National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

How does it work?

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) online. It is not an application, does not guarantee an invitation, stays valid for two years and cannot be edited once submitted.
2. If invited, lodge your application within 60 days.
3. Your nominator completes Form 1000 and you submit it with the application. The nominator must have a national reputation in your field and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or an Australian organisation.

Who qualifies?

People with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research, who would be an asset to the Australian community and can establish themselves in Australia. Targeted groups include researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, athletes and creatives. You also need to meet health and character requirements, have no Australian Government debt and a clean immigration history. There is no age limit, but applicants under 18 or 55 and over must show exceptional benefit to the community. Partners and dependent children can be included.

What does it cost?

The base charge is A$6,235 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026. A second instalment of A$4,890 may be requested for applicants 18 and over with less than functional English. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste passport holders from 1 July 2026.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed timeframe. Processing follows Ministerial Direction 120 and the Department's annual planning levels, and the wait for an invitation is separate. Applications are processed in the order set by Ministerial Direction No. 120. See processing times.

Priorities

Invitations are issued based on the National Innovation visa priorities set by the Department. Check the current priority sectors before you submit an Expression of Interest.