Overview
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa designed for exceptionally talented individuals from around the world. This visa aims to attract individuals who can create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.
It is intended for established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to Australia's future prosperity.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the National Innovation Visa, applicants must:
- Demonstrate exceptional talent and skills in their field.
- Be an established or emerging leader in their industry.
- Have a record of outstanding achievement.
- Be able to make a significant contribution to the Australian economy.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same field as the applicant.
- Be under 55 years of age, unless the nominator can demonstrate that granting the visa would be of exceptional benefit to Australia.
- Have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts.
Record of Achievement Documents
Applicants must provide evidence that their achievements place them among the best in their area of expertise. Examples of evidence include, but are not limited to:
Prestigious awards and prizes from internationally recognised organisations, such as:
- Nobel Prize
- Breakthrough Prizes
- L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science
- Turing Award
- ACM Prize in Computing
Top-level sports or arts awards and honours, for example:
- Olympic medals
- Grammy Awards
- Academy Awards
Publications in renowned journals or media outlets.
Patents or significant innovations in their field.
Membership in prestigious professional associations.
Letters of recommendation from leading experts in the field
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI showcasing your achievements and contributions.
- Invitation to Apply: Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
- Application Submission: Complete and submit your visa application along with the required documentation.
- Assessment: Your application will be assessed based on your achievements and potential contributions to Australia.
- Decision: Receive a decision on your visa application.
Benefits
As a holder of the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), you can:
- Stay in Australia permanently.
- Work and study in Australia.
- Enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare.
- Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia.
- Travel to and from Australia for five years.
- Apply for Australian citizenship if eligible.
