The National Innovation Visa
Australia's permanent visa for globally recognised, exceptional talent — the stream formerly known as the Global Talent / Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 858). If you're a leader in your field, this could be your direct pathway to permanent residency.
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What is the National Innovation Visa?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement who want to settle in Australia. It is designed to attract high-calibre individuals whose skills and reputation can strengthen Australia's economy, research, sport, and culture.
Unlike the general skilled migration program, this visa is not based on a points test. Instead, it focuses on the strength of your achievements, your standing in your field, and the contribution you're likely to make to Australia. It can be lodged from either inside or outside Australia, and a successful primary applicant can include eligible family members.
Is this visa right for you?
This pathway suits people who are genuinely at the top of their field and can demonstrate it. In broad terms, applicants are usually recognised for outstanding achievement in one of four areas:
- A profession — senior leaders, executives and specialists with an internationally recognised track record.
- Research & academia — distinguished researchers, senior academics and exceptional PhD graduates whose work has global significance.
- Sport — athletes and sporting figures recognised through performance at major national or international level.
- The arts — artists, performers and creators with a sustained record of acclaimed, internationally recognised work.
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What assessors generally look for
Every case is judged on its own merits, but applications are typically built around a few core themes. Think of these as the questions your application needs to answer convincingly:
International recognition
A record of exceptional, outstanding achievement that is recognised beyond your home country — not just locally.
Still prominent
Evidence that you remain active and prominent in your field right now, not only in the past.
An asset to Australia
That your settlement would benefit the Australian community — economically, socially or culturally.
Employability
That you could readily find work, or become independently established, in your field within Australia.
An Australian nominator
A nomination from a person or organisation with a national reputation in your area of achievement, attesting to your record.
Standard requirements
Health, character and other public-interest requirements that apply across Australian permanent visas.
Fields Australia is prioritising
The Australian Government gives particular focus to talent in sectors seen as important to the country's future growth. If your achievements sit within one of these areas, your case may be especially well-aligned:
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Your application, expertly built
A National Innovation Visa application stands or falls on how well your achievements are evidenced and presented. As MARA-registered agents, we help you build the strongest possible case:
- Honest eligibility assessment of your profile before you commit.
- Identifying and securing a credible Australian nominator.
- Structuring your evidence of international recognition and prominence.
- Preparing the nomination and application documentation thoroughly.
- Guiding you and your family through each step to decision and beyond.
How it works with Tachnat
Free eligibility chat
We review your background and tell you honestly whether this visa is a realistic fit.
Profile & evidence plan
We map your achievements to what assessors look for and identify any gaps.
Nomination
We help secure a suitable Australian nominator with a national reputation in your field.
Application & lodgement
We prepare and lodge a thorough, well-evidenced application on your behalf.
Decision & settle
We support you through to grant — and with settling into life in Australia.
Common questions
Is the National Innovation Visa permanent?
Yes. Subclass 858 is a permanent residency visa. Once granted, it lets you live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, and travel to and from Australia for five years from the date of grant.
Is there a points test?
No. Unlike general skilled migration, this visa is not points-based. It's assessed on the strength of your internationally recognised record of achievement and your likely contribution to Australia.
Can I include my family?
Generally yes — eligible family members can be included with the primary applicant's application, subject to the usual requirements. We'll confirm who can be included in your case.
Do I need to be in Australia to apply?
No. Applications can be made from inside or outside Australia (other than while in immigration clearance). Our agent will advise the best approach for your situation.
What is a "nominator" and do I need one?
Most applicants need a nomination from an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in their field, attesting to their record of achievement. Helping you secure a credible nominator is a key part of what we do.
How long does it take?
Processing times vary and depend on your sector, evidence and current departmental priorities. We'll give you a realistic picture based on your circumstances during your consultation.
Find out if you qualify
The fastest way to know whether the National Innovation Visa is right for you is a free, no-obligation chat with our registered migration agent. Tell us a little about your background and we'll be in touch.
- MARA registered agent #1281149
- Offices in Bangalore & Sydney
- Honest, profile-first assessment
Book a Free Eligibility Chat
Exceptional talent deserves an expert team
If you're a leader in your field, let's build your case for permanent residency in Australia — the right way, from the start.
Book Your Free Consultation Or call us: +91 90710 99522