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National Innovation Visa Program

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented individuals who demonstrate the potential to create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.

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National Innovation Visa Program

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) offers 4000 Australian permanent residence visas each year for exceptionally talented individuals and their family who can demonstrate the potential to create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.

Eligible candidates are required to submit an Expression of Interest, and only the very highest quality EOI’s will be selected for consideration. Making a strong, well-argued EOI is critical to success.

Applications are prioritised based on a large number of factors including their sector of expertise, high-profile background and ability to demonstrate earning capacity in Australia. Certain award winners, recipients of grants and PhD holders will also be prioritised. 

The National Innovation Visa targets established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent in two tiers of sectors:

Tier One Sectors (Higher Priority)

    1. Critical Technologies: AI, robotics, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
    2. Renewables and Low Emission Technologies: Clean energy technology, emission reduction technology, renewable energy, hydrogen technologies and green metals.
    3. Health Industries: Genomics, biochemistry and cell biology, precision medicine and medical manufacturing.

Tier Two Sectors

    1. Agri-food and AgTech: Innovations in sustainable agriculture and food technologies.
    2. Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, and Space: Space systems engineering and advanced materials.
    3. Education: Senior academics and researchers.
    4. Financial Services and FinTech: Blockchain, data analytics, and RegTech.
    5. Infrastructure and Transport: Innovations in large-scale infrastructure projects.
    6. Resources: Critical minerals, resource waste management, and automation technologies.

Applications supported by a State Government or have evidence of current or future earnings equal to or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AU$175,000) are prioritised.

PhD holders must have earned their PhD within the last three years, demonstrate internationally significant research benefiting Australia, and show potential for innovation and competitiveness. Graduates over 12 months ago must be employed or active in their field or show evidence such as job offers or market demand for their skills.

Why choose Ajuria to help you with your National Innovation Visa

  • Our very high success rate with the NIV program predecessor the Global Talent Visa stems from the exceptional caliber of our clients and meticulous preparation. We only proceed with EOIs when confident in the likelihood of success.
  • Contact us today to discuss how we can support your journey through the National Innovation Visa program.

The Three-step process to a National Innovation Visa

Step 1: We will assess your eligibility for the NIV: We will help you understand your chances and plan for your future in Australia. We only take on the highest quality candidates with strong chances of success.

Step 2: We will help you prepare and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): This is the most critical part of the application, without an EOI you cannot apply for the National Innovation Visa. We will work with you, your nominator and your referees and advisers to create a powerful submission as to why you should be offered a spot in the NIV program. 
Step 3: We will help you lodge Your Visa Application: Applications for the visa should be made within 60 days of the EOI.

The National Innovation Visa Program Offers

  • Certain Pathway to Permanent Residence: Once invited to apply, the pathway to permanent residence is more certain than temporary to permanent pathways.
  • Access all benefits of a Permanent Resident: Read more below.
  • No Restrictive Employment Conditions: The visa allows individuals the freedom to move roles and employers without restriction.
  • Travel Flexibility: Permanent residency granted under this program allows unrestricted travel in and out of Australia.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residents can eventually apply for Australian citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for the National Innovation Visa

1. Age
You must be under 55 years of age (or seek ministerial approval).

2. Nominated by an Australian
You must have your internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement attested by a Australian nominator who has a national reputation in the same area as you.

3. Internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement
Through documented evidence you must demonstrate exceptional abilities and sustained achievements in a globally recognised field, with a proven record of success that is unlikely to diminish, and be acclaimed internationally, including in Australia.

4. English, Health and Character requirements
Applicants aged 18 years or older at the time of application must provide evidence of having at least functional English. If any applicants aged 18 or older do not have functional English this will incur additional fees.

You and any accompanying family members must meet health requirements, including undergoing medical exams, to ensure you do not pose a public health risk, incur excessive healthcare costs, or place undue demand on Australia’s healthcare system.

You and any accompanying family members must meet the character requirements, which include having no serious criminal convictions.

5. Children 18 to 23
Children between 18 and 23 can be included if you can provide evidence that they are a full-time student completing their first undergraduate degree, are financially reliant on you without a substantial independent income and have been continuously studying full-time since finishing high school. Children over 23 cannot be included in the application.

Benefits of Being an Australian Permanent Resident

  • Live and Work Anywhere in Australia
    Permanent residents can live, work, and study in any part of Australia without restrictions, enjoying the freedom to choose their place of residence and employment opportunities.
  • Healthcare Access
    Permanent residents are eligible for Medicare, Australia’s publicly funded healthcare system, which provides free or subsidised access to medical services, hospital care, and subsidised medication.
  • Pathway to Citizenship
    After meeting residency and other requirements, permanent residents can apply for Australian citizenship, gaining additional rights such as voting in elections and obtaining an Australian passport.
  • Family Sponsorship
    Permanent residents can sponsor eligible family members for Australian visas, enabling reunification with loved ones under certain conditions.
  • Social Security Benefits
    After a qualifying period (usually two years), permanent residents may access certain social welfare benefits through Centrelink, such as family tax benefits and unemployment allowances.
  • Children Born in Australia
    Children born in Australia to permanent residents automatically acquire Australian citizenship by birth, granting them full rights as citizens.
  • Education Opportunities
    Permanent residents enjoy access to the Australian education system, including public schools and subsidised higher education through Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) and eligibility for government loans like HECS-HELP.
  • Freedom to Travel
    Permanent residents can travel internationally and return to Australia freely within the validity of their travel facility (usually five years). After this period, they can apply for a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to retain travel rights.
  • Employment Rights
    Permanent residents can work for any employer in most industries (except certain roles requiring citizenship, such as government and defense positions) and may qualify for employer-provided benefits.
  • Access to Loans and Credit
    Permanent residents are eligible for loans and credit facilities, including home loans from Australian financial institutions, often on favorable terms.
  • Retirement Benefits
    Permanent residents can access superannuation (retirement savings) and, if eligible, age pensions after meeting residency and other criteria.

It is always advisable to seek taxation advice before applying for any permanent residence visa.

Costs and Fees

Fees vary based on individual circumstances. Ajuria Lawyers follows a transparent fee structure, disclosed upfront through formal agreements. Fees are paid in instalments as the process progresses, ensuring no surprises.

Get in touch with the Ajuria team today

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