New South Wales (NSW) and South Australia (SA) have unveiled their eligibility requirements for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), a permanent residence visa that targets individuals with internationally recognized records of exceptional achievement in their respective fields.
Expression of Interests (EOIs) supported by a State or Territory Government are afforded second-highest processing priority by the Department. Given this, we anticipate both the NSW and SA nomination programs to be highly competitive and of interest to globally talented individuals.
New South Wales (NSW) Eligibility Criteria
NSW has introduced five nomination pathways, which targets attracting top-tier talent that will contribute substantially to the State’s innovation ecosystem.
A summary of the eligibility criteria is below:
1. Academic and Researcher Pathway: For individuals with a distinguished record in academic or research fields. The applicant must show a strong track record of original and impactful research relevant to NSW’s current or future economic or social needs.
2. Entrepreneur Pathway: For founders and leaders of innovative, scalable businesses. Applicants must have a proven entrepreneurial track record and ventures with high growth potential that will benefit NSW’s innovation ecosystem.
3. Innovative Investor Pathway: For individuals with a history of supporting early-stage ventures through capital and expertise. The applicant must demonstrate a history oof providing substantial “angel” investment in innovative ventures.
4. Sports Professional Pathway: For elite athletes, coaches, and sport specialists with international or national recognition.
Applicants who are athletes must show exceptional achievements at the highest levels (national or international). Coaches and specialists must provide evidence of outstanding success and significant impact within elite sport.
5. Creative Professional Pathway: For artists and cultural leaders with national or international acclaim. Applicants must demonstrate exceptional talent and artistic distinction in fields such as music, film, literature, design, visual arts, or digital media.
South Australia (SA) Eligibility Criteria
The SA nomination framework has introduced five broad nomination categories under its framework, focused on driving innovation and economic growth within the State.
Key eligibility criteria for each category include:
1. Global Researchers and Thought Leaders: For intellects with achievements that include receiving a national research grant recognized IP or a PhD thesis with high levels of academic influence.
2. Entrepreneurs: For applicants who can demonstrate their entrepreneurial activities will lead to commercialization of a product in SA or the development of a business that will significantly add value to the local economy.
3. Innovative Investors: For investors who can demonstrate an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures or leading internationally reputed companies to their IPO.
4. Creative Talent: For applicants with significant achievements in their creative field.
5. Other Globally Talented Individuals: All other applicants who do not fit the above criteria will be assessed on a case by-case basis.
If you believe you may qualify under any of these categories or want advice on preparing a strong Expression of Interest, please get in touch with our team. We can guide you through the nomination and visa application process.