Australia NIV – National Innovation Visa

What is the NIV visa?

The NIV is a permanent residency visa designed to attract highly talented individuals from across the world. Introduced as a replacement for the Global Talent Visa, the NIV is an invitation-only program, allowing the Australian government to selectively target and invite top-tier global talent. The NIV seeks established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions that will benefit Australia's future prosperity, including global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives.

What is subclass 858?

Subclass 858 is the legislative code for the National Innovation Visa stream.

What are the benefits of the NIV visa?

The NIV grants permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely. It provides access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system, enables you to sponsor eligible relatives, and allows unrestricted travel in and out of Australia for five years. After 5 years, to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRC – Subclass 155 or 157). It also offers a pathway to Australian citizenship.

What is the minimum investment under the incubator pathway?

The minimum investment under the incubator pathway is USD 250,000. This typically comprises USD 210,000 for the incubation fees, USD 30,000 allocated to research and development in partnership with a government-backed institution, and USD 10,000 reserved for operational or working capital expenses.

What is the Expression of Interest (EOI)?

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step in the National Innovation Visa process. It is not a visa application but a formal submission that outlines the applicant's skills, achievements, and alignment with Australia's key sectors. If successful, the applicant will receive an invitation to apply for the NIV and must submit their application within 60 days.

What is the nominator's role?

A nominator plays a key role by attesting to the applicant's exceptional achievements, standing, value and potential to contribute to Australia.

Does the NIV grant permanent residency?

Yes, the NIV grants immediate permanent residency upon approval.

What are the NIV priority categories?

The NIV program uses four priority categories to rank EOIs.
Priority 1: Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international top-of-field level awards, such as Nobel laureates, award-winning researchers or industry leaders.
Priority 2: Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government Agency.
Priority 3: Candidates with exceptional achievements in a Tier One sector: Critical Technologies, Health Industries, Renewables and low emission technologies.
Priority 4: Candidates with exceptional achievements in a Tier Two sector: Agri-food and AgTech, Defence Capabilities and Space, Education, Financial Services and FinTech, Infrastructure and Transport, Resources.

Is there any age limit to apply for the NIV?

Generally, applicants should be aged 18–54. Applicants younger than 18 or 55 and over may still be considered if they can show their presence will deliver an exceptional benefit to the Australian community, such as creating jobs, leading cutting-edge research, or bringing specialised skills unavailable in Australia.

Is there an education or work experience requirement for the NIV?

Candidates should have at least one university degree and at least 5 years of experience in the same sector as their university degree. Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of exceptional business, entrepreneurial, or professional achievements such as successful ventures, patents, publications, or recognised industry awards.

Are there any English language requirements for the NIV?

The main applicant and adult dependents must demonstrate functional English, generally equivalent to an average band score of at least 4.5 on the IELTS test. This requirement can be waived by paying a surcharge fee.

Are there any medical requirements for the NIV?

Yes. All applicants, including dependents, must meet Australia's standard health requirements. This typically involves completing medical examinations through an approved panel physician to ensure they do not have any condition that would pose a public health risk or result in undue cost to the Australian healthcare system.

Do I need a job offer in Australia to apply for the NIV?

No, a job offer is not required for the National Innovation Visa.

Do I need to establish a new business in Australia?

Yes. Under the NIV incubator pathway, applicants will be proposing to establish a new start-up business in Australia to carry out R&D and further commercialisation of the project.

Are there nationality restrictions for NIV applicants?

No, there are no nationality-based restrictions for the NIV.

Do I need to provide evidence of the source of my incubation funds?

No formal source-of-funds audit is required for the NIV. However, all funds must originate from lawful sources. Applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation if requested by the Department of Home Affairs, financial institutions, or incubator partners during the business setup or investment process.

Is the incubation fee refundable if my visa is refused?

Yes. Typically, the full USD 250,000 will be refunded if the application is denied due to no fault of the investor or an event outside the investor's control. Upon signature of the Term Sheet, a deposit of USD 10,000 otherwise becomes non-refundable, with the remaining USD 240,000 becoming non-refundable upon visa approval.

What is the role of the incubator?

The incubator assists with securing a compliant nominator, refining your EOI and business concept, and facilitating research or institutional partnerships. It also provides mentoring, market-readiness support, and administrative guidance throughout the visa process, while tracking project milestones under its term sheet. The incubator is a commercial service provider and operates independently from HLG and the Department of Home Affairs.

What percentage of shares will the incubator take in the venture?

The incubator will not take any equity or shares in the venture. The main applicant will own 100% of the venture.

How long is the incubation term?

Approximately 2 years: starting with an estimated 1-year R&D phase covering signing the incubation term sheet, R&D negotiations, team building, and business development; and ending 12 months after visa approval.

What happens if my business investment is not successful?

Your NIV remains valid regardless of business outcomes once granted.

Can family members be included in the NIV application?

Yes. Spouse or partner and unmarried children can be included: those under 18, those aged 18–23 if financially dependent, and those over 23 if dependent due to partial or total physical disability. Grandchildren of the main applicant or partner can be included if they are the dependent child of an included child.

Can I sponsor my parents after receiving permanent residency?

Yes, you can sponsor your parents after receiving permanent residency. However, there are extra eligibility requirements, and in most cases it is quicker and easier to apply once you become an Australian citizen.

Is common-law or same-sex partnership accepted for the NIV?

Yes. Australia recognises same-sex marriage and de facto partnerships, including common-law relationships.

What is the NIV application process?

The process involves three main steps: First, submit an EOI showcasing your exceptional achievements in a priority sector, including a completed Form 1000 from a recognised Australian nominator. Second, if the EOI is successful, receive a formal invitation from the Minister to apply for the visa. Third, within 60 days of the invitation, lodge a visa application including evidence of your achievements, benefit to Australia, and required health, character, and English language documentation.

Is travel to Australia required during the application process?

No, applications can be made from abroad. Travel to Australia will be required to activate the visa.

Is an interview required for the NIV application?

Generally no interview is required, though the reviewing officer may request additional information or clarification on a case-by-case basis.

What is the NIV processing time?

The estimated processing time for the NIV application is 8 to 15 months, depending on the applicant's priority stream and case complexity.

Who issues the final decision on the NIV application?

Decisions are made by a delegated case officer within the Australian Department of Home Affairs, under authority of the Minister for Home Affairs.

How long does it take to become eligible for Australian citizenship after the NIV?

Applicants become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after four years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least one year as a permanent resident. You must not have spent more than 12 months outside Australia in the last 4 years, and not more than 90 days outside Australia in the last 12 months. Applicants must pass the citizenship test, which assesses knowledge of Australian values, history, institutions, and responsibilities. Applicants must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.