Apply for
National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858
Contribute to Australia's innovation ecosystem with the Subclass 858 Visa, supporting researchers, entrepreneurs, and inventors in creating high-impact innovations.
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For National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858
A permanent visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
Open to experts in eligible fields such as arts, sports, academia, research, digital technology, and other innovation sectors.
Allows you to live and work in Australia permanently, with access to long-term opportunities and benefits.
Requires nomination by a recognised Australian organisation or government agency confirming your accomplishments.
Ideal for global leaders looking to bring their talent to Australia and contribute to national innovation and growth.
Bring Eligible Family Members under this visa, giving them the right to work or study in Australia.
Requirements for National Innovation Visa - Subclass 858
You may be inside or outside Australia when lodging your application. Location must meet the visa’s lodgement requirements at the time of submission.
You must be working on or developing an innovative project, business proposal, or contribution that benefits Australia, or demonstrate internationally recognised exceptional achievements in the following areas:
- a profession
- sport
- the arts
- academia or research
You must show:
- Abilities and achievements superior to others in your field
- Recognition as exceptional in countries where your field is practised
- A sustained record of excellence that is likely to continue
You must demonstrate expertise, experience, or qualifications directly relevant to your innovation, project, or area of exceptional achievement. Evidence must show a high level of skill and international standing.
You must be nominated by an eligible Australian individual or organisation with a national reputation in the same field. A nominator may be:
- An Australian citizen
- An Australian permanent resident
- An eligible New Zealand citizen
- An Australian organisation
The nominator must attest to your exceptional achievements and international recognition.
If you have held Australian visas before, you must have complied with all relevant visa conditions.
You must meet Australia’s health and character standards, including police checks where required.
You must not pose risks to Australia’s national security, public safety, or public interest.
You may include eligible family members (partner and dependent children) in your application, provided they also meet the required health and character criteria.
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The Knowbal Visa Application Process
We start by reviewing your study history, current visa status, and eligibility for the Temporary Graduate Visa. This personalised consultation helps us understand your situation and plan the best application approach for you.
Once we assess your case, you’ll be assigned a dedicated migration expert. This professional will be your main point of contact, guiding you through each step and answering your questions promptly.
Gathering and organising your documents correctly is critical. Knowbal helps you prepare all necessary paperwork, including your Confirmation of Enrolment, academic transcripts, proof of completion, health insurance, and identity documents to avoid delays or errors.
We lodge your visa application on your behalf with the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring everything complies with visa requirements and your information is accurately presented.
Throughout the processing period, Knowbal monitors your application and keeps you informed. Should the Department request additional information, we will assist you promptly to ensure a smooth process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you may apply while studying if your achievements are already internationally recognised and you meet the nomination requirements. Many students assume they must finish their degree first, but the 858 visa is achievement-based, not study-based. However, if your field requires published work, industry impact, or competition rankings, it may be better to wait until these outcomes are complete. A consultation can help assess whether your current profile is strong enough.
Traditional student jobs usually don’t, but specialised research, publications, major competition wins, startup traction, patents, or industry-recognised impact may support your case. What matters is not the volume of experience but whether it shows international-level excellence. Students involved in university incubators, funded projects, or recognised innovation programs may have a stronger basis.
Name mismatches are common among international students and can delay nomination and verification. You should prepare supporting evidence such as statutory declarations, change-of-name documents, or affidavits early. Ensuring consistency across your passport, academic certificates, awards, and publications helps avoid processing delays.
Yes, you may transition from a Student or 485 visa if you meet all achievement and nomination criteria. Many applicants consider the 858 visa when planning long-term PR pathways because it does not require points, regional work, or occupation lists. Your legal status must remain lawful, so maintaining valid visas or applying for bridging options is essential while your 858 application is assessed.
If you apply in Australia, you generally receive a Bridging Visa A (BVA) that does not permit travel. If you need to travel for conferences, competitions, or research, you may need a Bridging Visa B, which requires demonstrating genuine travel reasons. Students often overlook this and risk becoming unlawful by travelling without the correct visa.
You may still apply if you can already demonstrate substantial international recognition. A thesis delay or pending publication does not automatically disadvantage you, but your nomination must clearly show your existing global impact. If your strongest evidence is still in progress, timing your application strategically may improve your chances.
Job or supervisor changes don’t usually impact eligibility unless the change affects your innovation project or international recognition. What matters is continuity of achievement in your field. However, your nominator must still have a national reputation in the same field, so ensure any change doesn’t weaken your nomination pathway.
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