Australia’s National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a brand-new permanent residency route designed to attract top-tier global talent.
Think of it as a one-stop visa for innovators. Researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, even top athletes, who want to build their future (and maybe even a business) in Australia.
Why is Australia launching this?
The Department of Home Affairs created the NIV to replace the old Global Talent visa (subclass 858) and the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188). The aim? Bring in people who can spark new ideas, create jobs, boost productivity, and help drive Australia’s tech and innovation sectors. Applicants need to be invited, so it’s all about assessment, not just filling in forms.
Who can apply?
To get invited, you’ll need a strong Expression of Interest (EOI) showing that you’ve achieved internationally recognised accomplishments in areas like:
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Academics/research (e.g. high-impact publications or awards)
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Entrepreneurship (e.g. launching successful startups)
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Innovation in areas such as renewables, health, agri-tech, finance, AI, space, etc.
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Recognised art or athletic success (think Olympic medals or a Pulitzer Prize)
You’ll also need a nominator – someone (or a reputable organisation) who can vouch for your achievements, with a national reputation in your area of talent. Your nominator must be:
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
- an Australian organisation.
What are the priority sectors?
The NIV invitations are decided in this order:
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Priority 1: Ultra-elite global award winners – like Nobel, Fields Medal, Oscar, Olympic gold.
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Priority 2: Those nominated by recognised state, territory, or federal agencies.
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Priority 3: Leaders in Tier 1 sectors (critical tech, renewables, health).
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Priority 4: Talent in Tier 2 fields (agri-tech, defence, ed-tech, FinTech, infrastructure, resources, space, creative arts and sport).
State-specific nomination: NSW and SA updates
From mid‑2025, both New South Wales and South Australia opened specific nomination streams:
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These are invite-only programs targeting people with globally recognised achievements in innovation, research, investment, arts, or sport.
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For example, South Australia’s criteria include:
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National or global-level research grants
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International patents or IP
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PhD with strong publication record
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Entrepreneurial work that’s likely to create jobs or income in SA
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- NSW also has its own state nomination path, but details reflect similar focus on high achievers in key sectors.
If you’re studying in Adelaide, Sydney, or nearby and think your achievements match, it’s worth contacting the relevant state migration team to ask about their nomination streams.
How it works, step by step
The Department of Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply for this visa. If you’re interested in the NIV, it’s recommended to:
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Track your achievements: Global awards, impactful work, publications, patents, businesses, etc.
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Line up a nominator: Someone with national standing in your field, or apply for nomination through your state/territory
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Submit your EOI with Department of Home Affairs, showing what you’ve achieved and why Australia should invite you
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Wait for an invitation: Subject to priority ranking and quota (there were only 4,000 NIV/Global Talent slots for 2024‑25)
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Apply within 60 days of invitation; pay the fee
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Get permanent residency if successful
Why should uni students care?
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If you’re already making waves, ike publishing papers, building something innovative, winning competitions, this is your golden ticket.
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It’s a direct permanent pathway – not a temporary work visa that depends on employers.
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Even if you’re early in your career but aiming high, now’s the time to start tracking and building an innovation CV.
