858Permanent

National Innovation visa

National Innovation visa

Visa Cost

AUD 4,985

Processing Time

About 6 months (50%) / 13 months (90%)

Last verified 2 June 2026View Official WebsiteApplication Wizard
Policy change notice

The former Global Talent visa (858) has been renamed the National Innovation visa (NIV)

Eligibility

  • Internationally recognised outstanding achievement in one of the following target sectors:
  • Agri-food and AgTech
  • Energy
  • Health Industries
  • Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
  • Digital Technology
  • Infrastructure and Tourism
  • Financial Services and FinTech
  • Education
  • Circular Economy
  • Resources
  • Obtain a nominator in the same field in Australia (must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or organisation)
  • Able to earn in Australia a salary above the Fair Work high income threshold (currently about AUD 167,500)

Key Information

Validity / Stay / Residence

Permanent residence; the first grant includes a 5-year travel facility period, after which a Resident Return visa (RRV) is required.

Eligible Dependants

You can bring the spouse/de facto partner and dependent children to obtain permanent residence together.

PR / Permanent Residence Pathway

This visa is permanent residence (PR); you are a permanent resident from grant, with no provisional stage; you can apply for citizenship once residence and other conditions are met. (From 7 December 2024 the former Global Talent/Distinguished Talent was renamed the National Innovation Visa, with the subclass number unchanged.)

View provisional-to-permanent transition overview →

Application Steps

1

Confirm Eligibility

Confirm Eligibility

Confirm your field and outstanding achievement

  • Confirm your field is in one of the 10 target sectors
  • Prepare materials evidencing internationally outstanding achievement
  • Find an Australian nominator
2

Submit EOI

Submit EOI

Submit an Expression of Interest

  • Complete the online EOI form
  • Provide evidence of achievements and a CV
  • Obtain the nominator's support
  • Wait for the Department's assessment
3

Apply After Invitation

Apply After Invitation

Lodge the visa application after receiving the invitation

  • Receive an invitation from the Department
  • Lodge the visa application
  • Upload all supporting documents
  • Pay the visa fee

Required Documents

Document NameEnglish NameRequiredDescriptionTips
PassportPassportValid passport-
Evidence of AchievementEvidence of AchievementEvidence of internationally recognised achievement-
CV/ResumeCV/ResumeA detailed academic/professional CV-
NominationNominationThe Australian nominator's support letter-
Salary EvidenceSalary EvidenceProve you can earn a high salary-
Health ExaminationHealth ExaminationHealth examination report-
Police ClearancePolice ClearancePolice clearance-

FAQ

Does the global talent visa have a quota?
There is an annual quota, currently about 15,000 places.
What level of achievement is required?
Internationally recognised outstanding achievement is required, such as top academic papers, major industry awards, or being a senior executive of a well-known company.
Must the nominator be Australian?
Yes; the nominator must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an organisation in Australia.

Common Refusal Reasons

  • Lacking evidence of internationally recognised, outstanding and sustained achievement in a priority field (awards/publications/patents/major project leadership, etc.)
  • The nominator is ineligible (must be an Australian citizen/PR/eligible New Zealand citizen or organisation with a national reputation in the same field, Form 1000)
  • Unable to prove a prominent position in the professional field or the ability to be employed in Australia
  • English below functional English
  • Under 18, or over 55 without proving special benefit to Australia, or health or character not met

Can you appeal after a refusal? See the Visa Refusal & Review (ART) Guide.

Next Steps

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National Innovation visa (858) Application Guide | AusVisa