National Innovation Visa
Australia
Last updated: December 20, 2025
Permanent residency
$4985
1-12 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets exceptionally talented people from anywhere in the world move to Australia as permanent residents. You must have internationally recognized achievements in your field—like published research, patents, awards, or senior leadership positions. It's for researchers, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, and innovators. You get to live and work in Australia forever. You can work any job, start a business, and bring your family. You don't need an employer to sponsor you. This is special because you become a permanent resident immediately. Other work visas make you wait years before you can stay permanently. The old "Global Talent Visa" was replaced by this "National Innovation Visa" on December 7, 2024. New applicants use the National Innovation Visa rules.
Key Benefits
- Live and work in Australia permanently
- Work any job for any employer or start your own business
- Free healthcare through Medicare
- Bring your spouse and children with you
- Your family can work and access healthcare too
- Access to banks, loans, and property ownership
- Path to Australian citizenship after 4 years
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must have internationally recognized exceptional achievement in your field
- Speak and understand English at functional level
- No serious criminal record
- Good physical and mental health
- Have someone in Australia with national reputation willing to nominate you
- Preferred work sectors: Advanced technology/AI, Health/medical research, Renewable energy, Agriculture/farming technology, Defense/space, Education, Finance/fintech, Infrastructure
Financial Requirement
None - no minimum income requirement
Documents
- Valid passportCurrent passport
- CV and work historyResume and complete career history
- College degrees and certificatesEducational qualifications
- Police background checkFrom every country you lived 12+ months
- English language test resultsIELTS 4.5 or PTE 30 minimum if required
- Health examinationMedical assessment by approved doctor
- Letter of supportFrom an Australian expert who knows you
- Evidence of achievementsPublications, patents, awards, news articles
- Nomination form (Form 1000)Filled out by your Australian nominator
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.