30 Jul 2025 – NSW ROI for National Innovation Visa (NIV) – Now Open
The NSW Government summarised its criteria for nominating candidates under the new National Innovation Visa (NIV) program. The nomination process is scheduled to open in around 28 July 2025.
Key Points:
- State nomination is not a visa grant: NSW nominates exceptional candidates in line with state strategic priorities. Final visa decisions are made by the Department of Home Affairs, subject to national criteria and program limits.
- Nomination enhances applicant visibility: A nomination serves as a significant boost within the Home Affairs selection process—but does not guarantee a visa invitation.
- No dedicated allocation: State and territory governments do not receive quotas for the NIV.
- Highly competitive program: Targeted at individuals with a demonstrated track record of innovation and impact.
- Strict focus on merit and achievement: Applicants must show tangible personal achievements—not passive investment or repurposed business proposals from the previous BIIP (188 visa) program.
- Pathway structure is guided, not rigid: While nominations will be made within the five published pathways, NSW may adopt a facilitative approach for exceptional candidates exceeding Direction 112 expectations.
- Not suitable for early-career applicants: The NIV is intended for established professionals, not recent graduates or entry-level individuals.
- Independent validation of claims: NSW will conduct third-party validation of applicant credentials using sectoral experts or authorities.
- No formal third-party endorsement required: Unlike the former Global Talent visa, no external nomination is needed—though NSW may seek expert input during assessment.
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.
What is the NSW criteria for National Innovation Visa nominations?
NSW-nominated applicants are placed in Priority Group 2 by the Department of Home Affairs just behind global award recipients accelerating your path to approval.
NSW has FIVE pathway for National Innovation Visa nominations. Each pathway has distinct eligibility criteria. Select the one that best reflects your background and achievements:
NSW Nomination Pathway
Five Target Pathway:
- Academic and Researcher – Advancing knowledge, solving real-world problems
- Entrepreneur – Founders driving high-impact, scalable ventures
- Innovative Investor – Strategic capital that builds NSW’s future industries
- Sports Professional – Global achievers contributing to NSW’s sporting excellence
- Creative Professional – Artists, designers & storytellers shaping NSW’s cultural identity
Priorities
The NSW NIV framework supports candidates with evidence of action, not just aspiration. Candidates must:
- Demonstrate past achievement – not just potential to deliver
- Clear alignment with NSW priorities
- Impact already underway – not speculative
- Credible, well-supported plans to contribute to NSW
1. Academic and Researcher Pathway
Designed for individuals with a distinguished record of academic or research achievement, particularly in fields strategically important to NSW.
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Research Excellence: The applicant must demonstrate a strong track record of original and impactful research relevant to NSW’s current or future economic or social needs.
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International Standing: Show clear evidence of recognition and standing within the international academic or research community.
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Potential contribution to NSW: Show a clear and compelling plan for how your academic or research activities will benefit NSW.
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Endorsements: Strong letters of support from senior academics or research leaders (preferably including those in NSW) attesting to your exceptional achievements and potential contributions to the NSW research landscape are crucial.
2. Entrepreneur Pathway
Designed for individuals with a demonstrated history of entrepreneurial success and innovative, scalable business ventures with high growth potential for NSW.
You may be eligible for NSW nomination under this pathway if you:
- Have founded and grown companies that attracted smart capital or strategic investors
- Can show real traction — like revenue growth, customer adoption or market share
- Have experience operating in large, scalable markets
- Plan to use NSW’s ecosystem to access talent, funding or partnerships that help you move quickly
Track Record of Entrepreneurial Success
The applicant should have a proven history of founding, leading, or significantly contributing to successful innovative businesses. Evidence may include:
- Successful launch and growth of previous ventures, with clear metrics (e.g. revenue, market share, user numbers)
- Successful exits — such as acquisitions or IPOs
- Raising significant investment capital
- Participation in recognised accelerator or incubator programs
Innovation and scalability of your venture
You must present an innovative business idea or a recent venture with significant potential for growth and job creation in NSW. Evidence may include:
- A clear business plan showing market opportunity, competitive advantage and a scalable business model
- Unique intellectual property or disruptive technology
- Realistic, quantifiable projections for revenue growth and new high-skilled jobs in NSW
- Demonstrated market readiness through pilots, user engagement or letters of intent
3. Innovative Investor Pathway
Designed for individuals with a demonstrated track record of providing significant capital and expert insight into innovative ventures, contributing to their success and the growth of the innovation ecosystem within NSW.
Track record of significant angel investment:
You must show a history of providing substantial angel investment in innovative ventures — with clear evidence that you helped support their success.
