Which State Offers the Best Pathway for You?
National Innovation Visa (858) Explained
With updated state nomination criteria now published by New South Wales (NSW), South Australia (SA), and Victoria (VIC), it’s critical for applicants to understand how these changes affect their eligibility and strategic choices.
At ThinkVisa, we’re proud to be one of Melbourne’s most trusted Australian migration experts, helping innovators, entrepreneurs, and global talent navigate complex visa pathways with clarity and confidence. In this week’s update, we’re breaking down the latest changes to the National Innovation Visa (NIV) subclass 858, a streamlined replacement of both the Global Talent Visa and the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP).
What Is the National Innovation Visa—and Why Is It Better?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) replaces the former Global Talent Visa (GTI) and aspects of the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (BIIP). This new visa pathway is designed to attract exceptional individuals with a strong record of innovation, impact, and talent, while eliminating the need for complex investment thresholds or business activity requirements previously seen in the BIIP.
Why is it better?
Simplified nomination process through state/territory governments
No mandatory investment requirement like BIIP
Focused on high-impact individuals across talent-rich sectors
Designed to drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth
It offers permanent residency and the opportunity to make a lasting contribution to Australia's future, without the red tape of the older systems.
State-by-State Breakdown: Nomination Criteria for NIV Subclass 858
New South Wales (NSW) National Innovation Visa Criteria
The NSW National Innovation Visa framework is designed for individuals who demonstrate exceptional achievement while aligning with New South Wales’ strategic priorities, whether in the economic, scientific, cultural, or sporting domains.
Nomination Pathways
Academic and Researcher Pathway: For individuals with a distinguished academic or research background and a strong record of impactful, original work aligned with NSW’s current or future priorities.
Must show a proven history of high-impact research with economic or social relevance to NSW.
Entrepreneur Pathway: For founders and business leaders who have launched or grown innovative, scalable ventures that benefit NSW’s economy.
Applicants must demonstrate commercial success and leadership in high-growth businesses.
Innovative Investor Pathway: Designed for those who’ve contributed significant capital and strategic value to innovative ventures in NSW’s startup and tech ecosystems.
Must show a record of angel investments that have supported the growth and success of Australian innovation.
Sports Professional Pathway: Open to elite athletes, coaches, and specialists who elevate NSW’s global profile in sport and contribute to the local sports sector.
Athletes: National or international accolades at the highest level.
Coaches/Specialists: Proven record of success and leadership in elite sport.
Creative Professional Pathway: For high-achieving creatives in arts, culture, and digital media with national or international recognition.
Must show exceptional talent and artistic distinction with a track record of enriching cultural communities.
NSW Nomination Priorities: What the State Looks For
NSW prioritises evidence-based achievement over future potential alone. To be considered for nomination, applicants must:
Demonstrate a proven track record of achievement, not just a promise
Show clear alignment with NSW’s strategic goals
Provide evidence that their impact is already underway, not merely speculative
Present a credible, well-supported plan for contributing to NSW’s economy or society
South Australia National Innovation Visa Criteria
As part of its skilled migration strategy, the South Australian Government aims to nominate individuals with internationally recognised achievements, particularly in industries that will fuel the state’s economy into the future.
Who Can Be Nominated?
To be considered for a South Australian nomination under the NIV (subclass 858), you must:
Be located offshore, or onshore in Australia, as the holder of a substantive visa.
Demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following sectors:
A recognised profession
Academia and research
Sport
Arts
Meet the Department of Home Affairs’ general criteria for the NIV, including:
Being nominated by an Australian entity (in this case, the South Australian Government)
Being of exceptional benefit to Australia if under 18 or over 55
Meeting health, character, and security requirements
Who is South Australia looking for?
South Australia’s focus is on high-impact individuals who can bring global expertise and leadership to key sectors:
Global researchers and academic leaders contributing to real-world innovation
Entrepreneurs building disruptive, scalable ventures
Innovative investors with strategic capital aligned with emerging industries
Creative professionals enhancing South Australia's international reputation in the arts and design
Other internationally recognised individuals with a record of meaningful contributions to their field
What sets successful applicants apart is not just potential, but a proven history of results backed by third-party recognition
Victoria National Innovation Visa Criteria
The Victorian Government plays a pivotal role in Australia’s National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) by nominating top-tier global talent with the capacity to contribute significantly to Victoria’s economy, research capability, and international competitiveness.
Eligibility for Victorian Nomination
To be nominated by Victoria under the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), you must:
Demonstrate exceptional talent and a history of internationally recognised achievements
Be referred by a Victorian Government department or agency that aligns with your area of expertise
Have consulted with that department or agency about your plan to transfer your expertise to Victoria
Meet all Department of Home Affairs criteria for the NIV, including health and character
Be under 55 years of age (unless you can demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia)
What Counts as "Exceptional Achievement"?
Your application must show evidence of one or more of the following:
Winning prestigious international awards or accolades
Securing significant research funding or advanced qualifications
Leading keynote addresses at global summits or leadership in top organisations
Holding patents, IP rights, or having successfully commercialised technology
Launching or scaling up innovative businesses
Earning international acclaim in the arts or sports
National Innovation visa priorities
| Level of Priority | Description |
|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards. |
| Priority 2 | Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency. |
| Priority 3 | Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector: |
| Priority 4 | Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector: |
3-Stage NIV Process
State Nomination
You must apply to a state or territory government for nomination under their specific criteria. A successful nomination improves your visibility in the pool but does not guarantee a visa invitation.
Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs
Once nominated, you must lodge an EOI managed by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). If the DHA considers your profile competitive, you’ll receive an invitation to apply.
Visa Application
If invited, you can then submit your visa application under the Subclass 858. This stage includes the usual checks such as health, character, and documentation of your claims and achievements.
Which State Is Best for NIV Nomination?
This depends entirely on your profile, achievements, and strategic fit:
NSW: Best for candidates with nationally recognised talent across specific sectors.
SA: Ideal for applicants with existing ties to the state or projects tailored to regional development.
VIC: Strongest fit for research-backed innovations or scalable startups with commercial promise.
Each pathway has merit; what matters most is how well your achievements and vision align with the state’s economic and innovation agenda.
Ready to Start Your Pathway to Permanent Residency in Australia?
At ThinkVisa, we provide tailored migration guidance for exceptional individuals ready to make an impact. Our team will help you identify the right nomination strategy, craft a strong EOI, and support you through the full NIV process.
