9 Dec 2025 – QLD ROI for National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Now Open
What is the National Innovation visa?
The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented migrants from across the world. These migrants will help create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.
The NIV program seeks established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions that will benefit Australia’s future prosperity.
This includes the following onshore and offshore talent:
- global researchers
- entrepreneurs
- innovative investors
- athletes and creatives.
What is the Queensland Government nomination ?
A Queensland Government nomination for the NIV offers a dynamic pathway to permanent residency for people with exceptional achievements and bold ambitions.
With internationally ranked universities, cutting-edge research hubs and a thriving innovation ecosystem, Queensland combines lifestyle, opportunity and global connectivity like no other state.
Queensland’s strong ties to Asia-Pacific markets, supportive government initiatives and collaborative industry networks make it a sought-after location for talent and investment.
Candidates nominated by the Queensland Government are categorised as priority two by Home Affairs.
QLD Nomination Pathway
Five Target Pathway:
- For global researchers
- For entrepreneurs
- For innovative investors
- For athletes and sports professionals
- For creatives
1. For global researchers Pathway
Home Affairs indicator
Recipients of a national level research grant for the highest quality research in Australia, or from other countries, showing the individual is at the top of their field, and/or holder of a PhD with high levels of academic influence or thought leadership in their field.
Queensland Government guidelines
Global researchers with a high ‘h-index’ for their stage of career that will make a significant contribution to the international reputation of Queensland-based research, and who satisfy either criteria 1 or 2:
- criteria 1 – a confirmed job placement at a Queensland university
- or criteria 2 – confirmed funding (by grant or partnership) to support research engagement placement at a Queensland research institute for no less than two years.
Evidence
If you are contacted by the Queensland Government after submitting your ROI, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating that you meet the relevant guidelines.
Global researchers will need to provide the following evidence:
- criteria 1 – a confirmed job placement at a Queensland university
- or for Criteria 2 – confirmed funding (by grant or partnership) to support research engagement placement at a Queensland research institute for no less than two years.
Examples of evidence may include:
- evidence of career history, such as a track record of attracting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, or initiating and leading industry, academia or government research projects.
For a confirmed job placement:
- a letter of support from the employing Queensland university on official letterhead and signed by a relevant delegate, such as the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research or equivalent
- a copy of the executed job contract from the Queensland university including details such as the job title, tasks and duties, salary, location of work, length and type of employment (casual, part-time, full-time) and signed by both parties.
For a confirmed funding placement:
- a copy of the research proposal for the project and the executed research funding agreement. Grants may include Australian Research Council linkage grant, co-operative research centre.
- heads of agreement or contract to evidence partnership.
- science funding and grants from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Queensland.
- Australian Academy of Science Global Talent Attraction Program.
2. For entrepreneurs Pathway
Home Affairs indicator
Evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly where linked to Commonwealth, state or territory-based innovation hubs.
Queensland Government guidelines
Established or emerging business owners/entrepreneurs ready to commercialise or expand an innovative product or service in Queensland, with a minimum investment threshold of $1 million.
Evidence
If you are contacted by the Queensland Government after submitting your ROI, you will need to provide the following evidence demonstrating that you meet the relevant guidelines:
- a commitment to Queensland and operational readiness for promising entrepreneurial activities
- entrepreneurial success in commercialising or expanding an innovative product or service
- funds spent towards business setup, feasibility studies, consultants, market research, licensing, and/or regulatory approvals
- entrepreneurial commitment to Queensland and operational readiness.
Examples of evidence of entrepreneurial commitment to Queensland and operational readiness may include:
- an employment contract for at least one staff member in Queensland (e.g. business development manager or research staff)
- a signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) or joint venture (JV) agreement with a Queensland partner
- agreements with Queensland suppliers, distributors or clients
- evidence of active engagement with a Queensland-supported entrepreneurial incubator or accelerator program, or innovation hub (e.g. aQtivate)
- evidence of secured funding of at least $1 million either self-funded, venture capital (e.g. Queensland Venture Capital Development Fund), institutional investor or grant
- your capacity to make a minimum investment of $1 million in Queensland within two years of a visa grant
- evidence of a registered office in Queensland (e.g. rental payments).
Examples of evidence of entrepreneurial success and commercialisation potential may include:
- evidence of business growth, including annual revenue, market traction and/or sustained profitability
- commercial partnerships (e.g. MoU or JV agreement) and/or supply chain contracts that support business expansion in Queensland
- evidence of funding secured from Queensland Government innovation grants, venture capital firms, angel investors, or Queensland institutions
- evidence of industry recognition and market validation (e.g. awards, media recognition, government-backed support, or active participation in a Queensland acceleration or incubation program).
3. For innovative investors Pathway
Home Affairs indicator
Evidence of innovative investment activity with an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures.
Queensland Government guidelines
Actively involved innovative investors, with an established track record of leading groundbreaking ventures that are ready to invest a minimum of $5 million for two or more years in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
The proposed structure or investment avenues would be private equity, venture capital, research and development, asset managers or co-investments (e.g. Queensland Investment Corporation ventures).
Evidence
If you are contacted by the Queensland Government after submitting your ROI, you will need to provide the following evidence demonstrating that you meet the relevant guidelines:
- Evidence of an established track record in actively supporting successful innovative ventures
- Evidence of a minimum of $5 million, to deploy upon a visa grant, for a minimum of two or more years.
- A well-developed investment deployment plan focused on optimising returns and driving growth in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem, should the visa be granted.
