Australia NIV – National Innovation Visa

Subclass 858 is the legislative code for the National Innovation Visa stream.

-Permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely
-Access to Medicare, Australia's public healthcare system
-Ability to sponsor eligible relatives
-Unrestricted travel in and out of Australia for five years. After 5 years, a Resident Return Visa (Subclass 155 or 157) is required to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident
-Pathway to Australian citizenship

The minimum investment under the incubator pathway is USD 250,000. This typically comprises USD 210,000 for incubation fees, USD 30,000 allocated to research and development in partnership with a government-backed institution, and USD 10,000 reserved for operational or working capital expenses. Individual circumstances may vary depending on the structure of the project and the incubator involved.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) is the first step in the National Innovation Visa process. It is not a visa application but a formal submission that outlines the applicant's skills, achievements, and alignment with Australia's key sectors. The EOI provides an opportunity to present how the applicant's background delivers exceptional benefit to the Australian community. If successful, the applicant will receive an invitation to apply for the NIV and must submit their application within 60 days.

A nominator plays a key role by attesting to the applicant's exceptional achievements, standing, value, and potential to contribute to Australia. HLG will assist with procuring the Form 1000 Nomination on your behalf.

Yes, the NIV grants immediate permanent residency upon approval.

-Priority 1: Exceptional candidates from any sector who are global experts and recipients of international top-of-field level awards, typically Nobel laureates, award-winning researchers, or industry leaders
-Priority 2: Candidates from any sector nominated on the approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State, or Territory Government Agency
-Priority 3: Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier One sector: Critical Technologies, Health Industries, Renewables, and low emission technologies
-Priority 4: Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a Tier Two sector: Agri-food and AgTech; Defence Capabilities and Space; Education; Financial Services and FinTech; Infrastructure and Transport; Resources

Generally, applicants should be aged 18 to 54. Applicants younger than 18 or 55 and over may still be considered if they can demonstrate that their presence will deliver an exceptional benefit to the Australian community, such as creating jobs, leading cutting-edge research, or bringing specialised skills unavailable in Australia.

Applicants must provide their CV for an eligibility assessment. Candidates should have at least one university degree and at least 5 years of experience in the same sector as their university degree. Applicants are also encouraged to share any evidence of exceptional business, entrepreneurial, or professional achievements, such as successful ventures, patents, publications, or recognised industry awards.

The main applicant and adult dependents must demonstrate functional English, generally equivalent to an average band score of at least 4.5 on the IELTS test. This requirement can be waived by paying a surcharge fee.

Yes. All applicants, including dependents, must meet Australia's standard health requirements. This typically involves completing medical examinations through an approved panel physician to ensure they do not have any condition that would pose a public health risk or result in undue cost to the Australian healthcare system.

No, a job offer is not required.

Under this NIV pathway, you will be proposing to establish a new start-up business in Australia to carry out R&D and further commercialisation of the project. This presents a compelling case for long-term impact and demonstrates potential benefit to the Australian community.

No. The permanent resident visa grants full work rights, and no separate work permit is required.

No, there are no nationality-based restrictions for the NIV.

No formal source-of-funds audit is required for the NIV. However, all funds must originate from lawful sources. Applicants may be asked to provide supporting documentation if requested by the Department of Home Affairs, financial institutions, or incubator partners during the business setup or investment process.

The total incubation fee is typically USD 250,000, governed by a separate agreement with the incubator. It may vary depending on the nature of the project and the applicant's individual circumstances. It is not part of the professional fees payable to HLG. The breakdown is as follows:

-Incubation fee: USD 210,000
-R&D fee: USD 30,000
-Capitalisation: USD 10,000

Yes. The right to a refund follows the terms of the term sheet entered into between the investor and the incubator. Typically, the full USD 250,000 will be refunded if the application is denied due to no fault of the investor or an event outside the investor's control. Upon signature of the Term Sheet, a deposit of USD 10,000 becomes non-refundable, with the remaining USD 240,000 becoming non-refundable upon visa approval.

The incubator assists with securing a compliant nominator, refining your EOI and business concept, and facilitating research or institutional partnerships. It also provides mentoring, market-readiness support, and administrative guidance throughout the visa process, while tracking project milestones under its term sheet. The incubator is a commercial service provider and operates independently from HLG and the Department of Home Affairs.

The incubator will not take any equity or shares in the venture. The main applicant will own 100% of the venture.

Business activities are expected to begin after the approval of the application.

In the Australian state or territory linked to your NIV application and incubator program.

Approximately 2 years: starting with an estimated 1-year R&D phase covering the signing of the Incubation Term Sheet, R&D negotiations, team building, and business development, and ending 12 months after visa approval.

Your NIV remains valid regardless of business outcomes once granted.

Yes. The following dependents can be included: spouse or partner; unmarried children under 18; unmarried children between 18 and 23 years old who are financially dependent; and children above 23 years old if dependent due to partial or total physical disability. Grandchildren of the main applicant or partner can be included if they are the dependent child of a child included above.

Yes, you can sponsor your parents. However, there are additional eligibility requirements, and in most cases it is quicker and easier to apply once you become an Australian citizen.

Yes. Australia recognises same-sex marriage and de facto partnerships, including common-law relationships.

-Submit an EOI showcasing your exceptional achievements in a priority sector and include a completed Form 1000 from a recognised Australian nominator
-If the EOI is successful, receive a formal invitation from the Minister to apply for the visa
-Within 60 days of the invitation, lodge a visa application including evidence of your achievements, benefit to Australia, and required health, character, and English language documentation

No, applications can be made from abroad. Travel to Australia will be required to activate the visa.

Generally no interview is required, though the reviewing officer may request additional information or clarification on a case-by-case basis.

The estimated processing time is 8 to 15 months, depending on the applicant's priority stream and case complexity.

Decisions are made by a delegated case officer within the Australian Department of Home Affairs, under the authority of the Minister for Home Affairs.

Applicants become eligible to apply for Australian citizenship after four years of lawful residence in Australia, including at least one year as a permanent resident, provided they meet all other criteria including language, residency, and character requirements. You must not have spent more than 12 months outside Australia in the last 4 years, and not more than 90 days outside Australia in the last 12 months. Applicants must pass the citizenship test, which assesses knowledge of Australian values, history, institutions, and responsibilities, and must intend to live in Australia or maintain a close and continuing association with the country.