National Innovation Visa Australia (Subclass 858) Application

Replacing the now-closed Global Talent Visa as of 6 December 2024, the National Innovation Visa continues Australia’s focus on attracting highly skilled, high-performing migrants who can drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth. Learn more about the eligibility criteria, priority sectors, and application process for this visa.

About National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is Australia’s permanent residence visa for individuals with internationally recognised talent and exceptional achievements in their field. 

This visa is designed for established and emerging leaders across a range of sectors, including:

• Researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Innovation Investors
• Artists
• Athletes
• Creatives

Key Benefits

The National Innovation Visa holders will be entitled to the following benefits:

• Live in Australia permanently
• Work and study in Australia.
• Contribute to cutting-edge innovation, research, and business development.
• Pathway to bring family members to Australia in most cases.
• Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.

Applicants who are exploring permanent residence pathways for their family may also wish to learn about partner visa Australia, which is one of the main onshore partner migration options for couples.

Who Can Apply For 858 Visa?

To be eligible, applicants must be exceptionally talented in their field and demonstrate achievements recognised internationally. Categories of potential candidates include:

• Global researchers and academics with notable contributions in their field.
• Entrepreneurs and innovative investors are driving new business or investment opportunities.
• Athletes and creatives who have made a substantial impact internationally.

All applicants must be invited to apply. This process begins by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) that highlights your achievements, contributions, and potential to benefit Australia.

Priority Sectors

The Department of Home Affairs considers candidates in the following priority order:

1. Priority One: Exceptional global experts who have received international “top of field” awards.
2. Priority Two: Candidates nominated by recognised Australian government agencies with expertise in their sector.
3. Priority Three: Exceptional achievers in Tier 1 sectors:
   • Critical Technologies
   • Health Industries
   • Renewable and Low Emission Technologies
4. Priority Four: Exceptional achievers in Tier 2 sectors:
   • Agri-food and AgTech
   • Defence Capabilities and Space
   • Education
   • Financial Services and FinTech
   • Infrastructure and Transport
   • Resources

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the National Innovation Visa, you must meet several key requirements:

1. Visa status

• If applying from outside Australia, you do not need to hold a visa.
• If applying from within Australia, you must hold a valid substantive visa or one of the following Bridging visas:
  • Bridging Visa A (BVA, subclass 010)
  • Bridging Visa B (BVB, subclass 020)
  • Bridging Visa C (BVC, subclass 030)
• Applicants who previously held the Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494) must have held that visa for at least three years.

2. Invitation to apply

You can only apply once invited by the Department of Home Affairs. Submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step.

3. Nomination via Form 1000

• Complete Form 1000 Nomination for National Innovation Visa.
• Your achievements must be attested by a nominator with national recognition in your field, such as:
  • An Australian citizen
  • An Australian permanent resident
  • An eligible New Zealand citizen
  • An Australian organisation
• The nominator must verify your exceptional and internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement and sign the form.

4. Internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement

You must demonstrate sustained, outstanding accomplishments in one of the following areas:

• Professional practice
• Sport
• The arts
• Academia and research

This includes:

• Superior abilities and achievements relative to others in your field
• Recognition as exceptional in countries where your field is practiced
• Evidence that your achievements are ongoing and likely to continue

5. Prominence in your field

You must remain active in your area with recent exceptional achievements that continue to demonstrate your expertise.

6. Contribution to Australia

Your skills must be of value to the Australian community, potentially through economic, social, cultural, or academic contributions that raise Australia’s international profile.

7. Ability to establish yourself in Australia

You must show that you can work or operate independently in your area of expertise without difficulty.

8. Age requirements

There is no strict age limit, but applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia, such as:

• Significant contributions to the economy
• Creation of employment opportunities
• Advancement of research, innovation, or national industries
• Raising Australia’s global standing in your field

9. English proficiency

Applicants aged 18 or older must have at least functional English. If not, a second instalment of the visa application charge may be required.

10. Health and character

You and any accompanying family members must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. Family members not migrating with you may also need to meet these requirements.

11. Financial obligations

You and your family members must not owe money to the Australian government. Any outstanding debt must be paid or under an arrangement before the visa can be granted.

12. Australian Values Statement

Applicants aged 18 or over must read (or have explained to them) the Life in Australia booklet and commit to respecting Australian laws and values.

13. Immigration history

Previous visa cancellations or refusals may affect eligibility. Some applicants may still apply for a permanent visa under certain conditions.

Indicators of Exceptional Achievement

Subclass 858 visa applicants are assessed based on evidence of their high-level accomplishments, which may include:

• Prestigious international awards or honours.
• Advanced academic qualifications or significant research funding.
• Global leadership positions, keynote presentations, or advisory roles.
• Intellectual property or successful commercialisation of innovations.
• Proven entrepreneurial activity or impact in your field.
• International recognition in sports, arts, or other creative industries.
• Other achievements demonstrate exceptional, world-class talent.

858 Visa Application Process

1. Prepare your Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit an EOI to demonstrate your exceptional achievements, career highlights, and how your expertise will benefit Australia.

2. Receive an Invitation

The Department of Home Affairs will assess your EOI and may invite you to apply for the visa. Note that submission of an EOI does not guarantee an invitation.

3. Submit a visa application

Once invited, you can lodge a permanent residence visa application. All supporting documents, including evidence of achievements, must be provided.

4. Visa Decision

The Department of Home Affairs will make the final decision on your visa application. Successful applicants are granted permanent residence in Australia.

During the processing time, you can check your visa status for the important updates.

Costs & Processing Time

According to the 2025 updates from the Department of Home Affairs, the cost of applying for the National Innovation Visa is AUD 4,985.

In 2026, the National Innovation Visa processing time is from 10 to 23 months.

Contact VEM if you need detailed consultancy for a National Innovation Visa. Our registered migration agent, Mr. Peter Cao, a registered migration consultant (MARN: 1577877) and qualified education consultant (QEAC: K580), ensures professional handling of your visa application, meeting all legal requirements.

By: Peter Phong D Cao – Registered migration agent

(MARN: 1577877, MIA: 12648)

Mr. Phong Cao

CEO and Founder of VEM

Mr. Phong Cao is a licensed migration agent by MARA (MARN: 1577877). He is also a member of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA: 12648), one of the most reputable organizations in the field of immigration in Australia. In addition, Mr. Phong Cao holds a QEAC certification in study abroad consulting (QEAC: K580) and Australian real estate investment (RA85931). With over 12 years of experience in Australian immigration, he provides comprehensive solutions for studying and settling in Australia.