National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858

What is National innovation Visa (Subclass 858)?

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Subclass 858 is specifically designed to allow people with prestigious talent in Australia to apply for permanent residency. The visa applicant applying for this visa must have an '“internationally recognized" record of achievement in an eligible field. This can be in:

  • a profession; or

  • a sport; or

  • the arts; or

  • academia and research

The achievements must be exceptional and outstanding. This means the visa applicant:

  • is currently prominent in their field, and

  • have remained prominent in their field in the past 2 years; and

  • have superior abilities to others in their field; and

  • are acclaimed as exceptional in any country where their field is practised; and

  • have a record of sustained achievement that is unlikely to diminish in the future

The visa applicant must also participate in a field that:

  • is recognized and accepted in Australia; and

  • has international standing

Note: Persons holding the following are not eligible to apply:

  • Electronic Travel Authorities

  • Visitor

  • Tourist

  • Business-(short stay)

  • Special Purpose visa

  • Maritime Crew (Temporary) (Class ZM)

  • Sponsored (Visitor) (Class UL)

  • Super yacht Crew (Temporary) (Class UW)

  • Subclass 400 (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)


What is the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Application Process?

Essentially, there is only one stage in the National Innovation Visa (NIV) Subclass 858 application process, i.e. the Visa Application. However, because the applicant will need to be nominated to apply for the visa, we have divided it into two stages below for easy understanding.

stage 1: Nomination

The applicant must be nominated by one of the following (and the nomination form must be submitted along with the visa application form):

  • an Australian citizen; or

  • an Australian permanent resident; or

  • an eligible New Zealand citizen; or

  • an Australian organisation with a national reputation in relation to your area of talent.

To be eligible the nominator must demonstrate:

  • their standing in the relevant area having a national reputation in the same relevant area as the applicant;

  • their personal knowledge of the applicant’s exceptional and outstanding achievements and their standing in the relevant area.

+ What is meant by National Reputation?

'National reputation' means highly regarded throughout Australia. A reputation confined to one state or region would not be considered national. The reputation must be in the same field as the applicant's. It is also expected that the nominator's testimony be representative and recognised as such, of all Australian participants in the relevant field.

In assessing the status or standing of the nominator, consideration should be given to factors similar to those used in determining the standing of the applicant. Regardless of whether the nominator is an individual or an Australian organisation, consultation with the relevant peak body is recommended, particularly if there is any doubt as to the standing of the nominator. Care should be taken in such circumstances to ensure the privacy of the parties involved. In the absence of an Australian peak body, an appropriate international body may be consulted.

+ What is an approved Nomination Form?

The approved nomination form is Form 1000 which must be completed by any of the above nominators. The Form must be provided with the visa application for the application to be valid.

+ What are the evidence to attach to The Nomination Form?

The nominator will need to include the following documents with the completed nomination form:

  • a personal, comprehensive statement of the visa applicant’s achievements in their field
  • details of the visa applicant’s and nominator’s achievements in your common field
  • relevant supporting documentation about the visa applicant. Examples: newspaper/magazine articles, supporting comments from qualified people

details of employment arrangements or other assistance used to help establish the visa applicant.

stage 2: visa APPLICATION

The applicant does not need to hold a specific visa to apply for this visa. However, if the applicant is in Australia at the time of application, the applicant must hold of the following visas:

The visa application can be applied online or using paper application form (i.e. Form 47SV).

For the visa application to be valid, the application must be accompanied by a completed, signed and dated Form 1000 Nominator Form.

The Applicant can be in or outside Australia when the visa is granted (however, not in immigration clearance).

At the time of application, the applicant must:

  • if aged 18 or over must have functional English;

  • have an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research;

  • are still prominent in the relevant area; and

  • would be an asset to the Australian community; and

  • would have no difficulty in obtaining employment, or in becoming established independently, in Australia in the relevant area; and

  • meet health and character requirements.


GTI Program Statistics in 2019-2020 financial year vs 2020-2021 financial year

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Source: Freedom of Information Request Statistics released by Department of Home Affairs.

National Innovation Visa (NIV) Visa Subclass 858 Grants Agape Henry Crux Have Received in the Last Six Months Through the GTI Program

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What we like about the National Innovation Visa (NIV)

The visa applicant allows the applicant:

  • To stay, work and study in Australia indefinitely.

  • To be any age to apply for this visa (Exception: The applicant must be of “exceptional benefit” to the Australian community if they are over 55 years of age or below 18 years of age)

  • To receive subsidized health care through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS)

  • Be eligible for Australian citizenship (subject to the residency eligibility criteria)

  • To sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence


Client Testimonials

As navigating through the immigration law process may be difficult, our former clients have agreed to share their experience through telephone chats, emails and meetings in person.