17 July 2025 – Registrations of Interest are now open.
Key Points:
- This is a permanent visa for internationally recognised talent that allows you to live and work in Victoria.
What is the National Innovation visa?
The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for individuals who have an internationally recognised record of outstanding achievement in their field.
Victoria state nomination for the NIV is aimed at attracting high-calibre, high-performing individuals who can drive innovation, productivity and growth in the state.
Nomination Pathway
The Victorian Government is participating in the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) — a permanent residence visa for individuals with internationally recognised achievements in their field.
The Victorian Government nominates National Innovation Visa candidates to the Australian Government to attract high-calibre, high-performing individuals who can drive innovation, productivity and economic growth in Victoria and contribute to the state’s global profile.
Nomination from the Victorian Government supports your Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Australian Department of Home Affairs and enables you to be considered under Priority Two of the visa processing pathway.
Note: nomination by the Victorian Government does not guarantee an invitation from the Australian Government to apply for the National Innovation Visa.
Basic eligibility for Victorian Government nomination
To be considered for Victorian nomination, you must:
- demonstrate exceptional talent through a record of significant achievements
- have engaged with a Victorian Government department or agency about how your internationally recognised track record and expertise will be transferred to Victoria
- be referred by a Victorian Government department or agency with expertise in your field
- meet the Department of Home Affairs’ criteria for the National Innovation Visa
- be aged under 55 (or provide a compelling case if under 18 or over 55).
- show a genuine commitment to live in and contribute to Victoria
Victorian Government departments and agencies are authorised to identify and nominate individuals in their field of expertise for the National Innovation Visa. Fields may include research, innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, sport, or other sectors of importance to Victoria.
Select a state below to see it’s state nomination requirements:
Australia
Talk to us
Applying for a National Innovation Visa (NIV) can be confusing as there are small intricacies in migration law. To alleviate your stress and worry about how to apply for the visa, you can book a time with us to help you understand the processes to make sure that you are on the right track.
National Innovation Visa – Victoria Criteria
Permanent Resident child born overseas
Australian child born overseas
National Innovation Visa – South Australia Criteria
Iran Visa Support – Australia