About this visa

The Australian National Innovation Visa (NIV) is designed for exceptional talent across multiple fields, including:

Global researchers and thought leaders
Innovative investors focus on the quality of investment rather than the amount of capital invested
Entrepreneurs, including both established and emerging business founders
Athletes and creative professionals, particularly those representing Australia in international competitions or cultural events

Applicable to applicants collaborating with Australian universities or innovation institutions.
Demonstrates the future development potential of the innovation project in Australia.
Shows the project’s potential contribution to Australia’s local society and economy.

Proven business success, such as founding a publicly listed company or being a major investor in one.
Established business relevance to Australia, with clear potential to create new opportunities and contribute to the growth of related industries in the Australian market.
Significant investment commitment, with a total investment amount of no less than AUD 2 million in Australia.

Recipient of internationally recognised awards for excellence and outstanding achievement (e.g., Nobel Prize, Fields Medal).
Recipient of a top-tier national research grant to conduct high-quality research in Australia or abroad, demonstrating leadership at the forefront of their discipline (e.g., Australian Research Council Grant, UK Research and Innovation funding).
Holder of a doctoral degree with significant academic influence or thought leadership in their field — such as recent publications in top-tier journals

Recipient of internationally recognised awards for excellence and outstanding achievement (e.g., Oscar Award, Olympic Gold Medal).
Meets the high-income threshold requirement, currently set at AUD 175,000 per annum.

Get Your Passport and Visa Fast

You can be any age to apply for this visa.

If you are under 18 years old, or are 55 years or older when you apply, you must be of exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

The exceptional benefit to the Australian community should be:

ongoing

sustained and

realised shortly after migration.

The exceptional benefit may include:

making exceptional contributions to the Australian economy

creating employment opportunities for a large number of Australian residents

driving research development and innovation in sectors of national importance

enhancing Australia's global standard in an important area.

Applicants aged 18 years and older at the time of application must provide evidence of having at least functional English.

If you do not have at least functional English, you must pay a second instalment of the visa application charge.

You can only apply for this visa if the Department of Home Affairs invite you