What is the Australia National Innovation Visa?

It is a permanent visa (subclass 858) for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research. It replaced the Global Talent Visa in December 2024. It is invitation only and leads straight to permanent residency for you and your family.

Do I need a job offer or an employer to sponsor me?

No. The National Innovation Visa is not tied to an employer, so you do not need a job offer to qualify. You do need a nominator with a national reputation in your field, but that is different from an employer sponsor, and once you arrive you can work for anyone.

Who can nominate me for the NIV?

Your nominator must have a national reputation in your area of talent. They can be an Australian citizen, an Australian permanent resident, an eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation. Many technology applicants find a nominator through their professional network rather than through family.

What are the priority sectors?

The top tier is critical technologies (including AI, robotics, and cyber security), health industries, and renewables and low emission technologies. Second tier sectors include agri-food and agtech, defence and space, education, financial services and fintech, infrastructure and transport, and resources. Most invitations so far have gone to the top tier.

How do I apply, and can I apply directly?

You cannot apply directly. You first submit an expression of interest, or EOI, that sets out your achievements. If the Department of Home Affairs invites you, you then lodge the full visa application within the window given in your invitation.

How much income do I need to earn?

A high income is a strong signal, guided by Australia's Fair Work high income threshold. If you do not earn that yet, you can show future job offers or a recent PhD to demonstrate the clear potential to earn it. Income is one factor among several, not a simple cut off.

How much does the National Innovation Visa cost?

The visa application charge starts from around AUD 6,235 for the main applicant, with each included family member paying their own charge on top. Budget separately for a skills assessment, documents, health and character checks, and relocation. Fees change, so use the Department pricing estimator and treat any figure as a guide.

Can I bring my family?

Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included and receive permanent residency at the same time as you. They can work and study in Australia and enrol in Medicare as permanent residents.

Does the NIV give permanent residency?

Yes. It is a permanent visa from the moment it is granted, with no provisional stage. You can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia, travel to and from the country for five years, and later apply for citizenship if you meet the residence requirements.

Is there an age limit?

There is no strict age limit. If you are under 18 or over 55, you need to show your contribution would be of exceptional benefit to Australia. People in their late forties and early fifties, who are often shut out of other routes, can still apply.

Do I need a PhD or an English test?

You do not need a PhD, though it is an advantage. Strong experience can carry your case through recognition of prior learning. You may not need a formal English test if you can evidence your English another way, such as through your qualifications, but requirements vary, so confirm what applies to you.

Does eMigr8 give legal or immigration advice?

No. We give coaching, profile review, and guidance to help you prepare. We do not give legal advice or immigration consultation. For legal questions we can connect you with professionals in our network.

Australia National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)

The National Innovation Visa is Australia's permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. It replaced the Global Talent Visa in December 2024. It is invitation only, you are not tied to an employer, and it grants permanent residency for you and your family.

Who it is for

Established and emerging leaders with outstanding, current achievements, including technology leaders in AI, cyber security, and fintech, researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes, and creatives. Most invitations go to the top priority tier: critical technologies, health industries, and renewables.

Eligibility, costs and family

You need exceptional achievement, a nominator with a national reputation in your field, and a high income or the clear potential to earn it. You submit an expression of interest and, if invited, apply. The charge starts from around AUD 6,235 for the main applicant, with each family member paying their own. Partner and children are included, with permanent residency and Medicare.

How eMigr8 helps

Profile and eligibility review, a roadmap to qualifying, help finding a nominator and packaging your evidence, and coaching from people who have relocated. eMigr8 provides coaching and guidance, not legal advice or immigration consultation.