858 Visa – National Innovation Visa (NIV)

International Record

Applicants must be able to demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in

• A profession
• A sport
• The arts
• Academia and research

Applicants must still be prominent in their area of talent, and demonstrate that they would have no difficulty in obtaining employment or being established independently in Australia.

The application must also be supported by a nominator who has a national reputation in the same area as the applicant, who is an Australian Citizen, permanent resident, or Australian organisation.

Priority Field

Invitations are issued based on the quality and background of the applicant. There are four priority groups considered by Immigration:

Group 1: Those with internationally recognised awards, such as a Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, or Olympic Gold Medal.

Group 2: Applicants from any sector nominated by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.

Group 3: ‘Tier One’ candidates with exceptional talent in:

• Critical Technologies
• Health Industries
• Renewables and Low Emission Technologies

Group 4: ‘Tier Two’ candidates with exceptional talent in:

• Education
• Agri-food and AgTech
• Financial Services and FinTech
• Defence Capabilities and Space
• Resources
• Transport and Infrastructure

Invitation rounds for the National Innovation Visa occur throughout the program year (1 July to 30 June).

Visa Application

There is no age limit for this visa, however, if the applicant is under 18 years old, or are 55 years or older when they apply, they must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

In addition to their talent, applicants must:

• Evidence at least Functional level English (including dependents over the age of 18).
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have paid back any debts to the Australian government