The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is Australia's fast-track permanent residence program for exceptionally talented migrants who can contribute to innovation, growth, and productivity in key sectors of the Australian economy. The NIV is issued under subclass 858 and replaced the earlier Global Talent Independent (GTI) program from 29 November 2024, when the GTI stopped accepting new Expressions of Interest.

Unlike the points-tested skilled migration programs (which require meeting a pass mark and being invited through SkillSelect), the NIV requires DHA to invite the applicant following review of their Expression of Interest — and requires a nominator who is a nationally recognised organisation in the applicant's field.

• Migration Regulations 1994, Schedule 2, Subclass 858 — the visa criteria
• DHA: National Innovation Visa page — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/national-innovation-visa
• DHA: Subclass 858 NIV page — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/subclass-858-NIV

Target sectors

The NIV targets applicants with internationally recognised records of exceptional and outstanding achievement in fields that contribute to Australia's innovation economy. DHA identifies target sectors including, but not limited to:

• AgriFood and AgriTech
• Space and advanced manufacturing
• FinTech and financial services
• MedTech and medical research
• Cyber security
• Quantum computing and emerging digital technologies
• Resources technology and critical minerals processing
• Defence industry
• Energy, including renewables

Expression of Interest (EOI)

To be considered for a NIV invitation, an applicant must submit an Expression of Interest through the DHA online form. The EOI must demonstrate the applicant's exceptional and outstanding achievements in their sector and include:

• Evidence of international recognition — publications, patents, awards, leadership roles, significant impact
• Details of the nominator
• A proposal for how the applicant will contribute to Australia's economy and innovation

DHA reviews the EOI and, if the applicant meets the criteria, sends an invitation to apply for the visa.

Nominator requirement

A key requirement of the NIV is the nominator — a nationally recognised Australian organisation, institution, or body operating in the same sector as the applicant. The nominator must confirm the applicant's exceptional achievements and provide a commitment to support the applicant's work in Australia. Examples of nominators include universities, research institutions, industry bodies, and major companies in the target sectors.

Income threshold

The applicant must demonstrate the ability to earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), or show that their work in Australia will be at the appropriate level. The current FWHIT is published by the Fair Work Commission and is updated periodically — refer to the DHA subclass 858 page for the requirement as it applies to the NIV.

Transition from GTI

The NIV replaced the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program from 29 November 2024. No new GTI Expressions of Interest have been accepted since that date. Applicants who were in the GTI pipeline before closure may still have their applications processed under the GTI framework or may be transitioned to the NIV criteria — applicants with pending applications should check their status with DHA directly.

The NIV is the most direct permanent residence pathway for truly exceptional talent — it does not require a skills assessment, does not require a points test score, and is not capped by annual allocation in the same way as the general skilled migration program. However, the bar for admission is genuinely very high — applicants must demonstrate internationally recognised, exceptional achievement, not merely strong professional credentials.

The subclass 858 has undergone several name changes: it was originally the Distinguished Talent visa, then became the Global Talent visa in 2020, and is now the National Innovation visa (NIV) from late 2024. The criteria have evolved with each iteration. Current requirements are governed by the NIV framework and the DHA NIV guidance pages.