Australia Work Visa (Subclass 858)

What is the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)?

The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent visa for individuals who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in a profession, sport, the arts, academia, or research. This visa replaced the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) as of December 6, 2024, signifying Australia’s focus on attracting individuals who will drive growth in sectors of national importance.

Successful applicants and their families can live, work, and study anywhere in Australia permanently, with a pathway to Australian citizenship.

Purpose of the Subclass 858 Visa

The primary purpose of the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is to attract the brightest and best global talent to Australia. It aims to foster innovation, promote skill transfers, create jobs, and enhance Australia’s standing in critical sectors of the economy. This visa addresses specific skill shortages and contributes significantly to the nation’s economic prosperity and cultural enrichment.

Eligibility Criteria for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

To be eligible for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), applicants must meet several stringent criteria, demonstrating their high calibre and potential contribution to Australia.

1. Internationally Recognised Achievements

You must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following fields:

• A profession
• A sport
• The arts
• Academia and research

This requires demonstrating superior abilities compared to others in your field, acknowledged globally, with a track record of sustained achievement that is unlikely to diminish.

2. Prominence in Your Field

You must still be prominent in your area of expertise. This means your achievements should be recent and you should be actively engaged in your field.

3. Asset to the Australian Community

You must demonstrate that you would be an asset to the Australian community. This can be evidenced by your potential to contribute economically, socially, or culturally, or to raise Australia’s academic, artistic, or sporting standing internationally.

4. Ability to Establish Yourself in Australia

You must be able to demonstrate that you would have no difficulty obtaining employment or becoming independently established in your area of expertise in Australia. For applicants under the Global Talent pathway (which the NIV absorbed), there was often an expectation of earning at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (currently AUD 162,000 annually), or demonstrating significant future earning potential.

5. Nomination by an Eligible Individual or Organisation

You must be nominated by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your area of talent. The nominator must attest to your international record of achievement and the contribution you will make to Australia.

6. English Language Proficiency

You must have at least functional English. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be required to pay an additional visa application charge (second instalment).

7. Age Limit

Generally, applicants must be under 55 years of age. However, if you are aged under 18 years or 55 years and over, you must demonstrate exceptional future benefit to Australia to be considered for this visa.

8. Health and Character Requirements

All applicants and any family members included in the application must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. Recent changes as of November 14, 2020, allow for the health criteria for the Subclass 858 visa to be waived if the applicant can show the costs are not undue in all the circumstances (moving from PIC 4005 to PIC 4007).

9. Target Sectors (for Global Talent Stream within NIV)

While the visa is for broadly talented individuals, the former Global Talent stream (now part of NIV) prioritized candidates in specific future-focused sectors, including but not limited to:

• AgTech
• Space and Advanced Manufacturing
• FinTech
• Energy and Mining Technology
• MedTech
• Cyber Security
• Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science, and ICT
• Circular Economy
• Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
• Education
• Health Industries
• Infrastructure and Tourism
• Resources

Application Process for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

The application process for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) typically involves several key steps:

Step 1. Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation

For many applicants, particularly those aligning with the former Global Talent program’s focus on priority sectors, the first step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through the Department of Home Affairs. This EOI outlines your internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. If successful, you will receive an invitation to apply for the Subclass 858 visa, which includes a unique identifier for priority processing.

Step 2. Secure Your Nomination

Obtain a completed Nomination for Distinguished Talent (Form 1000) from your eligible nominator. This nominator must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field.

Step 3. Lodge Your Visa Application

Once invited (if applicable) and with your nomination secured, you can lodge your visa application online through the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount portal. You must attach all required supporting documents, including:

• Proof of identity (passport, national ID)
• Evidence of your international recognition (awards, media articles, publications, professional endorsements)
• Proof of recent work or contributions in your area
• Completed Form 1000 from your nominator
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Health and character documents
• Payment of the visa application fee (which increased as of July 1, 2025).

Step 4. Undergo Health and Character Checks

You and any family members included in your application will need to undertake health examinations by an approved panel physician and provide police certificates from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.

Step 5. Await Visa Decision

After submitting your complete application, the Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. Processing times can vary depending on individual circumstances, the completeness of your submission, and the volume of applications. Applicants invited through the National Innovation Visa stream generally receive priority processing.

Benefits of the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)

The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) offers numerous benefits to successful applicants:

• Permanent Residency: Immediate permanent resident status, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
• Work and Study Freedom: Unrestricted rights to work and study anywhere in Australia.
• Medicare Access: Eligibility for Australia’s public healthcare scheme.
• Family Inclusion: The ability to include your spouse and dependent children in your visa application.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting the residency requirements, visa holders can apply for Australian citizenship.
• Travel Rights: The ability to travel to and from Australia for five years. After this period, you may need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) if you wish to continue traveling internationally as a permanent resident.

Updates and Considerations for 2025

The most significant update is the replacement of the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) with the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) as of December 6, 2024. This change reflects a refined focus on attracting individuals who can drive national growth in key sectors.

Other important considerations include:

• Increased Visa Application Charges: Visa Application Charges (VACs) across a wide range of visa subclasses, including the Subclass 858, increased as of July 1, 2025.
• Streamlined Application for Onshore/Offshore Applicants: Since November 14, 2020, the Subclass 858 visa allows applicants to apply from either inside or outside Australia, simplifying the process.
• Flexible Health Criteria: The shift in health criteria (from PIC 4005 to PIC 4007 on November 14, 2020) allows for waivers in certain circumstances, making the visa more accessible for applicants with significant health conditions, provided they can mitigate potential costs.
• Competitive Criteria: While the visa aims to attract top talent, the process remains competitive due to a limited quota. Meeting the income threshold or demonstrating exceptional benefit remains crucial.

Tips for a Successful Application

Applying for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) requires meticulous preparation. Here are some tips to enhance your application:

1. Research Thoroughly: Understand the specific requirements and current priorities for the National Innovation Visa.
2. Gather High-Quality Evidence: Compile comprehensive and compelling evidence of your internationally recognised achievements, prominence, and potential contribution to Australia.
3. Choose Your Nominator Strategically: Select a nominator who has a strong national reputation in your field and can provide a robust endorsement of your abilities.
4. Craft a Strong EOI: If required for your stream, ensure your Expression of Interest clearly highlights your career achievements, key contributions, and how you meet the visa criteria.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer. Their expertise can be invaluable in assessing your eligibility, preparing documents, and navigating the complexities of the application process.

Final Thoughts

The Australia Work Visa (Subclass 858), now the National Innovation Visa, is an exceptional opportunity for globally recognised talented individuals to secure permanent residency in Australia. By understanding the updated requirements, preparing a strong application, and highlighting your potential contribution to Australia’s innovation landscape, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome and embark on a new chapter in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.