Australia National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) in 2026

The National Innovation visa (NIV), subclass 858, is a permanent and invitation-only visa for people with an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. It is not a conventional investor visa and should not be confused with the closed Business Innovation and Investment Program.

EOI and invitation come first

A prospective applicant first submits an expression of interest to Home Affairs. The EOI is not a visa application and does not guarantee an invitation. Home Affairs prioritizes EOIs under the current National Innovation settings and issues invitations selectively.

If invited, the applicant generally has 60 days to lodge the subclass 858 visa application.

Exceptional achievement requirement

The applicant must have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field such as a profession, sport, the arts, academia or research, and must still be prominent in that field. The applicant must demonstrate that they would be an asset to the Australian community and would have no difficulty becoming established in Australia.

Applicants who are under 18 or 55 or older face an additional requirement to demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

Nominator and Form 1000

The visa application requires nomination by a person or organization with a national reputation in the same area of achievement. The nominator can be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organization. Home Affairs uses Form 1000 for the nomination evidence.

English and family

Functional English is relevant. Where the applicable adult applicant does not have functional English, Home Affairs lists a second instalment of AUD 4,890. Health and character requirements also apply, and eligible family members can be included.

Permanent residence rights

Subclass 858 is permanent at grant and generally includes a five-year travel facility. Permanent residence can support work, study, Medicare access under Medicare rules, eligible family sponsorship and later citizenship eligibility, but each benefit has its own law.

Current replacement context

The National Innovation Visa replaced the previous Global Talent pathway branding/program architecture in late 2024. Current applicants should follow NIV invitation and EOI guidance, not old Global Talent application instructions.

Return to the Australia visa hub, Oceania or work visa routes.

Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, verified 16 September 2026.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Australia