The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) is Australia's permanent, invitation-only visa for exceptionally talented migrants, replacing both the Global Talent visa and the Business Innovation and Investment visa program. Announced at the 2024 Federal Budget, the visa was formally introduced on 6 December 2024, retaining broadly similar legislative criteria to the Global Talent visa it replaced, along with the same subclass number.
This post explains how the National Innovation visa currently operates, including the Expression of Interest process, priority sectors, and the pathway to permanent residency.
For individuals who had previously applied for or were considering applying for a Global Talent visa or under the Business Innovation and Investment visa program, an Australian Migration Lawyer can provide information, specific advice or guidance to applicants on their visa options and respond to questions they may now have.
What is the global talent visa?
The global talent visa (subclass 858) is a competitive skilled visa designed to streamline the migration process for individuals who are highly skilled in identified areas of benefit for Australian society. The visa is a central element of the Global Talent Independent Program, designed to attract individuals in future-focused sectors to Australia so that they encourage skill transfers, innovation and jobs for Australian workers that benefits Australia socially and economically. The visa encompasses skilled workers from various fields, including various professions, sports, arts, academia and research. The program operates on a limited quota system, and is subject to eligibility criteria such as demonstration of an applicant’s global recognition, nomination by an approved sponsor and the potential for the applicant to contribute to Australia. This pathway is attractive to individuals and organisations alike, as well as benefiting society at large. Successful applicants and their families are granted a visa that provides them permanent residency in Australia and its associated benefits.
This visa has been closed to new applications since the National Innovation visa's introduction on 6 December 2024.
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If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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What is the business innovation and investment visa program?
The Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188) program is a migration program designed to encourage innovation and investment in the Australian economy. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, this program was refocused on fostering economic growth in Australia’s business sector by allowing successful individuals to come to Australia and own and manage a business or engage in entrepreneurial activities. The program is split up into four main streams, primarily relating to either business operation or major investment in the Australian economy. This program was initially attractive to individuals and the Australian Government alike as it provided overseas individuals an opportunity to innovatively stimulate the Australian economy. The Business Innovation and Investment visa program provided options to extend visas as well as a pathway to permanent residence for applicants where eligible. The Business Innovation and Investment visa program closed to new applications from July 2024. Visa subclass 888 continues to process permanent visa grants for those who held or held a pathway through the earlier provisional stages.
Why are these visas being replaced?
Following the Australian Government’s Migration review in 2023, it was announced at the 2024 Federal Budget that both of these visa subclasses would be changed in the future.
It is important to note that these changes are occurring in the broader context of the Australian Government’s decision to refine and restrict migration to the country to ensure its alignment with Australia’s perceived national interests.
In the Migration Review, it was identified that both the global talent visa and Business Innovation and Investment visa program were not delivering their expected economic outcomes for the Australian public.
Regarding the global talent visa, it was suggested that this visa’s eligibility was reconsidered and reevaluated, given the level of demand for the visa, its need for nomination and its importance to Australia’s interests, and that it should be modelled on the United Kingdom’s approach.
In relation to the Business Innovation and Investment visa program, it was highlighted by the review that the program provides a lower economic and fiscal contribution to the Australian economy than expected and that the program needs to be wholly reconsidered in order to be effective. These findings in the Migration Review were also supported by other studies conducted by federal bodies.
Therefore, following the Migration Review’s assessment of both these visas, the Australian Government has decided to create a new visa to target exceptionally talented individuals in a way that is more effective and beneficial for the Australian economy.
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What happened to these visas, and what is the current status?
The Global Talent visa closed to new applications when the National Innovation visa was introduced on 6 December 2024. The Business Innovation and Investment visa program closed to new applications from July 2024, though visa subclass 888 continues to process the permanent visa stage for eligible applicants who entered the pathway before closure.
The National Innovation visa now operates as an invitation-only program. Prospective applicants submit an Expression of Interest outlining their achievements, qualifications, and area of exceptional talent. The Department of Home Affairs then issues invitations to a limited number of candidates each quarter, prioritised by sector tier, before an applicant can lodge a full visa application.
The program operates under an annual quota, currently set at 3,500 places for the 2026–27 Migration Program year, a reduction from 5,300 in each of the two prior program years.
For affected individuals, individuals planning to apply for one of these visas or individuals with questions, Australian Migration Lawyers can help provide guidance on potential next steps and assess other relevant visa pathways where needed. If this applies to you, please contact us.
How does the National Innovation visa work?
The National Innovation visa is an Expression of Interest (EOI) based program rather than a points-tested visa. Applicants submit an EOI setting out their achievements, such as awards, publications, patents, or significant leadership roles, along with their qualifications and area of exceptional talent. Invited applicants then lodge a full visa application.
Applications are assessed against a four-tier priority sector framework. Tier One sectors, which currently include Critical Technologies, Health Industries, and Renewables and Low Emission Technologies, receive the large majority of invitations issued each quarter.
The visa grants permanent residency directly, with no provisional stage. There is no strict age limit, though applicants under 18 or over 55 generally need to demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community.
Some state and territory governments, including New South Wales and Queensland, offer nomination support pathways for the National Innovation visa, which can strengthen an applicant's Expression of Interest.
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Benefits of engaging an Australian Migration Lawyer
At Australian Migration Lawyers we are knowledgeable and experienced in assisting our clients with a range of immigration-related matters. An Australian Migration Lawyer can provide assistance to individuals at any stage of the process, including providing provisional information about their available options, guiding them through the application process and representing them where necessary.
For individuals who are impacted by the recent Australian Government changes and want tailored advice and guidance, contact an Australian Migration Lawyer.
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