Contribution to the startup community:
You should have active involvement in the start-up and innovation ecosystem beyond just financial investment.
Focus on innovative ventures:
Your investments should be primarily in innovative, scalable businesses with strong growth potential — ideally aligned with NSW’s priority sectors.
Commitment to investing in NSW:
You must show a clear intention to actively invest in innovative ventures within NSW.
Recognition within the investment community
Evidence that you’re recognised as a successful and influential investor in the angel or venture capital community will strengthen your case.
Endorsements
Letters of support from founders you have invested in or from established figures in the NSW investment community would strengthen your application.
4. Sports Professional Pathway
Designed for highly talented individuals in sports, including athletes, coaches, and other specialists, who will raise NSW’s international standing and contribute to the development of the sports sector.
Exceptional Sporting Achievement (for Athletes):
You must show exceptional and outstanding results at the highest levels of your sport, with clear national or international recognition.
Outstanding Coaching or Specialist Expertise (for Coaches and Specialists):
If you’re a coach or specialist — for example, a sports scientist or high-performance manager — you must show a proven record of outstanding success and impact at a high level of sport.
Contribution to NSW sport
You must show how your presence will benefit NSW’s sports sector.
International standing
Evidence of international recognition or impact in your sport or specialty will strengthen your application.
Endorsements
Letters of support from relevant national or state sporting organisations, high-performance centres or respected figures in your sport are essential.
5. Creative Pathway
This pathway is for artists, performers, designers, writers and other creatives whose work is recognised on the world stage — and who want to keep creating, sharing and inspiring from NSW.
Exceptional Talent and Artistic Distinction:
The applicant must demonstrate exceptional talent and a high level of artistic distinction in their specific creative field (e.g., music, visual arts, performing arts, literature, design, film, digital media).
National or international recognition
You should show clear recognition and standing at a national or international level within your creative field.
Contribution to NSW’s cultural sector
You must show how your presence and practice will benefit NSW’s arts and cultural scene.
Innovation and impact in your field
Evidence that you bring innovative approaches, push creative boundaries, or have made a significant impact on your art form or the wider cultural landscape will strengthen your application.
Record of professional engagement
You should have a strong record of professional activity in your creative field — such as a consistent exhibition or performance history, a publication record, or involvement in significant cultural projects.
Endorsements
Letters of support from respected figures in the NSW, national or international arts and cultural community are essential — these should confirm your exceptional talent and potential contribution to NSW.
NSW Selection Process
NSW will take an EOI-led selection process to assess and nominate candidates. This will ensure NSW’s involvement is efficient, merit-based, and aligned with the federal system. It avoids open-ended applications by gating with an invitation. The process focuses on qualitative excellence rather than rigid quantitative cut-offs, in keeping with the spirit of the NIV program.
1. Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
Prospective candidates for NSW nomination will first submit an EOI through an online portal, capturing key information about the individual’s field, achievements, and proposed contribution to NSW.
2. Expert Review and Shortlisting
NSW nomination officers (with expertise across the pathways) will review EOIs. They will assess qualitative aspects – the significance of achievements, the credibility of the candidate’s plans, and fit with NSW priorities – applying a risk-based lens. Rather than a points test, this review is holistic and judgement based. The Investment NSW – Business and Skilled Migration team will consult domain experts as needed.
3. Invitation to Apply for Nomination
Shortlisted candidates will receive a formal invitation from NSW to submit a full application for state nomination. Detailed documentation to substantiate claims (e.g. reference letters, evidence of awards, business plans) as per the criteria, will then be requested.
4. Comprehensive Application & External Endorsement
Invited candidates will submit a complete application to NSW, addressing the relevant criteria in detail. In addition to an applicant’s letters of support, NSW will seek an independent expert endorsement for each shortlisted applicant. This endorsement will come from a recognised
individual or institution with national or international standing in the applicant’s field, selected from a curated register of endorsers. This process ensures that every nomination is underpinned by credible third-party validation aligned with Home Affairs’ expectations.
5. NSW Nomination Decision
Final decisions on nomination will take an “on balance” test (echoing the language of MD112) – weighing the candidate’s exceptional track record and the expected benefits to NSW, against any risks or uncertainties.
6. Final Nomination (Form 1000 and Letter of Support)
For candidates approved by NSW, the state will lodge an official Form 1000 nomination to the Department of Home Affairs, along with a formal letter of support. Form 1000 is the Australian Government-required nomination form where Investment NSW (as an “expert State government
agency”) certifies the applicant’s credentials and the merit of their migration to Australia.
