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National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), formerly Global Talent

On 6 December 2024, the Global Talent visa was replaced by the National Innovation visa (NIV). It keeps subclass 858 and is a permanent visa.

The National Innovation visa is for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement who will add to Australia’s economy and innovation. It lets you live, work and study in Australia permanently, include eligible family members in your application, and later apply for Australian citizenship.

National Innovation visa assessment

What has changed from the Global Talent program?

  • There is no salary threshold. The old Fair Work High Income Threshold requirement ($167,500 at the time) no longer applies.
  • The old GTI target sector list has been replaced by Tier 1 and Tier 2 priority sectors.
  • The visa remains invitation only. You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and must be invited before you can apply.

Priority order and sectors

Home Affairs issues invitations in priority order. Candidates with internationally recognised awards or achievements come first, followed by candidates with exceptional achievements in Tier 1 sectors, then Tier 2 sectors.

Tier 1 sectors:

  • Critical technologies
  • Defence capability and space
  • Renewables and low emission technologies

Tier 2 sectors:

  • Health industries
  • Agri-food and AgTech
  • Education
  • Financial services and FinTech
  • Infrastructure and tourism

No income threshold

There is no minimum salary for the National Innovation visa. Your achievements and standing in your field are what count.

Who is eligible?

You must:

  • have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
  • still be prominent in that area
  • be an asset to the Australian community
  • have no difficulty finding work or becoming established in Australia in your field
  • be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field
  • meet health and character requirements

How to apply

  1. Get a nominator to complete Form 1000 (Nomination for a National Innovation visa).
  2. Lodge an EOI in ImmiAccount with your nomination and evidence of your achievements.
  3. If invited, lodge your visa application with supporting documents.

An invitation does not guarantee the visa will be granted, so your evidence needs to be strong from the start.

What happened to the Distinguished Talent visa?

The Distinguished Talent visas (subclass 124 and the 858 Distinguished Talent stream) closed to new applicants on 6 December 2024. The National Innovation visa is now the pathway for people with exceptional achievements.

Global Talent – Employer Sponsored program (GTES)

Victor Organero

GradCertMigLaw (VU),

Juris Doctor -Master of Laws (current) – MARN 1796030

If you would like to discuss your Distinguished Talent / Global Talent visa eligibility send an email to [email protected] or book a time here.