Subclass 858 Visa: National Innovation Visa
A permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. It replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024.
Reviewed by Muskaan Ahuja, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418455) · Last reviewed
In short: The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts or academia and research, who would be an asset to Australia. You first submit an Expression of Interest and need a nominator with a national reputation in your field.
Who this visa suits
- Leading researchers and academics
- Exceptional professionals, entrepreneurs and innovators
- Elite sportspeople and artists
| Type | Permanent |
|---|---|
| First step | Expression of Interest; invitation to apply |
| Nominator | An Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or organisation with a national reputation in your field |
| Evidence | International recognition: awards, publications, patents, media, senior roles |
| Replaced | The Global Talent visa, on 6 December 2024 |
Official information: National Innovation visa (858). Part of our Services services.
Requirements
The main requirements. We check each one against your situation before you apply.
Exceptional achievement
Internationally recognised and current.
Asset to Australia
Your work would benefit Australia.
Nominator
A nationally recognised person or organisation in your field.
Invitation
Through an Expression of Interest.
Prospects
Ability to establish yourself in Australia.
Health & character
Standard checks.
Document checklist
Most applications need the following. Your exact list depends on your circumstances; we give you a personalised checklist.
- Detailed CV and statement of achievements
- Awards, publications, patents or performance records
- Evidence of international recognition (media, invitations, citations)
- Nominator form and their evidence of national reputation
- Evidence of employment prospects or business plans
- Passport, police and health checks
Costs
| Visa | Main applicant | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| National Innovation (858) | AUD 6,000–6,500* | Main applicant; family members pay extra. |
*Indicative range only. Government visa charges change often (usually each 1 July) and depend on your circumstances and family members. Your total cost may also include our professional service fee and other costs such as health checks, police certificates, skills assessments and translations. Terms and conditions apply. Confirm the current amount for your family in the official Visa Pricing Estimator, or ask us for a fixed written quote before any work starts.
Step by step
- Assess your profileIs your record internationally recognised?
- Expression of InterestSubmit with strong evidence.
- InvitationIf selected.
- NominatorArrange a strong nomination.
- Visa applicationLodge with full evidence.
- GrantPermanent residence.
Common mistakes and refusal reasons
- Evidence that is national rather than international
- Achievements that are not recent
- A nominator without a national reputation in the same field
- A generic CV without measurable impact
If your profile is strong but not exceptional, compare the 189 or 186.
Recent changes
6 December 2024: The National Innovation visa replaced the Global Talent visa.
1 July 2026: The charge rose to AUD 6,000–6,500*.
Questions
Can’t see your question? Ask a registered migration agent in a free 15-minute consultation.
Book a free consultationIs the 858 the same as Global Talent?+
Do I need a job offer?+
Who can nominate me?+
How competitive is it?+
Talk to us about your visa.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with a registered migration agent (MARN 2418455).
- Registered migration agentMuskaan Ahuja, MARN 2418455
- Free 15-minute consultationBy phone, online or at our Hawthorn office
- Reply within 1 business dayCall, WhatsApp or the Free Profile Assessment
- Fixed-fee quote in writingBefore any work starts, no hidden charges