Innovative investors
Investors whose record demonstrates recognised judgement, innovation outcomes, commercialisation or material contribution—not simply access to capital.
National Innovation visa · Subclass 858
National Innovation visa (subclass 858) advice
The National Innovation visa is a highly selective, invitation-only permanent visa. We help exceptional founders, entrepreneurs, innovative investors and global leaders determine whether their record can support a credible case.
Updated 7 September 2026Start a client enquiryOverview
There is no prescribed investment that buys this visa.
Australia’s National Innovation visa is not a passive investment or “golden visa” program. A candidate must demonstrate an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement and the capacity to contribute to Australia’s future prosperity.
The process begins with an Expression of Interest. The EOI is not a visa application, does not create a bridging visa and does not guarantee an invitation. If invited, the candidate must still satisfy every legal requirement at the visa stage.
Our role is to test the proposition early, identify the evidence that carries genuine weight and present the candidate’s achievements and proposed Australian contribution as one coherent case.
Official starting point: Home Affairs — National Innovation visa.
Who this service is for
Profiles that may justify closer assessment.
Entrepreneurs & founders
Founders with internationally significant growth, intellectual property, market adoption, exits, job creation or a credible Australian commercialisation plan.
Researchers & technologists
Globally recognised leaders with influential research, patents, awards, industry adoption or work in priority and future-focused sectors.
Other global leaders
Exceptional candidates in a profession, the arts or sport whose record and prospective Australian contribution meet the statutory standard.
Scope of assistance
How we help
- Threshold and comparative-strength assessment before an EOI is prepared
- Priority-sector and Australian-contribution positioning
- Evidence map covering recognition, leadership, impact and future plans
- Expression of Interest drafting and document curation
- Australian nominator and endorsement strategy
- Invited subclass 858 visa application and dependant-family coordination
- Risk advice on age, English, health, character and visa history
- Alternative-pathway advice where an NIV case is not sufficiently strong
A disciplined process
From first analysis to final submission.
Profile conference
We examine the achievements, evidence, sector context and Australian proposition in detail.
Written strategy
We identify strengths, gaps, priority evidence, nomination issues and realistic alternatives.
EOI preparation
We assemble a disciplined submission that makes the strongest supportable case without exaggeration.
Invitation & visa
If invited, we manage the time-limited visa stage, formal evidence and family requirements.
Common questions
Clear starting points
Frequently asked questions.
- What is the National Innovation visa?
- The National Innovation visa, subclass 858, is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Home Affairs must invite you before you can apply.
- Can I qualify simply by investing money?
- No. Available funds alone do not establish eligibility. An innovative investor must demonstrate exceptional achievement and satisfy the visa criteria; no fixed investment amount guarantees an invitation or visa.
- Does submitting an EOI let me stay in Australia?
- No. An Expression of Interest is not a visa application and does not provide a bridging visa. You need separate permission to remain in or travel to Australia.
- Is nomination the same as an invitation?
- No. Home Affairs issues the invitation. The visa application also requires an eligible nomination on Form 1000. If invited, you must lodge within 60 days and still meet all applicable requirements.
Important
An EOI is not an approval.
Submitting an EOI does not establish eligibility, guarantee an invitation or permit a candidate to remain in Australia. An invitation is also not a pre-assessment and does not guarantee visa grant. No adviser can promise an outcome or processing time.
Discuss your position
A strong strategy starts before the application.
Share a concise overview of your circumstances. We will identify the right next conversation and explain what information is genuinely needed.
Start a client enquiry