Immigration

Australia | National innovation visa updates

Summary

As outlined in our previous alert, in December 2024 the Australian Government introduced the National Innovation Visa, a smaller ‘invitation only’ program for highly talented migrants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in certain priority sectors and who can support productivity growth. The States of New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria have now released nomination criteria to support nominations under the National Innovation Visa program.

The detail

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a permanent visa pathway designed to attract global talent with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a number of high priority sectors to drive innovation, productivity and economic growth. Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and be invited to apply for the visa. Some States may also require applicants to submit a Registration of Interest (ROI) to obtain State Nomination support.

Exceptional and outstanding achievements may include but not be limited to:

• International ‘top-of -field’ level awards (eg Nobel prize, Fields Medal, Olympic Gold Medal amongst others)
• Recipients of national research grants (holders of PhDs with high levels of academic influence or thought leadership, eg recent publications in top ranked journals (ie Nature, Lancet, Acta Numerica)
• Other measures of high calibre talent (eg keynote appearance at high profile international conference, earning above the Fair Work High Income Threshold)
• Candidates nominated by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency

The Department of Home Affairs will consider EOIs on the indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievements claimed and the NIV program priorities which are set as follows (with 1 being the highest priority):

1. Exceptional candidates from any sectors who are global experts and recipients of international ‘top of field’ level awards
2. Candidates nominated by an expert Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency
3. Candidates with exceptional and outstanding achievements in a tier one sector:
   • Critical technologies
   • Health Industries
   • Renewables and low emission technologies
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

National Innovation Visa Framework – NSW, Victoria and South Australia

Registrations of Interest (ROI) for NSW Government nomination for a National Innovation Visa have now opened with the State introducing 5 nomination pathways to attract top talent that will contribute to NSW:

1. Academic and Researcher – for individuals with a distinguished record in academic or research fields
2. Entrepreneur – for founders and leaders of innovative, scalable businesses
3. Innovative Investor – for individuals with a history of supporting early-stage high growth ventures through capital and expertise
4. Sports Professional – Elite athletes, coaches and sports specialists with international or national recognition
5. Creative Professional – Artists and cultural leaders with national or international acclaim

The Victorian Government nomination criteria is focused on high-calibre, high-performing individuals who can drive innovation, productivity and economic growth in Victoria and contribute to the State’s global profile. Amongst other criteria, NIV candidates must demonstrate exceptional talent through a record of significant achievements and have engaged with a Victoria Government Department of Agency show an internationally recognized track record and how their expertise will benefit Victoria.

The South Australian Government has also opened up Registrations of Interest for the NIV with a focus on global researchers and thought leaders, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creative professionals and other globally talented individuals (including athletes) with recognized achievements.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Cherie Wright
Partner & Principal Solicitor

Stacey Tsui
Partner & Principal Solicitor

Arathi Tekkam
Director

John O’Brien
Director

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