National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Distinguished Talent Pathway
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is Australia's pathway for highly skilled individuals who are internationally recognised in their field. It replaced the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program and is designed to attract people whose expertise can contribute to Australia's economy, innovation, and international competitiveness. You need a nominator who is a prominent Australian in your field, must demonstrate distinguished talent, and generally need to show you can earn above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $175,000). The visa grants direct permanent residence.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Visa subclass | 858 |
| Visa type | Permanent |
| Cost | $4,640 (primary applicant) |
| Processing time | 2-8 months |
| Nominator required | Yes — Australian citizen/PR/organisation in your field |
| Income threshold | $175,000 (Fair Work High Income Threshold) |
| Points test | Not required |
| Age limit | No formal limit (but age is considered) |
Target Sectors
The National Innovation Visa focuses on priority sectors that align with Australia's economic and innovation strategy:
- Resources and Energy — mining technology, renewable energy, critical minerals
- Agri-food and AgTech — agricultural innovation, food technology
- Education — EdTech, educational research, academic leadership
- Health Industries — MedTech, biotechnology, pharmaceutical research
- Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space — aerospace, defence technology
- Circular Economy — sustainability, waste management innovation
- DigiTech — AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, software innovation
- Infrastructure and Tourism — smart infrastructure, tourism technology
- Financial Services and FinTech — financial technology, blockchain
- Arts and Culture — performing arts, visual arts (exceptional individuals)
Your expertise must relate to one of these sectors. General business experience or management skills alone are insufficient — you need to demonstrate specific, recognised expertise.
What Qualifies as "Distinguished Talent"?
The Department assesses your talent based on evidence of exceptional achievement. This varies by field but generally includes:
Academic/Research:
- Significant publications in high-impact journals
- Major research grants
- Patents or intellectual property
- Awards and prizes in your field
- Leadership of significant research projects
Industry/Professional:
- Senior executive roles at major companies
- Proven track record of innovation or commercialisation
- High salary reflecting market value
- Industry awards and recognition
- Invitations to speak at major conferences
Arts/Culture:
- International exhibitions, performances, or publications
- Major awards or prizes
- Critical acclaim and media recognition
- Significant body of work
General indicators:
- A salary or earning potential above the Fair Work High Income Threshold ($175,000)
- Peer recognition through awards, citations, or testimonials
- Media coverage of your achievements
- Membership in selective professional bodies
The Nominator Requirement
Every NIV applicant needs a nominator — an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation, who can vouch for your credentials.
Who Can Nominate?
Your nominator should be:
- Prominent in the same field as your expertise
- Able to attest to your achievements and reputation
- An Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible organisation
A professor at an Australian university can nominate a researcher. A CEO of an Australian tech company can nominate a software innovator. An Australian cultural institution can nominate an artist.
What the Nominator Must Do
The nominator provides:
- A statement confirming your achievements and standing in the field
- Their own credentials demonstrating they're qualified to assess your talent
- Confirmation of their Australian status (citizenship, PR, or organisational details)
The nominator doesn't bear any financial or legal obligations — it's a professional endorsement, not a sponsorship.
Income Threshold
Applicants must generally demonstrate they can earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold, currently $175,000 per year. This can be shown through:
- A current salary at or above $175,000
- A job offer from an Australian employer at that level
- Evidence of earning capacity (consulting rates, business income, investment returns)
- For PhD graduates or recent researchers, a waiver may apply
PhD/Recent Graduate Exception: PhD holders or candidates who've recently completed their studies may not need to meet the income threshold if they can demonstrate exceptional talent that suggests future earnings at that level.
Application Process
Step 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Submit an EOI through the Global Talent portal. This includes a summary of your achievements, your nominator's details, and key supporting evidence. The EOI is a screening step — not a full application.
Step 2: Unique Identifier
If the EOI is successful, you receive a Unique Identifier and an invitation to lodge the full visa application.
Step 3: Full Visa Application
Lodge through ImmiAccount with:
- Passport and identity documents
- Detailed CV/resume
- Evidence of distinguished talent (awards, publications, patents, media, salary records)
- Nominator's statement and credentials
- Evidence of income or earning capacity
- Health examination results
- Police clearances
Step 4: Processing
Processing times range from 2-8 months. Priority processing may apply for exceptional candidates.
Step 5: Visa Grant
Direct permanent residence — no temporary stage. Full work and travel rights immediately upon grant.
Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | $4,640 |
| Partner (18+) | $2,320 |
| Dependent child | $2,320 |
| Second instalment (if applicable) | $4,890 (for English) |
A second visa application charge may apply if the primary applicant or partner doesn't meet functional English requirements at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 858 the same as the old GTI?
The 858 visa subclass existed before the GTI program. The GTI used the 858 framework but with specific criteria. The current National Innovation Visa is the evolution of the GTI — see our guide on what changed from GTI to NIV.
Can I apply from outside Australia?
Yes. The 858 can be lodged from inside or outside Australia. You don't need to be in Australia to apply.
How do I find a nominator?
Network within your professional community. Attend Australian conferences, connect with Australian academics or industry leaders in your field on LinkedIn, or reach out to Australian professional bodies related to your sector.
Is there an age limit?
No formal age limit, but younger applicants with high earning potential and a long career ahead are viewed more favourably. Applicants over 55 face additional scrutiny on their contribution potential.
Can I include family members?
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can be included in the application and receive permanent residence simultaneously.
Do I need a job offer?
Not necessarily. Evidence of earning capacity (consulting income, investment returns, or a competitive salary history) can satisfy the income requirement. A job offer helps but isn't mandatory.
