National Innovation visa (subclass 858)

This is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible area.

At a Glance

• Stay: Permanently
• Visa cost: From AUD6,235.00 (Concessions apply in limited circumstances. From 1 July 2026 a lower cost applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens.)

Who It Is For

• You are invited to apply and lodge within 60 days of the invitation
• You have an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
• You have a nominator with a national reputation in your area of talent (citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation)
• You are in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance, when you apply and when the visa is granted

What You Can Do With This Visa

• Stay in Australia permanently
• Work and study in Australia
• Enrol in Medicare
• Sponsor relatives to come to Australia
• Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
• Apply for citizenship if eligible

Good to Know

• Invitation-only: you must lodge an Expression of Interest first
• Newly arrived residents may need to wait before accessing some government payments

Getting Advice

Our registered migration agents can talk through your situation, explain whether this visa suits you and help you prepare. This page is general information only, summarised from the Department of Home Affairs and checked in November 2026. Fees and rules change, so always check the official page before you apply.