Australia's National Innovation Visa Overview | Generated by AI
Question: What is the Global Talent 858 visa?
Answer:
The Global Talent Visa (subclass 858) was an Australian permanent residency visa designed to attract highly skilled and exceptionally talented individuals with an internationally recognized record of outstanding achievements. It targeted priority sectors such as technology, finance, health, and innovation to boost Australia’s economy.
As of December 6-7, 2024, the Global Talent Visa program was closed and replaced by the National Innovation Visa (NIV, still subclass 858). This new visa maintains the same subclass number but adopts a more selective, invitation-only approach to attract “the brightest and best” global talents who can significantly contribute to Australia’s prosperity in key national interest areas.
Key Features of the Current National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858):
- Permanent visa: Allows holders to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely, with access to Medicare and a pathway to citizenship.
- Eligibility: Requires an internationally recognized record of exceptional and outstanding achievements in eligible fields (e.g., innovation, research, entrepreneurship, sports, arts, academia).
- Application process: Invitation-only. Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI); the Department of Home Affairs reviews and invites suitable candidates to apply.
- Target sectors: Focuses on future-focused areas like AgTech, FinTech, MedTech, Cyber Security, Quantum Information, Advanced Digital/Data Science/ICT, and broader fields for exceptional talents.
- No age limit: But those under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate exceptional benefit to Australia.
- Other requirements: Functional English, health and character checks; often evidence of high earning potential or nomination by a recognized Australian entity.
The term “Global Talent 858 visa” commonly refers to the previous program, but the visa subclass 858 now exclusively denotes the National Innovation Visa.
References:
- National Innovation Visa - Department of Home Affairs
- Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa
- Migration Amendment (National Innovation Visa) Regulations 2024 Announcement