Home » Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment » Subclass 858 – Permanent Visa

Unlock Permanent Residency with the National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858

The Subclass 858 Visa grants permanent residency to exceptional individuals with outstanding achievements in key Australian industries, driving innovation and contributing to economic growth.

🔎 Visa Snapshot

Visa Type: Permanent Residency Visa

Visa Subclass: 858

Pathway to PR: Direct permanent residency

Eligibility: For individuals with exceptional skills or achievements in critical industries

Points Test Required: No points test required

Processing Time: 6–12 months (varies depending on the application complexity)

Age Limit: Applicants typically under 55 years old

Nomination: Required by an Australian organization or government agency on a Form 1000

Family Inclusion: Can include dependent family members, including spouse and children under 23

Work Rights: Full work rights in Australia

Study Rights: Full rights to study in Australia

Pathways: Eligible for citizenship after meeting residency requirements

Visa Fees: AUD4985 (subject to change, refer to DHA for current fees)

Healthcare: Access to Medicare (Australia’s public health system)

🧭 National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858

The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) is for highly skilled professionals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in key areas such as science, technology, engineering, or innovation. This visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for those nominated by an Australian government agency or recognized innovation partner. It aims to attract the world’s brightest minds to contribute to Australia’s growth and global competitiveness.

Key Features:

Permanent Residency: This visa provides permanent residency, allowing you to live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

No Points Test: Unlike many skilled migration visas, applicants for this visa are not required to pass the points test.

Nomination Required: You must be nominated by an Australian government agency or an endorsed innovation partner in your field.

Pathway to Citizenship: This visa leads to citizenship eligibility once residency requirements are met.

With full work rights, access to Medicare, and the ability to bring your family, the Subclass 858 visa offers a fantastic opportunity for talented individuals to make a significant impact in Australia.

Why Apply for the National Innovation Visa -Subclass 858?

Attracts Top Talent: For individuals with exceptional achievements in science, technology, and innovation.

Permanent Residency: Direct route to permanent residency in Australia.

No Points Test: No points test required for eligibility.

Family Inclusion: Bring your spouse and dependent children.

Work and Study Rights: Full work and study rights in Australia.

Medicare Access: Access to Australia’s healthcare system.

Pathway to Citizenship: Eligible for Australian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Contribute to Innovation: Play a key role in Australia’s growth and technological advancement.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), applicants must

Have an internationally recognized record of exceptional achievement in one of the following fields:

Health

Technology

Research

Engineering

Academia

The arts

Professional sports

Be nominated by an Australian individual or organization

Be prominent in your field and demonstrate that your expertise will benefit Australia’s economic growth and innovation

Meet health and character requirements

Meet minimum English proficiency requirements (unless exempt)

🧭 Step-by-Step Guide

1
Check Eligibility
Exceptional talent, age under 55, nomination required.
2
Submit EOI
Complete online through DHA portal, include required documents.
3
Await Invitation
Invitation to apply within 60 days
4
Lodge Application
Apply online via ImmiAccount with required documents.
5
Wait for Decision
Processing time: 6–12 months.
6
After Visa Grant
Check visa conditions via VEVO, enjoy work and study rights.

Common Mistakes ​

Failing to provide comprehensive evidence of achievements in the nominated field ​

Missing nomination or incomplete endorsement letters ​

Submitting incomplete documentation or leaving sections of the application blank

Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Ensure all evidence is clear, well-organized, and demonstrates international recognition ​

Secure a strong nomination or endorsement from a credible Australian individual or organization ​

Double-check all application forms and documents for completeness before submission ​

Family Members You Can Include

As an Australian permanent resident, you might be able to sponsor eligible family members to come to Australia

After Visa Grant:

Stay in Australia permanently

Work and study in Australia

Attend free English classes (if eligible)

Enrol in Medicare

Sponsor relatives to come to Australia

Travel to and from Australia for 5 years

Apply for Australian citizenship (if eligible)

📐 Required Documents

Primary DOCUMENTS

Passport bio-data page

Resume/CV

Nomination letter from an Australian government agency or recognized innovation partner

Completed Form 1000 (if nominated by a government agency)

Proof of exceptional achievements in your field (e.g., awards, publications)

Health and character documents (as per DHA requirements)

Partner Documents Required

Passport bio-data page

Resume/CV

Evidence of qualifications

Nomination letter from an Australian government agency or recognized innovation partner

Completed Form 1000 (if nominated by a government agency)

Proof of exceptional achievements in your field (e.g., awards, publications)

Health and character documents (as per DHA requirements)

Visa Fees & Processing Time

TypeDetails & Fee (AUD)
🧾 Government Visa FeeApprox. AUD 4,985
👥 Addtional Applicant 18+AUD 2,495
👥 Addtional Applicant below 18AUD 1,250
⏳ Processing Time9 to 18 Months (90% of Application)

🧰 Tools & Downloads

For Subclass 858 Permanent Visa applicants, the following resources will assist you: 

Download Subclass 190 Migration Pack
Download Subclass 190
Migration Pack
Discover
Check Your Eligibility
Check Your Eligibility
Download EOI Guide
Download EOI Guide

❓Frequently Asked Questions

The Subclass 858 visa allows exceptional talent to live and work in Australia permanently. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding achievements in critical industries like health, technology, research, and engineering. 

The processing time typically ranges from 3–6 months depending on the complexity of the case. 

Yes, eligible family members, including your partner and dependent children, can be included in your visa application. 

No, you can apply from both onshore and offshore. 

Yes, after fulfilling the residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship. 

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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.