Fast Track to Permanent Residency for Exceptional Talent

The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent Australian visa designed for individuals with exceptional talent and an international reputation. There are several areas one can work in to be considered, but they must be able to show outstanding achievements in their field. 

The 858 Visa can only be obtained via an invitation. They must also be nominated by an individual or organisation with a national reputation in the same field. 

To reflect Australia’s commitment to bringing together the world’s top minds, the National Innovation Visa was created as a streamlined replacement for the Global Talent Visa at the end of 2024. Some of the primary improvements with the 858 Visa are priority processing, no sponsorship requirements, and immediate permanent residency. This is what makes it one of the most desirable pathways for distinguished professionals from around the world. 

To be considered for a National Innovation Visa in Australia, the requirements demand that individuals demonstrate extraordinary, internationally recognised talent. If you think this pathway is the right choice for you, here is a snapshot of what you’ll need to be eligible. 

• Invitation to Apply – To apply, you must submit a National Innovation Visa EOI to the Australian Home Affairs. Once they review your Expression of Interest, they will consider sending you an invitation to apply.
  
• Exceptional Achievements – You must also provide evidence of exceptional and internationally recognised achievements in your field. 
• Eligible Nominator – You must also be nominated by an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your specific area of expertise. This can include an Australian, an eligible New Zealand Citizen, or a permanent resident. 
• Health and Character – Like most Australian visa applications, the National Innovation Visa also requires a comprehensive health and character check to ensure you are a fit candidate for permanent residency. 
• English Proficiency – Unless you are exempt, having a functional level of English proficiency is also an essential part of obtaining the 858 Visa. 

Every applicant applying for the National Innovation Visa will be assessed on their individual merits. Their supporting evidence must clearly show that they are a world-class professional or of exceptional talent. 

If you believe you are eligible for the National Innovation Visa, it is essential to note that the application is not a standard visa process. There are several stages to applying for and being accepted for the 858 Visa. It also involves extensive documentation, which must be complete, satisfactory, and without error, and the eligibility criteria are stringent. Using a qualified migration lawyer will significantly improve your chances. Here is what they will take care of: 

• Complex Criteria – To be considered for a National Innovation Visa, it is crucial to know what the Australian Home Affairs is looking for. Demonstrating global recognition and securing a nominator with the right reputation requires a strategic presentation, and a migration lawyer will ensure that an application is as strong as possible. 
• Avoid Pitfalls – Mistakes in an individual’s EOI, or 858 Visa application, can create significant delays and even lead to refusal. Migration lawyers are experts, and they will ensure every aspect of your application is completed correctly without a single error. 
• Maximise Invitation Chances – A migration lawyer will ensure everything aligns with government priorities and your application is compelling. The Expression of Interest can be highly competitive, so it is essential to get it right. 
• Tailored Approach – Due to the vast range of individuals the National Innovation Visa is for, it is vital to use a migration lawyer who will provide personalised legal strategies based on your unique achievements and field. 

When applying for an Australian visa, especially one that leads to permanent residency like the 858 Visa, the risks of doing it yourself significantly outweigh the cost of using a professional migration lawyer like The Immigration Lawyers. We are experts in Australian immigration and will ensure your application is flawless.

The Immigration Lawyers are here to give you a flawless, end-to-end legal service that is designed to support and empower you throughout every stage of your National Innovation Visa application. When you choose us as your visa application partner, we’ll ensure clarity, compliance, and confidence throughout every step. Here is how we can help you apply for your 858 Visa:

Expression of Interest (EOI) Preparation – We will draft and lodge your EOI, ensuring that it is strong and presents all your qualifications, global recognition, and the impact you have made in your field of work. This is the first and most pivotal step towards obtaining a National Innovation Visa, and you can’t get it wrong. 

• Document Review and Nomination Assistance – Our expert team of migration lawyers will help you acquire and prepare all relevant documentation. They will also help you locate and secure a qualified nominator in your field. Using us means your evidence won’t only be compliant, it will be powerful and persuasive. 
• Full Visa Application Management – Once you’ve been invited to apply, we will handle the entire application process to ensure nothing is missed. From completing forms and gathering paperwork, lodging the visa, and handling all correspondence, your 858 Visa application will be in the best possible hands. 
• Personalised Communication – Though we take care of everything, we never leave you out. Throughout every step of your National Innovation Visa application, we will communicate everything with clarity and transparency. 

The National Innovation Visa is one of the most advantageous visa options Australia has to offer. Here is what you can expect once you have been accepted: 

• You’ll gain permanent residency 
• You can live anywhere in Australia 
• You can work and study freely 
• You can sponsor family members to join you 
• You’ll have access to Medicare 
• You’ll be on a path to citizenship 

As you can see, there are some incredible benefits. If you are looking for a pathway to Australian citizenship, the 858 Visa might be the best choice for you.

Visa Application Cost 

The National Innovation Visa has a base charge of AUD 4,985. However, there will be additional fees for those wishing to bring their family as secondary applicants. It is also worth noting that, depending on the complexity of your case, migration lawyer fees can vary. If you choose The Immigration Lawyers, we provide absolute transparency and fixed-fee pricing throughout every stage of your 858 visa application. 

Processing Times 

The processing time for the National Innovation visa can vary depending on application completeness, nomination timeliness, volume of EOIs and applications, and the complexity of the individual application. Generally, EOI to invitation takes 4-8 weeks, and the visa decision after lodgement takes between 3 and 6 months

How is the National Innovation Visa different from the Global Talent Visa? 

Though both are similar in structure and purpose, the 858 visa offers better clarity regarding invitation processes as well as streamlining eligibility for applicants in high-demand sectors. 

Do I need an invitation before I can apply? 

Before applying, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to obtain an official invitation to apply. 

Can I include my family members in the visa application? 

It is possible to include family members as secondary applicants in your 858 Visa application. Additionally, they will also be granted permanent residency. 

What happens if my visa application is refused? 

If this happens, we can review the decision to determine the grounds for appeal or alternative pathways. 

Can I travel in and out of Australia while on this visa? 

Absolutely! The National Innovation Visa includes free travel. However, if you leave Australia for more than five years, you may need to apply for a resident return visa if you aren’t yet a citizen. 

Is this visa a direct pathway to Australian citizenship? 

The 858 visa gives you permanent residency, meaning that you will be eligible to apply for citizenship once residency and character requirements are fulfilled. 

Are there any ongoing obligations once I hold this visa? 

There aren’t currently any ongoing obligations attached to the 858 visa. 

Although the 858 Visa comes with incredible benefits and opportunities, navigating the application process can be highly complex. The Immigration Lawyers have assisted hundreds of professionals and global talents in starting their new lives in Australia, so let us help you. Contact us today for a free consultation, tailored legal advice, and take advantage of our fixed-fee service with no surprises. We are the specialists you need to get your National Innovation Visa.