Subclass 858 — National Innovation Visa — Australia — immi.wiki

The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a permanent visa for migrants who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible talent sector, and who can contribute to Australia's future prosperity. The visa was known as the Distinguished Talent visa prior to 2020, then the Global Talent visa from 2020 to approximately 2025, and has been renamed the National Innovation Visa.

The NIV is an invitation-based visa — applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs, and the Department invites high-priority applicants to apply. The visa is not available through a standard skills assessment pathway; it targets the most exceptional and outstanding global talent across defined priority sectors. A nominator is a mandatory requirement for a valid application.

The NIV differs from other skilled migration visas in that it assesses candidates against a global standard of achievement — not against a points test or occupation list. Candidates must demonstrate that they are internationally recognised leaders or emerging leaders in their field, and that they have or can obtain income at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT) in Australia.

Core eligibility criteria for the Subclass 858 NIV:

• Internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement: The applicant must demonstrate a distinguished record of achievement — not merely a strong career but one that is recognised at an international level (awards, publications, media recognition, academic citations, industry leadership, or equivalent markers of distinction in the relevant field)
• Eligible talent sector: The Department publishes priority sectors for the NIV. These are future-focused areas including (as at recent programme years): AgriFood and Water, Resources, Energy, Health Industries, Defence Industry and Advanced Manufacturing, Circular Economy, DigiTech, Infrastructure and Tourism, Financial Services and FinTech, Education, and Space and Advanced Manufacturing. The list is updated periodically
• Income potential: The applicant must demonstrate that they have the potential to earn a salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold in Australia. For current threshold amounts, refer to the DHA NIV page
• Invitation required: The Department must invite the applicant to apply based on their EOI before a visa application can be lodged
• Nominator: A mandatory nominator is required — typically a distinguished academic, senior professional body, industry leader, or established organisation in Australia who can vouch for the applicant's exceptional standing in the field. The nominator cannot be changed after the application is lodged
• Health and character requirements must be met

EOI process: The applicant submits an EOI through the Department's online form, providing information about their achievements and eligible sector. The Department reviews all submitted EOIs and considers them against the programme priorities. EOIs are valid for 2 years — if the applicant is not invited within 2 years, the EOI expires and must be resubmitted if the applicant wishes to remain in consideration.

Distinguished Talent pathway: In some circumstances, persons with an internationally recognised distinguished record in an eligible field may be considered for the Subclass 858 without having received an EOI invitation, through the Distinguished Talent pathway. This pathway is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Refer to the DHA NIV page for current availability and criteria.

After receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs, the applicant may lodge a Subclass 858 visa application. The application is submitted online through ImmiAccount.

Required supporting documentation typically includes:

• Evidence of internationally recognised achievements (awards, publications, media coverage, peer recognition, citations, grants, leadership roles)
• Nominator statement and supporting information about the nominator's standing in the relevant field
• Evidence of ability to earn at or above the FWHIT in Australia (job offers, salary history, evidence of demand for the applicant's expertise)
• Health examination results and police clearances

For current processing times and application fees, refer to the DHA National Innovation Visa page and the DHA current visa pricing page.

The Subclass 858 is a permanent visa. Holders become permanent residents of Australia on grant. The visa provides:

• Permanent residence and unlimited work and study rights
• The ability to include a partner and dependent children as secondary applicants
• A travel facility allowing multiple entries for 5 years from the date of grant
• Eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship after meeting the residence requirements under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007

There is no condition restricting the holder to work in the nominated talent sector — NIV holders may work in any capacity in Australia after grant.