National Innovation visa
Australia’s National Innovation visa (subclass 858) supports the migration of highly skilled individuals who can drive innovation in sectors of national importance.
This permanent visa is designed for a broad range of exceptional talent, including global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovator investors, athletes and creatives - helping Australia stay competitive and innovative internationally.
Global expertise and impact
Top of field awarded
Invitation only visa
Priority processing
Live in Australia permanently
Shape the future in Australia
Eligible Career Pathways
This is an invitation-only visa for globally recognised leaders at the top of their field in one of the following National Innovation visa priority sectors.
Bring your expertise and shape the future in Australia.
Critical technologies
Critical technologies underpin almost all aspects of Australian industry and society, from manufacturing to transportation, clean energy, health, defence and national security. Australia is currently seeking leading experts from around the world to advance critical technologies that will help deliver a positive future for the nation.
Renewable and low emission technologies
Australia is seeking world-leading experts to advance the nation’s innovation in renewables and low emissions technologies. Priority fields include bio-methane production, circular economy innovations, clean energy technology, emission reduction and carbon storage, green metals, low-carbon liquid fuels, processing and refining of critical minerals, renewable energy generation, transmission, distribution or storage, renewable hydrogen, and Waste to Energy (WtE) technology.
Agri-food and AgTech
Australia is currently seeking leading experts from around the world in the agri-food and AgTech fields to help drive the development and uptake of digital technologies. Priority fields include innovation and sustainability in agriculture, forestry and fisheries, manufacturing of products for use in or connection with primary industries, biotechnology, food technology, biosecurity and disease management, farm management technology, processing primary industry outputs into higher value goods.
Education Academic & Researcher
The Australian government is prioritising the advancement of the education sector. The focus will be on leadership and excellence among academics and researchers at Australian academic level D or E (or international equivalent), as well as senior management in our universities and higher learning institutions.
Defence Capabilities and Space
Australia is advancing its sovereign defence and space capabilities. Some of our priorities include development, manufacturing and sustainment of products that support defence capability, space systems engineering, space objects, propulsion systems, electromagnetic technologies, and space sector enabling skills.
Financial Services and FinTech
Australia is currently seeking global innovators and experts to help grow its thriving financial services and FinTech sector. Priority fields include innovations in application programming, blockchain engineering, cloud technologies, FinTech cyber and data security, financial data science and analysis, AI and quantum and software engineering.
Infrastructure and Transport
Australia is currently seeking global innovators and experts to help grow its thriving infrastructure and transport sector. Priority fields include innovative manufacturing and technologies to support the development of the transport sector, and large and complex transport infrastructure projects for roads, bridges, tunnelling, rail and airports.
Resources
Australia stands as a global leader in the resources industry, renowned for its abundant reserves, advanced technologies, and strong record of responsible, innovative development. Covering minerals, energy, and resource-related research, the sector ensures Australia remains at the forefront of addressing current needs and future opportunities.
Health research and advancements
Australia has a robust, innovative health sector and is at the forefront of health science. It is also a leader in developing transformative medical innovations, such as the human papillomavirus vaccine Gardasil® and the Cochlear® bionic ear implant.
Why choose this visa
The National Innovation Visa provides a streamlined, flexible, and future-focused pathway to Australian residency for the world’s best talent.
- Priority processing
- Live in Australia permanently
- Pathway to Australian citizenship
- Bring eligible family members
- No occupation list or location restrictions
- Apply from inside or outside Australia
- Shape the future of Australia
Live in Australia permanently
Available for both onshore and offshore applicants
Bring eligible family members
A pathway to Australian citizenship
No occupation list restrictions. Exceptional achievement is key.
Timing & processing
Invitations and applications are processed in line with the National Innovation visa priority framework which also outlines the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement for the visa.
The 4 stages of applying for and receiving a National Innovation visa:
- Submit an Expression of Interest
- Receive an invitation to apply
- Apply for the visa
- Await processing and a decision
Processing times may vary based on the completeness and complexity of your application, migration planning levels, and time needed for background checks.
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1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Review your achievements against the National Innovation visa priority framework and visa requirements. Submit your expression of interest (EOI) via the Departmental website, attaching the required supporting documents.
2. Receive an invitation to apply
If successful, you’ll receive an invitation to lodge a visa application. If not invited within two years, your EOI will expire.
3. Apply for the visa
If you are invited to apply, submit your visa application within 60 calendar days with supporting documents, including character and health checks. Nomination required via completion of Form 1000 – Nomination for National Innovation visa by eligible organisation or individual.
4. Processing and decision
Your application will be processed, and a decision will be made. Processing times can vary, so it's important to check the current processing times.
1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
Review your achievements against the National Innovation visa priority framework and visa requirements. Submit your expression of interest (EOI) via the Departmental website, attaching the required supporting documents.
2. Receive an invitation to apply
If successful, you’ll receive an invitation to lodge a visa application. If not invited within two years, your EOI will expire.
3. Apply for the visa
If you are invited to apply, submit your visa application within 60 calendar days with supporting documents, including character and health checks. Nomination required via completion of Form 1000 – Nomination for National Innovation visa by eligible organisation or individual.
4. Processing and decision
Your application will be processed, and a decision will be made. Processing times can vary, so it's important to check the current processing times.
Bring your expertise and shape the future in Australia.
This is an invitation-only visa for globally recognised leaders at the top of their field. These include global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards in any sector, and exceptional individuals in any sector nominated by an expert Australian federal, state or territory government agency.
Individuals with exceptional achievements in one of the National Innovation visa priority sectors:
Resources
Health industries
Critical technologies
Infrastructure and transport
Renewables and low emission technologies
Defence capabilities and space
Financial services and FinTech
Agri-food and AgTech
Education
Your expertise, your future.
Make the smart move to Australia
Express your interest through the National Innovation visa
and be part of Australia’s bright future.
Common Questions
Are there any location requirements for the National Innovation Visa?
There are no location requirements under the National Innovation Visa. You’re free to live and work anywhere in Australia — from vibrant capital cities to emerging regional innovation hubs.
Explore more about where in Australia you can build your future.
What’s it like to live and work in Australian cities vs. regional areas?
Metropolitan areas, such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane offer thriving professional networks, world-class infrastructure, and a multicultural lifestyle.
Other state and territory capital cities, such as Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra, and Australia's regional areas offer a slower pace, lower living costs, and incentives for industries like AgTech and renewable energy. Both paths offer strong career potential — the choice is yours.
Explore lifestyle locations across Australia to find your best fit
Are my skills in demand in Australia?
Many professions across industries like health, technology, construction, and education are in high demand due to Australia’s growing economy and national priorities. Checking the skilled occupation lists can help you understand where your skills fit.
Explore career pathways to find the best opportunities that match your skills.
What benefits can I expect working in Australia?
Australia offers competitive salaries, strong workplace protections, opportunities for career growth, and access to professional development and training.
Explore your career pathway to discover even more opportunities and take the next step in your professional journey.
Is Australia really one of the world’s most liveable countries?
Yes. Australia regularly ranks near the top in global liveability indexes due to its excellent healthcare system, high-quality education, political stability, low crime rates, and well-maintained infrastructure. Many parts of Australia are known for their cultural diversity, recreational opportunities, green spaces, and overall quality of life. Combined with a clean environment and a strong focus on work-life balance, Australia offers an attractive lifestyle for individuals and families alike.
Explore more reasons why Australia is a great place to live, work, and thrive.
