Commonwealth of Australia · work unsponsored · Leads to settlement
National Innovation visa (formerly Global Talent)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Permanent residence for globally recognised high achievers in target sectors — replacement for the former Global Talent visa.
- Processing time
- Variable.
- Government fees
- Variable; verify Home Affairs.
- Typical duration
- Permanent residence.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
The former Global Talent visa was replaced by the National Innovation visa as announced in the 2024–25 Migration Strategy. It targets candidates of exceptional, internationally recognised talent. Specific scheme parameters continued to be refined into 2025–26 — verify current Home Affairs guidance.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Exceptional, internationally recognised talent record in a target sector.
- ✓Nominator meeting the scheme's requirements.
Common blockers
- !Evidence not demonstrating international recognition.
Typical evidence
- ·Awards, publications, patents, peer recognition.
- ·Nomination letter.
Application pathway
EOI to Global Talent Officer
Submit expression of interest.
Receive invitation
Invited applicants lodge visa.
Grant as permanent resident
Upon approval.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck National Innovation process ↗
High-achieving applicants use this page to confirm the invitation and application process for subclass 858.
Department of Home Affairs · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Variable; verify Home Affairs.. A decision then typically takes 3 months – 12 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
Was the Australian Global Talent visa cancelled?+
It was replaced by the National Innovation visa under the 2024–25 Migration Strategy. Scheme parameters evolved through 2025. Verify the current status on Home Affairs before relying on older guidance.
What is the National Innovation visa?+
It is a permanent-residence route for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in priority sectors such as technology, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy. It replaced the Global Talent (subclass 858) program under the 2024–25 Migration Strategy and is invitation-based rather than points-tested. Confirm the current criteria on Home Affairs.
Do you need an employer sponsor for the National Innovation visa?+
No. Like the former Global Talent route, it is not employer-sponsored, though applicants usually need a nominator with a national reputation in the same field, or an eligible organisation. Home Affairs sets the exact nomination rules.
Does the National Innovation visa lead to permanent residence?+
Yes — it grants permanent residence on approval, which is its main draw over temporary skilled routes. Because the scheme is still bedding in, verify the current process and any annual caps on Home Affairs.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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