Overview
Subclass 858 (National Innovation visa) is Australia’s invitation-only permanent visa for people at the top of their field — researchers, founders, innovators and leaders with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement.
Defining features:
- Direct PR on grant — no provisional stage.
- By invitation: register interest, be invited, then apply.
- Nomination required from an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in the field.
- No strict age limit, but under-18/over-55 applicants must show exceptional benefit to Australia.
Detailed legal content (current priority sectors, invitation settings) needs verification against current rules. Book a consultation for a frank assessment of whether your record competes.
Key eligibility
- Internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field
- Nomination by an Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in the field
- Register an Expression of Interest and receive an invitation to apply
- Applicants under 18 or over 55 must show exceptional benefit to Australia
- Health and character requirements
Process
- 01
Secure a nomination
An eligible Australian nominator with national standing in your field endorses your record.
- 02
Register interest
Submit the EOI with systematic evidence of international recognition — awards, publications, patents, funding, media, leadership roles.
- 03
Invitation + application
If invited, lodge the visa. Grant confers permanent residence directly.
Estimated cost
| Department of Home Affairs fee (per immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) | AUD 6,235 |
| VisaAffairs service fee | Quoted after initial consultation |
| Third-party costs (health, AFP check, translations, etc.) | Varies by case |
How VisaAffairs helps
Clear eligibility assessment
VisaAffairs reviews your full situation against current rules — no boilerplate templates.
Document set reviewed item-by-item
Every piece of evidence is checked before lodgement — minimising the risk of request for further information.
Case officer tracking
VisaAffairs monitors ImmiAccount and responds to case officer requests on time.