Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Visas are decided only by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Overview
The National Innovation Visa is an invitation-only permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Permanent from grant (no temporary stage) |
| Selection | Invitation-only, after submitting an Expression of Interest |
| Points test | None |
| Age | No upper age limit; applicants over 55 must show significant benefit to Australia |
| Nomination | A completed nomination (Form 1000) from a qualified nominator is required |
| Government charge (first instalment) | About AUD 6,235 (2026) — verify on Home Affairs |
| Processing time | Depends on invitation and application stages; not guaranteed |
About this visa
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) replaced the Global Talent visa on 6 December 2024 and keeps the same subclass number. It is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement, such as researchers, entrepreneurs, creatives and leaders in their fields. You submit an Expression of Interest, and Home Affairs invites only some applicants to apply.
Priority Sectors and the Invitation Process
The National Innovation Visa is not limited to listed sectors. Home Affairs publishes priority sectors, and achievement in those areas can influence how quickly an invitation is considered. Check the current list on Home Affairs before relying on it.
- Resources, including critical minerals
- Agri-food and agricultural technology
- Energy and clean technology
- Health industries, medical research and biotechnology
- Defence and advanced manufacturing
- Space
- Digital technology, including financial technology
- Infrastructure and transport
Sectors are reported priorities, not eligibility conditions. Verify the current list on Home Affairs.
Benefits of the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
What the visa can offer, subject to being invited, nominated and granted.
Permanent from the Day of Grant
There is no temporary stage, so a granted visa lets you live and work in Australia permanently.
No Points Test
Selection is based on achievement and nomination rather than a points score.
No Upper Age Limit
There is no age cap, although applicants over 55 must show significant benefit to Australia.
Family Inclusion
Partners and dependent children can generally be included, subject to eligibility and charges.
Work Rights
A permanent visa has no employer-sponsorship or location condition.
Open to Offshore Applicants
You can apply from outside Australia, including from the UAE, after being invited.
Key Requirements for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
Core eligibility
- An internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts or academia and research.
- A prominent position or leading role in your field, supported by evidence.
- A submitted Expression of Interest that results in an invitation to apply.
- A completed nomination (Form 1000) from a qualified nominator, such as an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or organisation.
- Health and character requirements.
Evidence of achievement
- Awards, prizes and independent recognition.
- Publications, patents, citations or media coverage.
- Evidence of leadership, funding raised or businesses built.
- Reference letters from recognised experts.
- Evidence of the contribution you would make to Australia.
Salary and sector points to check
- Earlier Global Talent guidance used a high-income benchmark; published guidance now disagrees on whether any salary threshold applies, so confirm this on Home Affairs.
- High earnings or an Australian job offer can still help show your calibre.
- Priority sectors can influence how quickly an invitation is considered but do not limit eligibility.
Documentation
- Valid passport and identity documents.
- Your Expression of Interest and invitation.
- Nomination Form 1000 and nominator evidence.
- Evidence of achievement and a detailed profile.
- Police certificates and medical examination results.
How the National Innovation Visa Process Works
A general overview. Your actual sequence depends on your field, evidence and nominator, and timelines are not guaranteed.
- 1
Eligibility and evidence review
Review your record of achievement against the visa's standard.
- List your awards, publications and leadership roles.
- Identify independent evidence.
- Assess how your achievements are recognised internationally.
- Decide whether the visa fits your profile.
- 2
Find a qualified nominator
A completed nomination (Form 1000) is required.
- Identify eligible nominators, such as an Australian citizen, permanent resident or organisation.
- Explain your work and plans to them.
- Obtain the completed Form 1000.
- Keep evidence of the nominator's standing.
- 3
Expression of Interest
Submit an Expression of Interest to Home Affairs.
- Complete the EOI accurately.
- Describe your achievements and evidence.
- Include nomination details.
- Submit and wait for assessment.
- 4
Invitation to apply
Home Affairs invites only some applicants, based on its priorities.
- Respond promptly to an invitation.
- Check the time allowed to lodge.
- Do not assume an invitation will arrive.
- Plan alternatives in parallel.
- 5
Visa application
If invited, lodge the application with full evidence.
- Upload identity, achievement and nomination documents.
- Pay the first instalment of the charge.
- Provide health and police checks.
- Attend biometrics if requested.
- 6
Decision
Home Affairs assesses the application and decides.
- Respond to requests for information.
- A decision is made.
- If granted, the visa is permanent.
- Plan arrival and settlement.
