National Innovation Visa Australia (subclass 858) – A Complete Guide
What is the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) Australia?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) Australia is a permanent visa specially designed for individuals who have exceptional achievement records nationally or internationally in a target sector, such as:
- Academia and research
- Tech and innovation
- The arts
- Sports
The 858 Visa offers a direct pathway to Australian permanent residency without needing an employer sponsorship, nomination from a state or territory, or prior residence in Australia.
What are the requirements for the 858 Visa?
To be eligible for the 858 Visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have a proven track record of exceptional achievement.
- Be invited on SkillSelect to apply.
- Be nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or Australian organisation.
- Be internationally recognised in your field.
- Be still active and able to contribute significantly to Australia.
- Have the ability to establish yourself in Australia.
- Have at least functional English, or pay the second instalment of the visa application charge.
- Meet the health and character requirements.
So, who can apply for the 858 Visa?
You’re eligible to apply for the 858 Visa if you can demonstrate these aspects:
- An internationally recognised track record of extraordinary achievement.
- The ability to contribute to Australia in your field.
- A nominee who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your area.
- You are prominent in your field and are likely to maintain that status in the future.
What are the target sectors under the National Innovation Visa Australia?
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) currently focuses on candidates working in the following sectors:
- Resources
- Agri-food and Agri-Tech
- Energy
- Health industries
- Defence, advanced manufacturing and space
- Circular economy
- DigiTech
- Infrastructure and tourism
- Financial services and FinTech
- Education
- Sport, Arts, and Academia (for those with exceptional talent)
What is the processing time?
The current processing time for a 858 Visa is between 13 and 27 months.
Please note that processing times vary depending on the case complexity and whether you’ve provided all required documents and information.
How much is the 858 Visa?
As of July 2025, the cost of 858 Visa is as follows:
- AUD 4,985 for main applicant
- AUD 2,495 for an additional applicant aged 18 and above
- AUD 1,250 for an additional applicant aged under 18
AUD 4,890 as the second instalment for applicants aged 18 who have a lower level of English proficiency than Functional English.
The above fee may change in July every year following the opening of the financial year in Australia.
What are the benefits of getting a National Innovation Visa?
The National Innovation Visa offers numerous benefits, including:
- Permanent residency from day one.
- Include your partner and children in the application.
- No need for employer sponsorship or point test.
- Work, study, or start a business freely.
- Apply from onshore or offshore.
- Pathway to Australian citizenship if you meet the requirements.
Step-by-step 858 Visa application process
Step 1: Secure a nominator
Find an eligible individual or Australian organisation with a strong national reputation in your field to nominate you.
Step 2: Prepare all required documents
Gather the evidence of your international or national achievement. It can be in the form of media, awards, publications, proof of income or employment, and nomination supporting documents.
Step 3: Submit your 858 Visa application
Apply for the 858 Visa application through ImmiAccount. You can apply onshore or offshore.
Step 4: Undergo health and character checks
Complete all medical exams as requested. Also, provide a police check when required.
Step 5: 858 Visa outcome
You may receive the decision within 13 to 27 months. Once approved, you will be granted permanent residency, allowing you to live in Australia indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indah Melindasari, Managing Director of ONE derland Consulting and a registered migration agent (MARN 0961 448), is here to answer your questions about the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858).
- Is a visa 858 permanent residency?
- Yes, the 858 Visa is a permanent visa that provides permanent residency status to all its holders. Once approved, you can stay indefinitely in Australia on a 858 Visa.
- What is the income limit for the 858 visa?
- The income limit for 858 follows the latest Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT). As of 1 July 2025, the FWHIT is AUD 183,100. This threshold is annually adjusted on 1 July. Note that the calculation of earnings for the threshold includes base salary, other payments, and the monetary value of non-monetary benefits.
- Is the 858 visa closed?
- No, the 858 Visa is not closed. The Department of Home Affairs integrate the Global Talent Visa into a National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) to refine the approach to attract highly skilled individuals who can drive innovation and contribute to Australia’s economy.
- Is it easy to get a National Innovation Visa in Australia?
- It’s difficult to judge. If you could demonstrate your national or international exceptional achievement, and successfully got nominated by an eligible individual or Australian organisation, you may have a high chance of getting the National Innovation Visa.
- Do I need to pass a points test?
- You don’t need to pass a points test. However, you must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) application in SkillSelect. The Australian government must invite you to apply for the visa. Generally, you have 60 days from the date the invitation is issued to apply for the 858 Visa.
Quick Links Related to 858 Visa
Share This Information, Choose Your Platform!
Don’t Let Your Global Achievements Go Unnoticed.
If you’re an exceptional talent in your field, the Global Talent Visa offers a direct and fast-tracked pathway to Australian permanent residency—without employer sponsorship, no points test, and global recognition.
Our registered migration consultants are here to help.
Fill out the form, and one of our expert consultants will get in touch with you to assess your eligibility and discuss the next steps. No obligation, no pressure.
Submit the form now and take the first step toward your future in Australia.
“Massive thanks to all the team specially Indah and Jamie. My visa conditions was very complicated but they did a great job. Definitely one of the best.”
Maria Helen De Guzman
Bridging Visa E
Indah Melindasari, B.Com
Lead Migration Agent – MARN 0961 448
By submitting my data I agree to be contacted.
