National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) | Wintr Consulting

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

A permanent residence pathway for exceptionally talented individuals making a significant contribution to Australia.

The National Innovation visa is a permanent residence pathway for exceptionally talented individuals who can make a significant contribution to Australia’s priority sectors. This visa is highly competitive, invitation-only, and designed for global leaders, innovators, and emerging talent with strong evidence of international excellence. Introduced in December 2024, the NIV replaced the former Global Talent visa.

The program continues to attract world-class individuals, with greater focus on objective selection criteria and alignment with Australia’s long-term strategic priorities.

Priority Sectors

The program prioritises high-impact sectors, with Tier One receiving the highest volume of invitations:

Tier One

Critical technologies
Health industries
Renewables and low emissions
Defence and space
Education

Tier Two

Agri-food and AgTech
Financial services and FinTech
Transport and infrastructure
Resources

Athletes and Creatives

Athletes and creatives are considered where there is clear national impact. This pathway is reserved for individuals who can demonstrate exceptional talent and the ability to elevate Australia’s profile in their field. For example, elite athletes competing at international level, coaches with recognised global expertise, and creatives whose work has meaningful cultural, artistic or commercial significance.

Identifying Merit & Evidence

Applicants must show a track record of excellence, leadership, and evidence that their contribution will strengthen Australia’s global competitiveness, cultural presence, or sporting performance.

Low Merit Applications	Successful High Merit Applications
Focuses on duties and job titles, not achievements	Clear, measurable achievements and innovation outcomes
Domestic career only, limited global footprint	International recognition, collaborations or global impact
Claims “ideas” without proof of execution	Tangible outputs: IP, prototypes, trials, investment, partnerships
Strong academics but limited real-world impact	Research or innovation translated into impact (industry/clinical/government adoption)
No clear link to Australia’s priority sectors	Evidence clearly tied to priority industries and national objectives
Weak contribution plan (future unclear)	Structured plan to contribute to Australia — jobs, IP, research, startups, partnerships
General references or low-authority endorsers	High-credibility referees with sector authority and demonstrated standing
Overstates profile without effective evidence	Evidence-backed claims — awards, citations, patents, investors, press
Treats NIV as a “talent visa”, not an innovation visa	Demonstrates innovation leadership and momentum towards global scale
Generic professional success, not exceptional or distinctive	Unique value proposition Australia benefits from

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Innovation visa?

It is a permanent residence visa for exceptional global talent across priority innovation sectors, replacing the Global Talent 858 visa in December 2024.

How long does my EOI remain valid?

Two years from the date of submission. If you are not invited within this period, the EOI expires.

What type of achievements are expected?

Evidence of exceptional and outstanding achievements such as major awards, high-impact publications, recognised intellectual property, or successful commercial innovation.

Do investors require a minimum investment amount?

No fixed investment threshold. Quality, innovation impact and track record are assessed.

What role do government nominators play?

Nominators may support exceptional candidates and receive high processing priority, but nomination does not guarantee an invitation.

Does nomination replace the EOI?

No. Candidates nominated by a government agency must still lodge an EOI and receive an invitation.

What is the time limit to apply after invitation?

60 days to lodge the visa application.

Can a PhD student or recent graduate qualify?

Yes, if they demonstrate exceptional research impact, awards, or innovation potential supported by strong evidence.

Can I rely on future potential if I do not yet have major awards or commercial outcomes?

Yes. The NIV specifically recognises emerging talent, particularly where there is demonstrated innovation potential supported by credible evidence such as accelerator participation, strong academic performance, prototype development, early-stage investment, key fellowships or recognised innovation programs. The evidence must show a clear trajectory toward global excellence, not just future ambition.

How important is having a recognised international footprint?

A clear international profile significantly strengthens competitiveness. Indicators include cross-border collaborations, global industry recognition, international funding, patents registered outside Australia, or roles with multinational organisations. Domestic success alone may not be sufficient without demonstrated global relevance or reach.

Do I need a job offer in Australia to be considered?

No, a job offer is not required. However, evidence of future employability, commercialisation potential or industry demand in Australia will support the EOI. This can include expressions of interest from employers, incubator links, university partnerships or industry engagement signals.

Can I transition from a Temporary Activity visa (sport, research, cultural) into the NIV pathway?

Yes. Candidates already in Australia on activity-based or innovation-linked visas may be competitive if they can demonstrate exceptional performance, recognised impact, and national-level potential. The key requirement is evidence of contribution and talent — the visa pathway you currently hold does not limit eligibility if you meet the NIV eligibility.

How does the NIV assess commercialisation and entrepreneurship in early-stage ventures?

Applicants must demonstrate credible progress and validation, such as funded pilots, accelerator or venture program participation, industry partnerships, regulatory progress (where relevant), grant success, developed IP, prototype success, or customer-validated traction. Pure idea-stage applications without execution evidence are not competitive.

Can industry professionals apply without academic publications?

Yes. Commercial achievements, IP ownership, innovation delivery and recognised leadership can meet criteria.

What happens if my EOI is not successful?

If no invitation is issued within two years, the EOI expires. Candidates can re-apply with a strengthened profile.