National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

Replacing the Global Talent Visa Program

The Australian Government has introduced the National Innovation Visa, replacing the previous Global Talent visa (subclass 858) from late 2024. This permanent visa is designed to target exceptionally talented migrants who will drive growth in sectors of national importance.

The Government recognises there is fierce global competition for high-tech skills and talent, and that attracting these individuals helps transfer skills to Australian workers and grow Australian-based businesses.

Important Transition

Previous Program	New Program
Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)	National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES)	Integrated into National Innovation Visa framework
Global Talent Independent Program (GTI)	Streamlined under new visa

Visa Overview

The National Innovation Visa is a permanent visa for highly skilled professionals who can contribute to Australia’s innovation and economic growth. The visa targets individuals in sectors of national importance, including:

• Technology and digital
• Science and research
• Health and medical innovation
• Renewable energy and environment
• Agri-food and agtech
• Defence and advanced manufacturing
• Financial services and fintech
• Education and creative industries

Streams and Pathways

1. Employer Sponsored Stream

For Australian businesses and start-ups seeking streamlined access to global talent.

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Permanent residency
Processing	Prioritised processing for endorsed employers
Occupation Lists	Not restricted to standard occupation lists
Age Flexibility	Negotiable age requirements

2. Independent Stream

For exceptionally talented individuals who can nominate themselves.

Feature	Details
Visa Type	Permanent residency
Endorsement	Must be endorsed by a nominator in your field
Processing	Fast-tracked assessment
Age	Under 55 (exceptions apply)

Employer Sponsored Stream Requirements

Employer Criteria

Requirement	Established Businesses	Start-ups
Business Status	Publicly listed OR annual turnover of at least $4 million (past 2 years)	Technology-based or STEM-related field
Accreditation	TSS accredited sponsor or equivalent	Viability assessment by innovation panel
Compliance	Good standing with regulatory agencies	Good standing with regulatory agencies
Australian Benefit	Must demonstrate job creation and skills transfer	Must demonstrate job creation and skills transfer
Labour Market Testing	Evidence required	Evidence required

Applicant Criteria

Requirement	Details
Work Experience	Minimum 3 years directly relevant to field
Qualifications	Must be commensurate with highly skilled role
Salary	Minimum annual earnings at market salary rate
Skills Transfer	Capacity to pass on skills to Australians
Character	Must meet health, character and security requirements
Relationship	No familial relationship with directors/shareholders

Independent Stream Requirements

Applicant Criteria

Requirement	Details
International Recognition	Demonstrated exceptional talent and international standing
Achievements	Proven record of outstanding achievements in field
Endorsement	Must be nominated by an Australian organisation or individual in same field
Income	Ability to earn at or above Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently $175,000)
Age	Under 55 (exemptions available)
English	Functional English (exemptions available)
Character	Must meet health, character and security requirements

Eligible Nominators

Nominator Type	Examples
Australian Organisations	Universities, research institutions, industry bodies
Individuals	Australian citizens, permanent residents, eligible New Zealand citizens
State/Territory Governments	Government agencies and departments

Sectors of National Importance

Sector	Priority Areas
Technology	AI, cybersecurity, quantum computing, blockchain
Science & Research	STEM research, medical research, scientific innovation
Health	Biotechnology, medical devices, pharmaceuticals
Renewable Energy	Clean energy, sustainability, environmental technology
Agri-food	Agricultural technology, food security, agtech
Defence	Advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence technology
Financial Services	Fintech, regtech, financial innovation
Creative Industries	Digital media, design, creative technology

Application Process

Stage 1: Endorsement or Nomination

Stream	Requirement
Employer Sponsored	Employer must have approved access to program
Independent	Must obtain endorsement from eligible nominator

Stage 2: Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit EOI through the Department of Home Affairs portal, including:

• Evidence of international recognition and achievement
• Nominator/endorsement details
• Sector and field of expertise
• Income evidence or potential

Stage 3: Invitation to Apply

If selected, you will receive an invitation to lodge a visa application.

Stage 4: Visa Application

Lodge visa application within 60 days of invitation, including:

• Personal documents
• Evidence of achievements
• Nominator/endorsement statements
• Health and character documents

English Language Requirements

Category	Requirement
Standard	Functional English (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent)
Exemptions	Hold passport from UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland
Payment Option	If unable to demonstrate, second instalment of VAC applies

Age Exemptions

You may be exempt from the age requirement (under 55) if:

• Your income is significantly above the high income threshold
• You are in a field where age is not a barrier to exceptional contribution
• Your nominator provides strong justification for exemption

Labour Market Testing (Employer Sponsored)

LMT Requirements

Stage	Requirement
Agreement Request	Evidence of LMT must be provided
New Positions	Evidence required before adding new roles

Evidence Options

Method	Evidence Required
Global Platforms	Copy of advertisement, applicant metrics
Executive Search	Fees/invoices, search summary
Networking/Referrals	Written endorsement from industry leaders
Intra-corporate Transfer	Formal transfer documentation

Key Benefits

Benefit	Details
Permanent Residency	Immediate permanent visa
Family Inclusion	Family members can be included in application
Work Rights	Full work rights
Study Rights	Access to education
Medicare	Access to Australia’s public health system
Citizenship Pathway	Eligible for Australian citizenship
No Occupation Lists	Not restricted to standard lists
Fast Processing	Prioritised assessment

Summary Comparison

Feature	Employer Sponsored Stream	Independent Stream
Nominator	Approved employer	Australian organisation or individual
Work Experience	3+ years	Demonstrated exceptional achievement
Salary	Market rate	High Income Threshold ($175k+)
Age	Negotiable	Under 55 (exceptions apply)
English	Functional	Functional (exemptions apply)
Processing	Prioritised	Fast-tracked
PR Status	Immediate	Immediate

Contact us today for a commitment-free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your National Innovation Visa options.