The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional or outstanding achievement.
Applicants must demonstrate superior abilities, be acclaimed as exceptional in their field, and have a record of sustained achievement. They must participate in an area that is recognised and accepted in Australia with international standing.
The Department must invite you before you can apply. You first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); submitting an EOI does not guarantee an invitation, and an invitation does not guarantee the visa will be granted.
Who is this permit for?
This visa is for people with an internationally recognised track record of exceptional achievement in their field. It's not for talented professionals generally, it's specifically for those who are widely seen as leaders or experts at a global level.
You have an internationally recognised record of exceptional or outstanding achievement
Your achievement is in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
You have superior abilities and are acclaimed as exceptional in your field
You have a record of sustained achievement
You participate in an area that is recognised and accepted in Australia with international standing
You have a nominator who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation in your field
You understand that an EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation or visa grant
You meet health and character requirements
Common reasons for rejection
Achievements are not internationally recognised: The Department distinguishes between locally significant achievement and genuine international recognition. Awards, publications, citations or media coverage that are only known within your home country, and not acknowledged internationally, will not satisfy this requirement.
Insufficient evidence of sustained achievement: A single exceptional achievement is rarely sufficient. The Department expects a consistent record of high-level performance over time. Sparse CVs, gaps in activity, or a profile that peaked years ago without ongoing recognition are common reasons for refusal.
Field not recognised in Australia with international standing: The area in which you have achieved must be recognised and accepted in Australia. Niche or highly specialised fields that lack established communities or institutions in Australia may not satisfy this requirement.
Weak or unsuitable nominator: The nominator must be prominent in the relevant field in Australia and able to convincingly attest to your exceptional standing. A nominator who lacks credibility or relevance to your field, or who submits a generic letter, significantly weakens the application.
EOI or invitation outcome: An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation. An invitation is not a pre-assessment of visa eligibility; the visa application is assessed on its merits and supporting evidence.
Health or character requirements not met: All applicants and included family members must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements. This requirement applies regardless of the strength of your professional profile.
Application process
1. Eligibility Assessment
We assess your professional profile, achievements, and field alignment to determine whether you are a strong candidate for the National Innovation Visa.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI)
An EOI is submitted outlining your achievements, international recognition, and field relevance. This is assessed by the Department of Home Affairs.
3. Unique Identifier
If your EOI is successful, you receive a unique identifier and an invitation to lodge a formal visa application within the specified timeframe.
4. Nominator Arrangement
You must secure a nominator, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible organisation who is prominent in your field and can attest to your achievements.
5. Visa Application Lodgement
We prepare and submit your complete application including evidence of achievements, nominator details, health and character documents.
6. Processing and Decision
The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and grants your permanent visa upon approval.
Key considerations
You must demonstrate that your achievements are internationally recognised, not just locally significant.
Your field of achievement must be in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research.
You must be acclaimed as exceptional and have a record of sustained achievement.
The area you participate in must be recognised and accepted in Australia with international standing.
A strong nominator who is well-known in the relevant field significantly strengthens your application.
Use the Department of Home Affairs global visa processing-time guide for an indication of current processing times. Published estimates are not guarantees.
There is no formal points test, though your profile and achievements are thoroughly assessed.
Costs
Government charges and other costs vary. Check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator and current subclass guidance rather than relying on figures on this page.
Current government charges: Check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator
Health examinations and police clearances: Varies by applicant and circumstances
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Exact costs depend on individual circumstances and family composition. Government fees are subject to change.
Processing timeframes
Use the Department of Home Affairs global visa processing-time guide for current indicative processing information. Processing estimates are not guarantees.
EOI and visa processing: Check the Department processing-time guide
Job offer requirements
A job offer is not required for the National Innovation Visa. The visa is based on your exceptional achievements and international recognition in your field.
New World Immigration can assist with connecting suitable candidates to Australian employers through our recruitment division, though securing employment is not a prerequisite for visa grant.
How to apply — step by step
1. Assess your profile against the criteria
Before submitting anything, honestly evaluate whether your achievements are genuinely internationally recognised and whether you have a sustained record in your field. This is a high-bar visa, contact our team for a frank assessment of your candidacy.
2. Identify and secure a nominator
Find an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian organisation in your field who is prominent and credible in that field. Your nominator must be willing to provide a detailed, personalised statement attesting to your exceptional standing.
3. Compile your evidence portfolio
Gather comprehensive evidence of your achievements, international awards, publications, citations, media coverage, professional memberships, expert testimonials, and any other documentation that demonstrates your exceptional and sustained record.
4. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI using the Department of Home Affairs process, outlining your field, achievements and international recognition. An EOI does not guarantee an invitation.
5. Receive your unique identifier and invitation
If the Department invites you, the invitation contains the information and timeframe for lodging a formal visa application. An invitation does not guarantee a visa grant.
6. Complete health examinations and police clearances
Undergo health examinations with an approved panel physician. Obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
7. Lodge the visa application
Submit the complete application through ImmiAccount, including your evidence portfolio, nominator details, health results and police clearances. Respond promptly to any requests for further information.
Quick tips
Quality of evidence matters more than quantity. A handful of powerful, verifiable international citations or awards is more persuasive than a long list of minor local recognitions.
Your nominator's credibility is critical. A letter from the head of an Australian university department, a national sporting body, or the CEO of a major industry association carries far more weight than a letter from a personal contact.
Document your international footprint specifically, international conferences, foreign media coverage, overseas collaborations and cross-border citations all strengthen your claim of international recognition.
For technology and innovation professionals, evidence of commercially significant patents, internationally adopted products or globally recognised research contributions is particularly compelling.
An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation. An invitation is not a guarantee of visa grant.
Include family members from the outset if they will be accompanying you. Adding them later requires separate applications.
Documents needed
Valid passport for all applicants
Expression of Interest unique identifier
Detailed CV demonstrating international career trajectory and sustained achievement
Evidence of international awards, prizes or recognition
Published works, research papers, patents or creative portfolios (as applicable)
Media coverage, interviews or features in international publications
Expert testimonials from internationally recognised figures in your field
Nominator's detailed statement and evidence of their standing in Australia
Nominator's Australian citizenship, PR or eligible NZ citizen documentation (or organisation credentials)
Police clearances from every country of residence (12+ months in past 10 years)
Health examination results from an approved panel physician
Birth certificates for all applicants
Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (if applicable)
Frequently asked questions
Are there age or English requirements for the National Innovation Visa?
Requirements can depend on the applicant and accompanying family members. Check the current Department subclass 858 guidance for the applicable rules rather than relying on a general age or English-language summary.
What counts as an internationally recognised achievement?
This includes being acclaimed as exceptional in your field with a record of sustained achievement. Examples include international awards, significant professional accomplishments, major research contributions, or outstanding sporting or artistic achievements that are recognised internationally.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in your application. Additional visa fees apply for each secondary applicant.
Does submitting an EOI guarantee an invitation or visa?
No. An EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation. An invitation is not a pre-assessment of eligibility and does not guarantee that the visa will be granted.
How do I find a nominator?
If invited to apply, your nominator must meet the current Department requirements. Confirm the required nominator status and evidence on the official subclass 858 guidance.
What fields qualify for this visa?
The visa covers achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research. Your area of participation must be recognised and accepted in Australia with international standing.
Get expert help
If you believe you have the profile and achievements to qualify for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), the next step is to complete a structured eligibility assessment.
Our team will review your professional background, field alignment, and achievement record to provide clear guidance on your candidacy and the most effective approach.