The National Innovation Visa subclass 858 is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from across the world who can help create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy. It targets established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to Australia’s future prosperity.
- It is a permanent visa: the holder can stay indefinitely and becomes a permanent resident on the day the visa is granted
- Each candidate must apply within 60 days of receiving the unique invitation reference, may be of any age (with applicants under 18 or aged 55+ required to show exceptional benefit to the Australian community), must provide functional English (or pay the second instalment), must attach a completed Form 1000, and must meet health and character requirements.
- Priority 1 covers global experts and recipients of top-of-field international awards.
- Priority 2 covers candidates from any sector nominated on an approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
- Priority 3 covers exceptional achievement in a Tier One sector.
- Priority 4 covers exceptional achievement in a Tier Two sector.
AI, advanced robotics, cyber security, net-zero technology, medical manufacturing and medical science, agriculture/forestry/fisheries innovation, higher education and research, defence and space, financial services and technology, transport and infrastructure, and resources and critical minerals. Invitation rounds happen monthly.
Skilled migration is Australia’s mainstream points-tested route for skilled workers with an in-demand occupation. It is operated through SkillSelect, the Australian Government’s online system for skilled workers who want to express interest in applying for a visa to live and work in Australia. Submitting an EOI detailing work experience and qualifications lets the Department know the person is interested in being invited to apply, and skilled visa applicants need to be invited to apply.
Within skilled migration, three core subclasses dominate Australia PR planning:
Subclass 189 Skilled Independent. A permanent visa for invited workers, eligible New Zealand citizens, and eligible Hong Kong or British National (Overseas) passport holders with skills Australia needs, to live and work permanently anywhere in Australia.
Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated. A points-tested permanent visa where the applicant must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government agency. Candidates submit an EOI in SkillSelect; if invited, they have 60 calendar days to apply. They must be able to obtain at least 65 points, have an occupation on the relevant eligible skilled occupation list, hold a suitable skills assessment at the time of invitation, be aged under 45 when invited, and have at least competent English. Getting an invitation does not mean the visa will be granted.
Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional). A provisional visa for skilled people nominated by a state or territory government to live and work in regional Australia, with a duration of 5 years.8 The 491 is not direct PR — it is a regional pathway that can lead to permanent residence later through a separate pathway, and should be evaluated on that basis.
The National Innovation Visa is achievement and contribution based the test is whether your record of exceptional and outstanding achievement helps Australia create jobs and drive productivity in priority sectors.
