requirements. The National Innovation Visa is permanent and generally provides a five-year travel facility from the grant date.
National Innovation Visa Cost
Visa charges depend on the date of lodgement and the number and circumstances of applicants included.
- Family members
- Health examinations
- Police certificates
- Biometrics
- Document translations
- Professional assistance
Visa charges changed on 1 July 2026 and may change again. The current amount should be confirmed through the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before applying.
National Innovation Visa Processing Time
The invitation process and visa processing period are separate.
Home Affairs conducts monthly invitation rounds, but there is no guaranteed timeframe for receiving a National Innovation Visa invitation. An EOI may remain active for up to two years.
- The priority level
- Quality and completeness of evidence
- Verification of achievements
- Health and character checks
- Family circumstances
- Migration program places
Applicants should check the current Home Affairs processing-time guide and avoid relying on a fixed timeframe.
Why Choose Think Higher
Why Choose Think Higher Consultants?
Registered Migration Agent
Receive guidance from Registered Migration Agent Aneel Khowaja, MARN 1571699.
More Than 11 Years of Experience
Our team has more than 11 years of experience in Australian migration matters.
Strategic Profile Assessment
We review whether your achievements, international recognition and proposed contribution align with the NIV criteria and invitation priorities.
EOI and Evidence Guidance
We help organise the EOI and supporting evidence around the strongest and most relevant achievements.
South Australia Nomination Support
We assess potential South Australian nomination categories and guide eligible candidates through the ROI process.
Support After Invitation
If invited, we assist with the Subclass 858 visa application and ensure the evidence supports the achievements identified by Home Affairs.
National Innovation Visa Consultation
Discuss Your National Innovation Visa Profile
The National Innovation Visa requires more than a strong career history. The EOI must clearly demonstrate international recognition, exceptional achievement and a credible future contribution to Australia.
Think Higher Consultants can assess your profile, review nomination options and guide you through the National Innovation Visa EOI, South Australian ROI and Subclass 858 application.
Frequently Asked Questions
National Innovation Visa FAQs
Is the National Innovation Visa a Permanent Visa?
Yes. Subclass 858 is a permanent visa that allows eligible applicants and included family members to live in Australia permanently.
Do I Need an Invitation to Apply?
Yes. A valid National Innovation Visa application cannot be lodged without a written invitation from Home Affairs.
Does Submitting an EOI Provide a Bridging Visa?
No. An EOI is not a visa application and does not provide a bridging visa.
Is State Nomination Mandatory?
No. A suitable individual or Australian organisation may act as the nominator. However, nomination by an expert government agency may provide Priority Two consideration.
Can South Australia Nominate NIV Applicants?
Yes. South Australia has a separate nomination pathway for eligible researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creative professionals and other internationally recognised candidates.
What Replaced the Global Talent Visa?
The National Innovation Visa replaced the former Global Talent Visa for new applications in December 2024. Existing applications under the previous program continue to be assessed under the requirements that applied when they were lodged.
Get Help With Your National Innovation Visa Application
Book a consultation
Build a Strong National Innovation Visa Strategy
The National Innovation Visa requires more than a strong career history. The EOI must clearly demonstrate international recognition, exceptional achievement and a credible future contribution to Australia.
Think Higher Consultants can assess your profile, review nomination options and guide you through the National Innovation Visa EOI, South Australian ROI and Subclass 858 application.
Book a consultation to discuss your National Innovation Visa eligibility and strategy.