NSW Nomination for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858): Your 2025 Guide to Priority 2 Access
Published by Nationwide Migration & Education
Led by Registered Migration Agent Suman Dua (MARN: 1800859) | Brisbane, Australia
Are you a world-leading innovator, researcher, entrepreneur, athlete, or creative professional aiming for Australian permanent residency?
Since December 6, 2024, the Global Talent Visa has officially closed—and has been replaced by the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858), now Australia’s premier PR pathway for exceptional global talent.
At Nationwide Migration & Education, we help high-achieving individuals maximise their chances of invitation by guiding them through the EOI process and securing state nomination—like from New South Wales (NSW)—which places them directly in Priority 2 for invitation.
What Is the National Innovation Visa (NIV)?
The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is a permanent residency visa for individuals with internationally recognised records of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field.
This visa:
Replaced the Global Talent Visa in December 2024
Offers unrestricted work and study rights
Includes access to Medicare and the ability to sponsor family members
Is open to onshore and offshore applicants
Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
Department of Home Affairs (DHA) Eligibility Criteria
To lodge a valid EOI, you must:
Show a proven track record of outstanding achievements in one of the following:
Profession – e.g., groundbreaking engineers, legal scholars
Sport – elite athletes, coaches, high-performance experts
The Arts – internationally recognised filmmakers, designers, performers
Academia & Research – significant citations, keynote roles, major grants
Meet health and character requirements
Be onshore (on a substantive visa) or offshore at time of invitation
Be of any age (applicants under 18 or over 55 must show exceptional benefit)
Important: Receiving an invitation is not a guarantee of visa grant. You will still need to undergo a merits-based assessment during the full application stage.
NIV Priority Order: Why State Nomination Matters
The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations in the following order:
Priority 1: Global experts with “top-of-field” awards (e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal)
Priority 2: State/Commonwealth nominated candidates (Form 1000)
Priority 3: Exceptional achievers in Tier One sectors
Critical Technologies (AI, quantum, semiconductors)
Health Industries (biotech, medical research)
Renewables (solar, hydrogen)
Priority 4: Exceptional achievers in Tier Two sectors
AgriTech, FinTech, Education, Defence, Transport, etc.
✅ NSW nomination instantly places your EOI in Priority 2—just below Nobel-level applicants. This dramatically increases your chance of receiving an invitation.
NSW Nomination: 5 Official Pathways for 2025
NSW seeks talent that can boost the state's economic, scientific, cultural, or sporting profile. The five nomination streams include:
1. Academic & Researcher
Strong publication and citation record
Major national/international research grants
Research aligned with NSW priorities
2. Entrepreneur
History of leading or founding innovative ventures
Strong commercialisation plans
Scalable business model with NSW job creation potential
3. Innovative Investor
Past success funding high-growth ventures
Clear investment strategy that benefits NSW’s innovation ecosystem
Angel or VC experience preferred
4. Sports Professional
Elite-level achievements in competitive sports
International medals or records
High-performance coaching or sports science credentials
5. Creative Professional
International distinction in music, film, fashion, literature, or design
Awards, residencies, or festival showcases
Portfolio demonstrating cultural contribution
How NSW’s Nomination Process Works
NSW follows a merit-based, EOI-led nomination model. Here’s what to expect:
Submit EOI with supporting details on your profile and intended contribution to NSW
Expert Review of your impact, credibility, and alignment with NSW’s innovation goals
Invitation to Apply for formal nomination if shortlisted
Comprehensive Application with evidence (awards, references, business plans)
External Endorsement from a credible expert or industry authority
Final Decision using an "on-balance" test to assess benefit to NSW
Form 1000 Issued, completing your nomination for DHA Priority 2 consideration
What’s Next: SA & Queensland Opening Soon
South Australia has officially opened for NIV nominations
Queensland is expected to open soon
We’ve already published a video covering South Australia’s nomination process—watch for updates or contact our team to be added to the NIV priority list.
Why Choose Nationwide Migration & Education?
At Nationwide Migration & Education, we’ve helped dozens of clients secure permanent residency under both the Global Talent Visa and now the National Innovation Visa.
Our team can:
Assess your eligibility and nomination strategy
Help you prepare a compelling EOI and portfolio
Liaise with state nomination authorities
Provide step-by-step guidance until your visa outcome
FAQs: NSW Nomination & NIV Explained
Q: Do I need to be in Australia to apply?
No. You can be offshore or on a valid Australian visa at the time of EOI submission.
Q: Is there a minimum investment for the NSW investor stream?
There’s no fixed minimum, but your investment should show clear benefits to NSW and demonstrate a successful track record.
Q: Can creative professionals apply without formal education?
Yes. NSW values international recognition, artistic merit, and cultural impact over academic qualifications alone.
Book Your Consultation with Nationwide Migration & Education
Think you might qualify for the National Innovation Visa or want to explore your NSW nomination pathway?
Book your consultation with our team today. We’ll help you confidently take the next step toward Australian permanent residency.
Disclaimer:
The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us.
