Skilled · Subclass 858
National Innovation visa
Invitation-only permanent visa for an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
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.
Key eligibility
- 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 to apply, and bridging visas
In or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Your journey, step by step
Honest profile check
Is the record genuinely at an exceptional, internationally recognised level?
How a registered migration agent helps: A 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 helps: A 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 helps: A 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 helps: A 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 helps: A registered migration agent prepares the nominator statement and application.
Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses.
Permanent residence
Citizenship when eligible.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent plans settlement and citizenship.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- 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.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
The National Innovation visa began, for applications lodged on or after this date.
Talent and Innovation places: 3,500 for 2026-27.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.