Australia’s National Innovation Visa Replaces Global Talent Visa (subclass 858)

Effective December 6, 2024, the new National Innovation Visa has officially replaced the Global Talent Visa. The Australian government has announced the transition in an official announcement.

What is the National Innovation Visa of Australia?

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a permanent visa for Australia. The new visa pathway specifically targets “exceptionally talented” skilled foreign workers. The NIV has been launched with the aim of -

• Helping create jobs in the Australian labour market, and
• Driving productivity growth in key industries and sectors.

Targeted at established and emerging leaders that can significantly contribute to the Australian economy, the NIV provides an Australian permanent residence pathway for -

• Innovative investors,
• Entrepreneurs,
• Global researchers, and
• Athletes and creatives.

The visa is for people who can make a significant contribution that will greatly benefit the future prosperity of Australia.

An invitation from the Department of Home Affairs is required before you can submit your application for Australian NIV. To be considered by the Australian Government, an Expression of Interest (EOI) will have to be submitted that showcases your specific achievements to be eligible for the visa.

What are the 4 categories targeted by Australia’s National Innovation Visa?

Only specific categories of people will be eligible to apply under the NIV of Australia.

Australia National Innovation Visa | 4 Eligible Categories of Exceptional Talent

The National Innovation Visa will remain under Subclass 858 of Australian permanent visas. The new visa pathway aims to attract individuals from different and diverse backgrounds. Individuals who can support and foster development, growth, and innovation across diverse sectors of the Australian economy.

With the new changes, the SC 858 application process has been made more streamlined.

Global Talent Visa and National Innovation Visa: What has changed

Key changes introduced are -

1. Change of name: the National Innovation (subclass 858) visa is the new name for the earlier Global Talent (subclass 858) visa.
2. Endorsement requirement removed: The role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction has been done away with.
3. Invitation needed: A written invitation from the Minister will be needed for submitting an NIV application in a specific timeframe.
4. Achievement alignment: Applicants will be required to show the same record of outstanding and exceptional achievements as given in their letter of invitation.

Applications submitted before December 6, 2024, will be assessed based on the rules in place at the time of application. The changes will be applicable to the applications submitted either on or after December 6, 2024.

According to the official website of Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, “In the lead up to establishing the NIV, from 29 November 2024 the Department will no longer accept Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Global Talent program.”

For more details, contact Kansas Overseas today.