Examples of Evidence may include:
- documented innovative investments in private equity, venture capital, research and development, co-investments and/or asset management, particularly those linked to groundbreaking ventures in high-growth sectors – candidates in a Tier One or Two sector will be highly regarded
- successful investment exits or returns, initial public offerings, acquisitions, or funding rounds that contributed to economic growth in innovative ventures
- active involvement in publicly listed companies, including shareholdings, board positions or leadership roles that support start-ups, scale-ups or high-growth innovative ventures
- third party endorsements, such as letters of recommendation, from innovative investment firms, venture capitalists, government-backed funds or highly regarded co-investors.
4. For athletes and sports professionals Pathway
Home Affairs indicator
Athletes and sports professionals who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field.
Queensland Government guidelines
Elite or high-calibre talent that will contribute to significant sporting opportunities in Queensland, including athletes, coaches and other sports specialists (e.g. sports scientists).
Evidence
If you are contacted by the Queensland Government after submitting your ROI, you will need to provide the following evidence demonstrating that you meet the relevant guidelines.
- how you will contribute to growing similar talent in Queensland, and/or support community initiatives
- how you will raise Queensland’s profile in your area
Examples of evidence may include:
- specific roles that align with workforce gaps, high performing specialists and coaches such as sports scientists and strength and conditioning coaches
- internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements as a sports professional or athlete
- evidence of a post-graduate qualification in the specific field of occupation
- evidence of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) accreditation, sport scientist Level 2 (ASpS L2)
- a letter of support from the Queensland Academy of Sport or the Australian Institute of Sport or a funded national sporting organisation.
5. For creatives Pathway
Home Affairs indicator
Creatives who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field.
Queensland Government guidelines
Elite or high-calibre talent that will make a unique contribution to Queensland’s arts, cultural and creative sector. This includes building local sector impact, building the state’s creative reputation and boosting capacity in key skill areas including technical production in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Evidence
If you are contacted by the Queensland Government after submitting your ROI, you will need to demonstrate how you will contribute to arts, culture and creativity in Queensland.
Examples of evidence may include:
• a portfolio of work or resumé detailing creative projects
• academic or vocational qualifications to evidence technical ability
• evidence of national or international awards in the creative sector
• evidence of a job offer or funding for creative commercial projects in Queensland.
QLD Nomination Process
To seek Queensland Government nomination, you must meet both Home Affairs visa criteria and Queensland Government guidelines.
Candidates must also submit evidence to support their application.
Candidates nominated by the Queensland Government are categorised as priority two by Home Affairs.
1. Before you register
Review the requirements of the National Innovation visa before you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) form to us.
2. Register your interest for Queensland Government nomination
Fill in a Registration of Interest (ROI) form.
An ROI is not a visa application. When you submit an ROI, you are registering to be considered for nomination by the Queensland Government only.
We are unable to provide status or progress updates on your ROI.
3. After you register your interest
A limited number of high-calibre candidates will be contacted to provide evidence.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Trade and Investment Commissioner aligned to the applicant’s passport country.
Nominated candidates will receive a signed Form 1000 from the Trade and Investment Commissioner in support of your Expression of Interest (EOI) to Home Affairs.
You can attach the Form 1000 to your EOI with Home Affairs.
If your EOI is successful, Home Affairs will invite you to apply for the National Innovation visa.
Global Researchers
This pathway recipients of a national level research grant for the highest quality research in Australia, or form other countries, showing you are at the top of their field, and/or holder of a PhD with high levels of academic influence or thought leadership in your field.
You must have a high ‘h-index’ for the stage of your career that will make a significant contribution to the international reputation of Queensland-based research.
If you are contacted by Queensland Government, you will need to provide evidence of career history, such as a track record of attracting Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students, or intiating and leading industry, academia or government research projects. You must also demonstrate that you satisfy criteria 1 or 2:
- Criteria 1 – a confirmed job placement at a Queensland university, or
- Criteria 2 – confirmed funding (by grant or Partnership) to support research engagement placement at a Queensland research institute for no less than two years.
Innovative Investors
This pathway is for actively involved innovative investors, with an established track record of leading groundbreaking ventures that are ready to invest a minimum of $5 million for two or more years in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
If you are contacted by Queensland Government, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating:
- an established track record in actively supporting successful innovative ventures
- evidence of a minimum of $5 million ready to be deployed upon a visa grant, for a minimum of two or more years
- a well-developed investment deployment plan focused on optimising returns and driving growth in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem, should the visa be granted.
Entrepreneurs
This pathway is for established or emerging business owners/entrepreneurs ready to commercialise or expand an innovative product or service in Queensland, with a minimum investment threshold of $1 million.
If you are contacted by Queensland Government, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating:
- Commitment to Queensland and operational readiness for their promising entrepreneurial activities
- Entrepreneurial success in commercialising or expanding an innovative product or service
- Funds spent towards business setup, feasibility studies, consultants, market research, licencing, and/or regulatory approvals.
Sports professionals and athletes
This pathway is for elite or high-calibre talent that will contribute to significant sporting opportunities in Queensland, including athletes, coaches and other sports specialists (e.g., sports scientists).
If you are contacted by Queensland Government, you will need to provide evidence demonstrating:
- your internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements as an athlete, and/or;
- how you will contribute to growing similar talent in Queensland, and/or;
- how you will support community initiatives.
Creatives
This pathway is for elite or high-calibre talent that will make a unique contribution to Queensland’s arts, cultural and creative sector. This can include building local sector impact, building the state’s creative reputation and boosting capacity in key skill areas including technical production in the lead up to significant statewide opportunities presented by the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
If you are contacted by Queensland Government you will need to provide evidence demonstrating how you will contribute to arts, culture and creativity in Queensland.
Australian Immi App for Biometrics
Remote Work and Travel Now Clearer for 491, 494 and 489 Regional Visa Holders
New 186 TRT Rule Adversely Impacts Medical Practitioners’ PR Pathway
Tasmania – Health and Allied Health Occupations List (TSE Pathway)
Tasmania – TSE Priority Occupation List (2025-26)