This is a permanent visa for people who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. You must:
- be outside Australia when this visa is granted (if you are in Australia see SC858)
- have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following areas (and still be prominent in the area):
- a profession
- a sport
- the arts
- academia and research
- be nominated by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian organisation with a national reputation in relation to your area of talent
Now apply for the National Innovation Visa
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) 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. Like the Distinguished Talent visa, it needs a nominator with a national reputation in your field, but applicants first lodge an Expression of Interest and must be invited to apply. Priority is given to people working in the Government’s priority sectors. See NIV 858 visa fees and check your eligibility with our NIV guide.
Important: The Distinguished Talent Visa Has Been Replaced
The Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124) is closed to new applications. The offshore subclass 124 was removed on 14 November 2020, and from that date talented applicants inside and outside Australia were directed to the subclass 858 visa instead.
The subclass 858 was later renamed the Global Talent visa. On 7 December 2024 the Global Talent visa was replaced by the National Innovation visa (subclass 858), which is the current permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement.
If you came to this page looking for the Distinguished Talent visa, the National Innovation visa is the visa you should now consider. The information on this page about subclass 124 is kept for reference only.
How the Talent Visas Have Changed
| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| Before 14 November 2020 | Distinguished Talent visa available as subclass 124 (outside Australia) and subclass 858 (inside Australia). |
| 14 November 2020 | Subclass 124 removed. Subclass 858 can be applied for and granted inside or outside Australia. |
| Later | Subclass 858 renamed the Global Talent visa, with the Global Talent program using an expression of interest process. |
| 7 December 2024 | Global Talent visa replaced by the National Innovation visa (still subclass 858), with a new expression of interest and invitation process. |
What Carries Over to the National Innovation Visa
Many of the core ideas behind the Distinguished Talent visa still apply to the National Innovation visa. You will still need to show:
- an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
- that you are still prominent in your field
- that you would be an asset to the Australian community
- that you would have no difficulty finding work or becoming established in your field in Australia
- a nomination (Form 1000) from an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field
If you are under 18 or 55 or older, you must also show that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
What Is Different Now
- Invitation only. You cannot simply lodge a visa application. You first submit an expression of interest (EOI), and you can only apply if Home Affairs invites you. An EOI stays valid for two years.
- Priority groups. Invitations are given in priority order. The highest priorities are people with internationally prestigious awards and people endorsed by an Australian government agency, followed by people with exceptional skills in target sectors such as critical technologies, renewables, health, agri-food, resources, defence, education, financial services and infrastructure.
- Visa application charges apply. Unlike the nil fee listed on this page for the old subclass 124, the National Innovation visa has a government fee. From 1 July 2026 it is $6,235 for the main applicant, $3,120 for each additional adult and $1,560 for each child. A second instalment of $4,890 applies for each adult who does not have functional English.
- Old EOIs do not carry over. Global Talent EOIs that were not invited did not transfer to the new program, so you need a new National Innovation visa EOI.
What Should You Do Now?
- Check whether your achievements are at the right level. The National Innovation visa is aimed at a small number of exceptional people. Strong professional experience on its own is usually not enough.
- Gather evidence of international recognition. This can include major awards, publications and citations, patents, significant commercial outcomes, senior roles, media coverage and independent references.
- Identify a nominator. Think early about who in Australia can attest to your record in your field.
- Submit an EOI. Make sure it clearly links your achievements to a priority sector where possible.
- Consider other pathways too. If you are unlikely to be invited, a skilled visa or an employer sponsored visa may suit you better.
Distinguished Talent Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124)?
No. Subclass 124 closed to new applications in November 2020. The current visa for exceptionally talented people is the National Innovation visa (subclass 858).
Is the National Innovation visa the same as the Distinguished Talent visa?
Not exactly. It uses the same subclass number (858) and similar ideas about exceptional achievement, but it is an invitation only visa with an EOI process, priority sectors and a government application fee.
Can I apply for the National Innovation visa from outside Australia?
Yes. You can submit an EOI and, if invited, apply from outside Australia or from inside Australia if you hold an eligible visa.
Is the National Innovation visa a permanent visa?
Yes. It is a permanent visa, so once it is granted you can live, work and study in Australia permanently and, if eligible, later apply for Australian citizenship.
I submitted a Global Talent EOI. Do I need to do anything?
If you were not invited under the Global Talent program, your EOI did not carry over. You need to submit a new EOI for the National Innovation visa.
How can VisaEnvoy help?
We can review your achievements against the National Innovation visa criteria, help you prepare a strong EOI and nominator statement, and suggest other visa options if this visa is not the right fit. Book a video consultation to discuss your situation.
Meeting the requirements for a Distinguished Talent Visa is a high test. You must:
- have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in your profession
- be still prominent in the area
- be an asset to the Australian community
- have no difficulty getting employment, or in becoming established independently in your field in Australia
- be nominated by:
- an Australian peak body or organisation
- an Australian citizen
- an Australian permanent resident, or
- an eligible New Zealand citizen
They must also:
- have a national reputation in your field
- be highly regarded throughout Australia
Note that a reputation in one state or region would not be considered ‘national’.
Related:
- Global Talent Independent program (GTI)
- Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858, for applicants in Australia)
Visa Costs:
This visa is closed to new applications. For the current costs of the replacement visa, see NIV 858 visa fees.
Age:
You can be any age to apply for this visa.
If you are under 18 years old or you are aged 55 years or older when you apply, you must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
English requirements:
All applicants must have functional English or you will need to pay an extra charge, called the second instalment, to be granted this visa.
You need to show your record of achievement
- Relevant qualifications and awards, including those received from internationally recognised institutions.
- Advice from government, professional, scientific, cultural, sporting or other relevant bodies in Australia.
- A statement by the nominator supporting your record of achievement.
- If you are younger than 18 or older than 55 years of age: evidence that you would be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
Your ability to find employment or become established independently in your field in Australia
You must demonstrate why you would have no difficulty in obtaining employment, or how you expect to support yourself, in Australia within your area of achievement. Income from employment which is not related to the area of achievement cannot satisfy the requirements of the visa, even if this only comprises part of your overall income.
Distinguished Talent Visa (PR)
The Distinguished Talent visa is a permanent residence visa. It allows you and your family to
- study in Australia
- live indefinitely in Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years (after that time you will need a Resident Return visa)
- apply for citizenship
- enrol in Medicare, the Australian Government’s public health care scheme
- work in Australia
- study in Australia
- apply for Australian citizenship
- sponsor eligible relatives for residency in Australia
Other visas that may suit your needs may be:
- Entertainment Visas
- Visiting Academic Visas
- Religious Worker Visas
- Sports Visas
Related:
- Global Talent Independent program (GTI)
- Australian Computer Society Nominates for Global Talent Visa
- Global Talent visa invitation numbers by nationality
- Distinguished Talent Visa (Subclass 858, onshore)
Related guides
- NIV 858 visa fees
- Global Talent Independent program (GTI)
- Skilled visas Australia
- Skilled Independent visa (189)
- Skilled Nominated visa (190)
- Skilled Work Regional visa (491)
- Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (191)
- Temporary Graduate visa (485)
- National Innovation visa (858)
- Skilled visa points table
- Skilled occupation list
- Skilled visa costs
- Skilled visa processing times
- Skilled visa assessment
Book a video consultation with our Registered Migration Agents in Melbourne to find out more about your visa options.
