National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858
Australia's business and investment visa landscape changed significantly in 2024. The Business Innovation and Investment Program (subclasses 188/888) closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Today the main pathway for exceptional talent, founders and investors is the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) - we help you understand your realistic options.
If you're an entrepreneur, senior professional or investor hoping to move to Australia, it's important to know that the traditional Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) - subclasses 188 and 888 - closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. People who already hold a 188 visa can still progress to the permanent 888.
For new applicants, the Government's current pathway for outstanding talent and innovation is the National Innovation visa (subclass 858) - a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement. We give you an honest assessment of whether it, or another pathway, fits your situation.
Key facts
- Current pathway
- National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
- Type
- Permanent visa
- For
- Exceptional talent in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research
- Nomination
- Requires an eligible Australian nominator
- Old program
- BIIP (188/888) closed to new applicants 31 Jul 2024
- Existing 188 holders
- Can still apply for the permanent 888
Your visa options
There is usually more than one way forward. Here are the main pathways within national innovation visa - subclass 858.
Is this pathway right for you?
This may suit you if:
- You have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
- You can be nominated by an eligible Australian organisation or individual
- You would bring significant benefit to Australia
- You already hold a subclass 188 visa and want to move to permanent residence (888)
- You're a founder or investor wanting an honest view of what pathways realistically remain
- You'd rather have straight advice than a hard sell on a closed program
Why it's worth it
Permanent residence
The National Innovation visa is a permanent visa - you can live and work in Australia indefinitely.
Recognition of talent
It's designed for people with an outstanding, internationally recognised record in their field.
Bring your family
Eligible family members can usually be included in your application.
Global mobility
Permanent residence gives you freedom to build your work and life across Australia.
Pathway to citizenship
As a permanent resident who meets the requirements, you can later pursue citizenship.
Honest, current advice
We won't sell you a closed program - we focus on what's genuinely open to you now.
This may not be the right fit if…
- You're looking for a straightforward investment-for-residency pathway - the Business Innovation and Investment Program (188/888) closed to new applicants in July 2024
- You don't have the exceptional, nationally recognised achievement the National Innovation visa requires
- Your business or investment plans are still early-stage rather than demonstrably established
These are general pointers, not a determination about your case - book a consultation for advice specific to your situation.
General requirements
Every case is different, but you'll generally need to:
- Be invited by the Minister to apply (after lodging an Expression of Interest)
- Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, a sport, the arts, or academia and research
- Have that record attested by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field
- Still be prominent in your field and be an asset to the Australian community
- Be able to find work or establish yourself in Australia in your field
- If under 18 or 55 or older, be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community
- Meet health and character requirements
Our step-by-step process
We keep things clear and calm, so you always know what's happening and what comes next.
Honest options assessment
We look at your background and tell you frankly which pathways - if any - are realistic for you now.
Confirm the right pathway
We identify whether the National Innovation visa (858), the 888 (for existing 188 holders) or another option fits.
Secure a nomination
For the 858, we help you approach and secure an eligible nominator.
Build your evidence
We help you assemble compelling evidence of your achievements and the benefit you bring.
Lodge your application
We prepare and lodge a thorough, well-evidenced application.
Support to a decision
We manage requests from the Department and keep you informed throughout.
Documents you'll typically need
A general guide - we'll give you a tailored checklist for your situation.
- Evidence of exceptional achievement (awards, recognition, publications, media, financials)
- Nomination from an eligible Australian organisation or individual
- Detailed CV and portfolio of your work
- Passport and identity documents
- Health examinations and police clearances
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to what people ask us most.
Can I still apply for the 188 business or investor visa?
What replaced the business and investor program?
I already have a 188 visa - what now?
Is the National Innovation visa just for business people?
Do I need to invest a set amount of money?
What if I don't qualify for the 858?
This page is general information only, not migration or legal advice. Business and investment migration changed significantly in 2024, including the closure of the Business Innovation and Investment Program to new applicants; policies and pathways continue to change. Book a consultation for advice specific to your circumstances; we never guarantee a visa outcome.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Answer a few plain-English questions and get a friendly, no-obligation summary of the pathways that may suit you. It only takes about two minutes.