Permanent Innovation • Display Order #5

Subclass 858: National Innovation Visa

A prestigious, fast-track permanent residency pathway for exceptionally talented individuals with global achievements — completely bypassing the points test.

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Eligibility

Exceptionally talented individuals with an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement, supported by an eligible Australian nominator.

Processing Time

Typically 3 to 6 months, depending on application completeness, evidentiary proof, and priority sector endorsement.

Government Fee

From AUD $6,235 for the main applicant, plus standard charges for included family members.

Stay Duration

Permanent residency granted immediately, providing complete freedom to live and work across Australia.

Overview

The National Innovation visa (Subclass 858) is Australia's premier permanent residency pathway for individuals who have achieved global distinction in their fields.

It is strategically designed to attract world-class researchers, tech founders, innovative investors, and outstanding professionals who can drive economic growth and productivity in Australia. Once granted, this visa provides immediate and unconditional permanent residency without employer sponsorship restrictions, with full Medicare access.

Key Features

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Direct Permanent Residency

Live, work, and study anywhere in Australia with complete independence from employer sponsorship.

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No Points Test

The application is based strictly on your exceptional achievements and earning capacity, bypassing the points test entirely.

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Priority Processing

Streamlined departmental processing is available for highly qualified candidates in target innovation sectors.

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Pathway to Citizenship

Provides an immediate, unencumbered foundation for long-term settlement and eventual Australian citizenship.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Requirement 1

International Prominence & Outstanding Record

  • You must demonstrate an exceptional, ongoing record of achievement that is recognized internationally.
  • Applies across priority innovation sectors, technology, clean energy, life sciences, research, or academia.
Requirement 2

Australian Nomination

  • You must be formally nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organization.
  • The nominator must have a high national reputation in the exact same field as your achievements.
Requirement 3

High Earning Potential (FWHIT)

  • You must prove the capacity to easily obtain employment or establish an enterprise in Australia.
  • You must demonstrate the capacity to earn at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT), or show substantial commercial investment/venture funding potential.
Requirement 4

Expression of Interest (EOI) & Invitation

  • You cannot apply directly without an invitation. You must submit an online EOI detailing your achievements and wait for an official invitation from Home Affairs.
Requirement 5

English Language Standard

  • The primary applicant must demonstrate at least Functional English (IELTS 4.5 average or PTE equivalent).
  • Adult dependants over 18 without functional English must pay a second instalment charge before visa grant.

Priority Target Innovation Sectors

🔬 Health & Life Sciences

Biomedical research, clinical devices, pharmaceuticals, and digital health technologies.

⚡ Clean Energy & Renewables

Solar, wind, green hydrogen, battery storage, and carbon reduction technologies.

💻 DigiTech & AI

Artificial intelligence, quantum computing, cloud architecture, cybersecurity, and fintech.

🚀 Defense, Space & Advanced Mfg

Aerospace robotics, autonomous systems, space technology, and advanced materials.

Health, Character and Background Checks

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Health Clearances

All applicants included in the visa submission must satisfy health criteria via approved panel physicians.

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Police Clearances

National police clearances required for every country lived in for 12+ months over the past 10 years (applicants 16+).

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Full Disclosure & Debts

Full disclosure of past visa compliance, military service, and complete clearance of Australian government debts.

Application Process

1

Compile comprehensive achievement portfolio

Assemble international awards, patents, high-impact citations, salary proof, and expert endorsements.

2

Secure an eligible Australian nominator

Obtain signed nomination endorsement (Form 1000) from an Australian peak body or distinguished individual.

3

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

Lodge through the official government innovation portal outlining your target sector impact.

4

Receive an invitation to apply

Department reviews your portfolio and issues a formal unique invitation identifier.

5

Lodge via ImmiAccount

Submit the complete formal visa application and all primary evidence within the invited window.

6

Provide health & character clearances

Complete panel medicals and national criminal background clearances.

7

Permanent visa grant & Australian settlement

Receive permanent residency and begin your unrestricted professional career in Australia.

Distinguished Talent Strategy

Proving "international prominence" and securing a reputable Australian nominator are the biggest hurdles for the National Innovation visa. A poorly structured portfolio can result in a rejected Expression of Interest. This is where working with a registered migration agent pays off.

Assess your global talent eligibility

Government Fees (2026 Scheduled Rates)

Applicant Type Fee (AUD)
Main applicant $6,235
Adult family member (18+) $3,120
Child family member (under 18) $1,560
Second instalment (Adult dependants without Functional English) $4,890 per adult applicant

Note: Department of Home Affairs statutory fees are indexed annually on 1 July. Nil second instalment charge applies for applicants demonstrating at least functional English.

Travel and Visa Conditions

  • Unrestricted Work & Study: You have the absolute right to work in any role, operate a business without sponsor supervision, and enroll in any Australian educational institution.
  • International Travel Facility: The visa grants an initial 5-year international travel facility. After this period, a Resident Return Visa (RRV) is required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Instead, you must demonstrate an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievement and prove your ability to attract income at or above the high-income threshold once in Australia.
The government prioritizes target innovation sectors including advanced manufacturing, defense and space, clean energy and renewables, health sciences, digital technologies, circular economy, and agrifood innovation.
Your nominator must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian peak body/organization that holds a strong national reputation in your specific field of expertise.
There is no absolute age cut-off. However, if you are under 18 or aged 55 or older at the time of application, you must demonstrate that your presence in Australia would provide an exceptional economic or social benefit to the Australian community.
You can demonstrate earning capacity through current payslips, recent tax returns, existing employment contracts, a formal job offer in Australia, or evidence of substantial recent business earnings and venture capital funding.
Yes, but graduating alone is not enough. Doctoral graduates must demonstrate world-class prominence through groundbreaking research publications, high international citations, or commercially viable inventions that set them apart globally.
Yes. As a permanent residency visa, the Subclass 858 allows you and your family members to enroll in Medicare upon your arrival in Australia (or immediately upon visa grant if applying onshore).
Yes. You can include your spouse or de facto partner and eligible dependent children when you lodge the application, or add them to your application at any time before a final decision is made.
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a preliminary assessment where the Department reviews your achievements and nominator. You cannot lodge the formal visa application until you are officially invited to do so based on the strength of your EOI.
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Reviewed by: Jesin Joy (MARN: 2619591)

Registered Migration Agent • Last reviewed: 1st October 2026

General information current as at 1st October 2026. Department of Home Affairs priority sectors and FWHIT thresholds are updated periodically — verify with a registered migration agent before lodging.

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