What is the NIV?
The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) replaced the Global Talent visa in December 2024. It is an invitation-only permanent visa for entrepreneurs, researchers and innovative investors.
Basic requirements
- A university degree and at least five years’ experience in a related field
- An innovative project direction that can be developed and commercialised in Australia
- A Form 1000 nomination from an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation
- An expression of interest submitted and an invitation received
The incubator pathway
An Australian incubator helps build the project and partner with research institutions on R&D, and helps secure the nomination and prepare the EOI. You wholly own the project company.
Competition
In the first quarter of 2026 there were 1,815 expressions of interest and 146 invitations. We will be honest about your competitiveness during the assessment.
Australia NIV at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme fee | USD 160,000 in total |
| Status | Permanent residence on approval |
| Processing | Usually about 8–15 months |
| Family | Spouse and dependent children |
Australia NIV application process and timing
- Assessment and incubation agreement (About 2–4 weeks): We assess your background and project direction and sign the incubation agreement.
- Nomination and expression of interest (About 4 weeks): The incubator helps secure the Form 1000 nomination and you submit an expression of interest (EOI).
- Invitation and application (4–8 weeks): Once invited, you must lodge the visa application within 60 days.
- Decision and arrival (About 6–12 months): Once approved, travel to Australia to activate permanent residence, set up the company and advance R&D and commercialisation.
Main Australia NIV requirements
- A university degree and at least five years of work experience in a related field
- An innovative project direction that can be developed and commercialised in Australia
- A Form 1000 nomination from an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation
- An expression of interest submitted and an invitation received
- Generally aged 18 to 54; those under 18 or aged 55 or over must show exceptional benefit to Australia
- Functional English (or payment of a charge), and health and character requirements met
Key benefits of Australia NIV
- Permanent residence for the whole family on approval, with no temporary stage
- No points test, job offer or business performance requirement
- You wholly own the project company — the incubator takes no equity
- Once the visa is granted, permanent residence remains valid even if the project does not go as planned
- Apply for citizenship after four years of residence, when eligible
More questions about Australia NIV
Does the NIV itself require an investment? No. The NIV sets no investment amount; USD 160,000 is the incubator pathway’s programme fee, covering the project, R&D partnerships and the nomination.
Is the fee refunded if the application is refused? Yes. If the application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full under the service agreement; the exact terms are explained clearly before you sign.
Next step
Every family’s background, funds and timeline are different. Global Immigrate’s professional consultants can assess, free of charge, whether this programme suits you and compare other options. You can also request the full programme brochure on the programme page.
Learn more: Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV) — Incubator Pathway