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National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is an invitation-only permanent visa 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 on 6 December 2024. You first submit an Expression of Interest, which stays active for 2 years. If invited, you must apply within 60 days with a Form 1000 nomination from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field. From 1 July 2026 the charge is AUD 6,235.
National Innovation Visa (858) at a Glance
| Visa type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| How to apply | Expression of Interest, then invitation, then visa application within 60 days |
| Replaced | Global Talent visa (subclass 858) from 6 December 2024 |
| Areas | A profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research |
| Nominator | Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field (Form 1000) |
| Age | Any age. Under 18 or 55 and over must show exceptional benefit to Australia |
| English | Functional English for applicants 18 and over, or pay the second instalment |
| Government charge | AUD 6,235 main applicant, AUD 3,120 each adult, AUD 1,560 per child (from 1 July 2026) |
How the Invitation Process Works
You cannot apply for the National Innovation visa (NIV) without an invitation. You submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online, and Home Affairs issues invitations based on the NIV priorities. An EOI stays active for 2 years. If you are invited, you receive a unique reference and must lodge your visa application within 60 days. Being invited does not mean you have been pre-assessed as eligible. The visa decision is based on your application and evidence.
Priority Order for Invitations and Processing
Ministerial Direction No. 120 sets the order in which Home Affairs invites and processes NIV applicants:
| Priority | Who |
|---|---|
| 1 | Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international top-of-field awards |
| 2 | Candidates from any sector nominated on Form 1000 by an expert Australian Government agency, or a state or territory government agency |
| 3 | Exceptional achievement in a Tier One sector: critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, or health industries |
| 4 | Exceptional achievement in a Tier Two sector: agri-food and AgTech, defence capabilities and space, education, financial services and FinTech, infrastructure and transport, or resources |
Main Requirements
- Exceptional achievement: an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research, and you must still be prominent in that area.
- Asset to Australia: you must be likely to contribute to the Australian community, economically, socially, culturally or by raising Australia's international standing.
- Establish yourself: you must be able to find work or become established in your area in Australia without difficulty.
- Nominator: a completed Form 1000 from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your area.
- Age: any age, but applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over must show they would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
- English: applicants 18 and over must show Functional English, or pay a second instalment of AUD 4,890.
- Regional visa holders: if you hold, or last held, a 491 or 494, you must have held it for at least 3 years.
Examples of Evidence
Home Affairs gives examples of evidence such as international top-of-field awards, national research grants, a research PhD with high academic influence (for example recent publications in top journals or a high h-index), international patents, a track record of supporting successful innovative ventures, major sporting or arts achievements, and current earnings or an Australian job offer at or above the Fair Work high income threshold. Your evidence must also show recent prominence in your field.
Costs
From 1 July 2026 the visa application charge is AUD 6,235 for the main applicant, AUD 3,120 for each family member aged 18 or over and AUD 1,560 for each child. A second instalment of AUD 4,890 applies to each applicant aged 18 or over without Functional English. Lower charges apply to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders.
Processing
Home Affairs processes NIV applications in the order set by Ministerial Direction No. 120 and within the places available in the migration program. Check the global processing times for current figures.
How to Apply
- Assess your profileCompare your achievements against the NIV priorities and exceptional achievement indicators.
- Find a nominatorIdentify an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible NZ citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field who will sign Form 1000.
- Submit your Expression of InterestLodge the EOI online with evidence of your achievements. It stays active for 2 years.
- Receive an invitationIf invited, you receive a unique reference and must apply within 60 days.
- Lodge the visa applicationApply in ImmiAccount with the completed Form 1000 and evidence matching the claims in your EOI.
- Health, character and decisionComplete health checks and provide police certificates for you and your family when asked.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We assess your achievements against the NIV priorities, help you present your evidence clearly in the Expression of Interest, guide your nominator through Form 1000, and prepare your visa application within the 60-day invitation window.
Free tools for this visa
Related visas
Every case is different. Talk to a Registered Migration Agent about your National Innovation Visa (858) before you lodge.
Book a consultationSources: Home Affairs: National Innovation visa (858) · National Innovation visa: EOI process · National Innovation visa priorities · Migration Amendment (National Innovation Visa) Regulations 2024 · Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 1 item 1113
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
What is the National Innovation visa?
The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is an invitation-only permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa on 6 December 2024.
Can I apply for the 858 without an invitation?
No. You must submit an Expression of Interest and be invited by Home Affairs. If invited, you must lodge your visa application within 60 days.
How long does an Expression of Interest last?
An NIV Expression of Interest stays active for 2 years from the date you submit it. If you are not invited in that time, it expires.
Who can be my nominator?
An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same area as you. They complete Form 1000, which you attach to your visa application.
Which sectors are prioritised?
After top-of-field award recipients and candidates nominated by government agencies, Home Affairs prioritises Tier One sectors (critical technologies, renewables and low emission technologies, health industries) and then Tier Two sectors such as education, FinTech, resources and defence and space.
Is there an age limit for the 858?
No. You can be any age, but if you are under 18 or aged 55 or over you must show that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
How much does the National Innovation visa cost?
From 1 July 2026 the charge is AUD 6,235 for the main applicant, AUD 3,120 for each adult and AUD 1,560 for each child. A second instalment of AUD 4,890 applies to adults without Functional English.
Do I need a job offer for the 858?
No job offer is required. You must show you could find work or become established in your field in Australia without difficulty, and an Australian job offer at or above the high income threshold can be supporting evidence.
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