7. Follow-Up
After nomination, NSW will maintain contact with nominees through the visa decision stage. While Home Affairs assesses visa criteria like health, character, and the overall “exceptional and outstanding” requirement, NSW can provide additional information if needed.
NSW State Migration Plan Strategic Overview 2024–2028
NSW is home to the largest share of migrants to Australia – this Plan will support migrant success and NSW priorities
NSW is working with the Australian Government to deliver shared migration priorities through the NSW State Migration Plan. Delivering
priorities such as boosting the care economy and building more homes requires the attraction and retention of skilled workers. The NSW State
Migration Plan will build on existing programs to support successful outcomes for migrants in NSW.
The Australian Government is responsible for the delivery of the immigration system
The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy is focussed on getting migration working for the nation. This will be supported by better national system planning informed by this plan.
Why this is a significant opportunity – for you and for NSW
Permanent from day one
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) offers permanent residency. That means you and your family can live and work in NSW without expiry dates or restrictions.
Priority processing
NSW-nominated applicants are placed in Priority Group 2 by the Department of Home Affairs just behind global award recipients accelerating your path to approval.
Australia’s leading innovation ecosystem
NSW is home to world-class innovation precincts like Tech Central, the Westmead Health & Innovation Precinct, and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis just to name a few. These precincts bring together researchers, founders, investors and institutions to create real impact.
Support where it counts
With deep capital markets, global connectivity, and Sydney’s liveability, NSW provides the environment innovators and researchers need to thrive.
Choose your pathway
Each pathway has distinct eligibility criteria. Select the one that best reflects your background and achievements:
- Academics & Researchers: Internationally recognised researchers with a strong publication record and NSW collaborations underway.
- Entrepreneurs: Founders of innovative, IP-rich ventures with proven traction users, capital raised, or revenue.
- Innovative Investors: Angel investors or VCs with a solid track record and a clear intention to invest in NSW startups.
- Creative Professionals: Designers, performers, artists or filmmakers with global recognition contributing to NSW’s cultural landscape.
- Sports Professionals: Elite athletes, coaches, or sports scientists with significant achievements and a vision to contribute to NSW sport.
How the NSW nomination process works
Step 1 – Assess your fit
Review the pathway criteria and prepare your case. Highlight awards, research, product breakthroughs, or market success. If you’ve connected with NSW stakeholders or institutions, include those links.
Step 2 – Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)
Once the form opens next week, submit a complete and accurate ROI. You only get one chance every six months, and it can’t be changed after submission.
Step 3 – Prepare your supporting documentation
While your ROI is under review, assemble your evidence: letters of endorsement, proof of impact, and a clear plan to engage with NSW’s ecosystem.
Step 4 – Apply, if invited
Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to submit a full application along with a secure link and 21-day deadline. Ensure consistency between your ROI and application for the best outcome.
Step 5 – Lodge your visa application
Once nominated, you can lodge an Expression of Interest for the NIV via the Department of Home Affairs. NSW will provide a signed Form 1000 and a formal recommendation letter to support your submission.
Why prepare now?
- Be ready, not rushed – Early preparation avoids last-minute mistakes.
- One chance, every six months – Submit a strong ROI the first time.
- Short timeframes – If invited, you’ll have just 21 days to apply.
Targeted migration can help address workforce needs in priority industries
The needs of the six Critical Skills Areas identified in the NSW Skills Plan are unlikely to be fully met through domestic skilling and can be supported by migration
- Construction (infrastructure and housing)
- Net Zero and Energy Transition
- Care and Support Economy
- Digital and Cyber
- Agriculture and Agrifood
- Advanced Manufacturing.
Region-based skills planning is key to ensuring migration supports regional economies.
Migration also supports our essential education and health workforces.
Attracting and retaining the best and brightest international students across industries enhances the domestic skilling pipeline and boosts local economies.
The Australian and NSW Governments seek to strengthen the migration system
- Boosting productivity and meeting skills shortages
- Meeting skills shortages in regional areas
- Making the migration system fast, efficient and fair for migrants and sponsors
- Strengthening social cohesion and family reunification
- Addressing long-term demographic challenges
- Improving the coordination of education, training and migration systems.
A national multi-year planning model will align migration efforts across all levels of government
- Attraction, outreach and retention strategies/engagements
- Consultation with key stakeholders
- Integrating migration planning processes with whole-of-government plans
- Skills assessment and qualification recognition; removal of inappropriate barriers
- Supporting migrants to settle and integrate into communities
- Working together to understand use of visa products to meet jurisdictional or national needs
- Working together on a two-way data sharing capability.
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