Typical Government Costs for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First instalment of the visa charge | About AUD 6,235 | Reported figure for 2026; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Second instalment (if applicable) | Varies | Confirm the current charge. |
| Nominator and state nomination costs | Varies | Some state nominations may carry fees. |
| Evidence preparation | Varies | Costs of reference letters, translations and document certification. |
| Health examinations and police certificates | Varies | Paid to the providers. |
Charges are set by the Australian Government and change each July. Confirm current amounts on the Home Affairs website before applying.
National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Innovation Visa?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa on 6 December 2024. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether to invite you and whether the visa is granted.
Is the Global Talent visa still available?
No. The Global Talent Independent program stopped accepting new expressions of interest on 29 November 2024, and the National Innovation Visa replaced it from 6 December 2024. It uses the same subclass number, 858.
Who is the National Innovation Visa for?
It is for people with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research, such as researchers, founders, creatives and recognised leaders. It is not aimed at average or early-career applicants.
Do I need to be nominated?
Yes. You need a completed nomination form (Form 1000) from a qualified nominator, such as an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident or organisation. Some states also offer nomination options.
How does the invitation process work?
You submit an Expression of Interest, and Home Affairs invites only some applicants to apply, based on its priorities. If invited, you lodge a full application within the time allowed. An invitation is not guaranteed.
Is there a points test?
No. The National Innovation Visa is not points-tested. Selection is based on your record of achievement, evidence and nomination.
Is there an age limit?
There is no upper age limit, but applicants over 55 need to demonstrate that they will bring significant benefit to Australia.
Do I need a high salary?
Older Global Talent guidance used a high-income benchmark, and published guidance now disagrees on whether any salary threshold applies. Confirm the current position with Home Affairs, and note that high earnings or an Australian job offer can still help show your calibre.
Do I have to work in a priority sector?
No. The visa is not limited to listed sectors, but achievement in priority areas can influence how quickly an invitation is considered. Check the current priority list on Home Affairs.
What evidence of achievement is needed?
Strong, independent evidence such as awards, publications, patents, media coverage, leadership roles, funding raised and expert references. Quality and independence matter more than volume.
Can I apply from the UAE?
Yes. You can apply from outside Australia once you are invited, as well as from inside Australia. Plan the nomination and evidence while you are still in the UAE.
How much does the visa cost?
The first instalment of the visa charge is reported at about AUD 6,235 in 2026, and a second instalment may apply. Nomination and evidence preparation add costs. Confirm all amounts with Home Affairs.
How long does it take?
The time depends on how long an invitation takes, if one comes, and how long Home Affairs takes to decide. Home Affairs publishes processing times, and none are guaranteed.
Can my family be included?
Generally yes. A partner and dependent children can usually be included, and each additional applicant must meet health and character requirements and pay a charge.
Is the visa permanent?
Yes. If granted, the subclass 858 is a permanent visa from the day of grant, with no temporary stage. Only a grant makes you a permanent resident.
How does the NIV differ from the 189?
The 189 is a points-tested visa open to skilled workers in listed occupations. The NIV is invitation-only for exceptional achievers, has no points test and requires a nominator.
What happened to the Business Innovation (188) visa?
The 188 closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. The National Innovation Visa is now the main route for exceptional business talent, but it is not a business or investment visa.
Can I improve my chances of an invitation?
Invitations are decided by Home Affairs, and no one can guarantee one. You can strengthen your evidence, your nominator and the clarity of your profile, and consider alternatives in parallel.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.
Can Visatrix Global guarantee my invitation or visa?
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether to invite you and whether a visa is granted, and no consultant can guarantee either, or processing times. We help you assess your profile and organise accurate evidence.
Related Advisory Services
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Explore Employer Sponsorship Advisory →Check Your National Innovation Visa Eligibility
Get a free conversation with our Dubai-based advisors about your record of achievement and whether this invitation-only visa is realistic for your profile. We also explain the alternatives. No obligation.
Immigration regulations, eligibility criteria, occupation lists, points requirements, language requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting any application.
Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. We do not guarantee visa approval, invitations, points outcomes or processing times. Our services are limited to general information, eligibility assessment and document organisation; immigration assistance on Australian visa applications must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer, which you can verify at the OMARA public register (omara.gov.au).
Content compiled October 2026; figures marked “about” or “reported” should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Official sources to verify
- immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — National Innovation visa (subclass 858), Form 1000, priority sectors and the fee table.
- Home Affairs notices of the closure of the Global Talent Independent program and the launch of the National Innovation Visa.
- Each state and territory's page on National Innovation Visa nomination.
- omara.gov.au — to verify any migration agent named on the page.