National Innovation visa 858
Invitation-only permanent visa for an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement.
Invitation only
Who it is for
Established and emerging leaders with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research.
Main requirements
- Invitation after an Expression of Interest (active for 2 years).
- Nomination by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same field.
- Still prominent in the field, an asset to the Australian community, and able to establish in Australia.
- Applicants under 18 or 55 and over must be of exceptional benefit to Australia.
- Functional English for those 18 or over, or a second instalment.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Honest profile check
Is the record genuinely at an exceptional, internationally recognised level?
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent gives a frank assessment; many profiles are not at this level. - Expression of Interest
Lodge an Expression of Interest with evidence of achievements.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent structures evidence against the published indicators. - Invitation
Invitations are at the Department's discretion and follow published priorities.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains the priority sectors. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Nomination and lodgement
Obtain the nomination form and lodge within 60 days of invitation.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the nominator statement and application. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans settlement and citizenship.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$6,235 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$3,120 |
| Family member under 18 | A$1,560 |
| Second instalment | A$4,890 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| National Innovation | 50% in 6 months, 90% in 7 months |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Achievements not at an internationally recognised exceptional level.
- Not recently prominent.
- Nominator not of national reputation in the same field.
- Weak evidence of ability to establish in Australia.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Achievement
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
- 6 December 2024
The National Innovation visa began, for applications lodged on or after this date.
- 12 May 2026
Talent and Innovation places: 3,500 for 2026-27.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.