Victorian Nomination for National Innovation Visa (subclass 858): All You Need to Know
Are you a globally recognised innovator, researcher, or entrepreneur dreaming of permanent residency in Australia? The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) could be your ideal pathway, especially if you’re considering a future in Victoria, the home of innovation, science, and culture. Backed by a Victorian Government nomination, the National Innovation Visa opens doors to faster processing and long-term settlement for individuals with exceptional talent and global impact.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the visa, who it’s for, why Victoria is actively supporting it, and how to apply successfully.
What is the National Innovation Visa (subclass 858)?
The Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa grants permanent residency to individuals with internationally recognised exceptional achievements in fields such as research, innovation, the arts, entrepreneurship, or sports.
By getting a nomination from the Victorian Government for the National Innovation Visa, you will be placed in Priority Two processing, which may accelerate consideration by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Who is eligible for the Victorian Nomination for National Innovation Visa?
To be considered for the nomination for the National Innovation Visa by the Victorian Government, you must have:
- Exceptional global credentials, which are recognised through prestigious awards, major research funding, patents, commercialisation success, keynote roles, or sports/creative accolades.
- Engagement with a Victorian government agency on how your skills can be applied in Victoria.
- An official referral by a Victoria department or agency in your field.
- Meet the eligibility criteria for the National Innovation Visa set by the Department of Home Affairs.
- Be under 55, or provide a compelling case if over.
- Demonstrate a genuine commitment to settling in Victoria.
What counts as exceptional achievement?
To have your skills as an exceptional achievement, you’ll need to present evidence such as:
- International awards or honours
- Major research grants or advanced academic credentials
- Keynote addresses or leadership in global initiatives
- Patents, IP, or success in commercialising innovations
- Proven entrepreneurial outcomes
- Internationally recognised artistic or sporting achievements
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How to apply for Victorian Nomination?
Here’s the step-by-step to obtain the Victorian Nomination for the National Innovation Visa:
- Get referred: you must be identified by a Victorian government department or agency based on your expertise and potential benefits to Victoria.
- Prepare nomination documents: the referring department will compile and issue the nomination.
- Submit your EOI: include the nomination when you lodge your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect.
- Await invitation: the Australian Government considers EOIs under Priority Two and may invite you to apply for the visa.
Please note that a nomination from the Victorian Government doesn’t guarantee the visa. Final decisions are made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs, so ensure you’ve met all criteria set for the National Innovation Visa.
Why seek Victorian Nomination?
Here are three benefits you will get with the Victorian nomination for your National Innovation Visa application:
- Priority processing via Priority Two, which may expedite your application.
- State-level backing to strengthen your EOI, showing a concrete plan to settle in Victoria.
- Victoria actively seeks high-calibre talent to contribute to its innovation plan.
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But what if you’re not eligible?
The Victorian Government also provides nominations for other Skilled Migration visas, such as the Subclass 190 and 491 visas. If you don’t meet the criteria for the nomination for the National Innovation Visa, consider exploring those options, as they still lead to permanent residency in Victoria.
If you need help in deciding which pathway is the best to achieve your migration goal, our Registered Migration Agent is here to guide you.
We are here to help you.
Our visa specialists at ONEderland Consulting will assist you in obtaining the Victorian Nomination for the National Innovation Visa. We have a 98% success rate and are one of Australia’s most highly recommended migration agents. Read our 4.9* score customer reviews.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are honest, accountable and professional. Contact us via email at [email protected], phone at 1300 827 159, or WhatsApp at +61 4943722414. Alternatively, you can book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money-Back Guarantee Program.


