The Government released a new Migration Strategy, setting out significant reforms to Australia’s migration system to meet the future needs of the nation. The Migration Strategy provides a policy roadmap to implement the Government’s new vision and objectives for Australia’s migration system.

In the Migration Strategy, the Government stated its intention to implement a new Talent and Innovation visa, with a single, streamlined pathway to attract relatively small numbers of highly talented migrants to Australia, such as high-performing entrepreneurs, major investors and global researchers, with permanent residency as a drawcard.

The Government has now confirmed the introduction of a new Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV), as of 6 December 2024, to replace the Subclass 858 Global Talent visa and the Subclass 188/888 Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) visa, to attract exceptionally talented migrants to Australia.

Some of the key features of the NIV visa are:

  • leads directly to permanent residence 
  • applies to a broad range of high calibre talent with a diversity of backgrounds
  • highly flexible, with no age or occupation restrictions
  • planned program level each year (a pre-determined limit on the number of visas granted each year)

Who Is The NIV For?

The NIV targets applicants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional talent and who are prominent in their field, such as:

  • Global researchers and thought leaders (e.g. published in leading journals, high levels of publications and citations, recipients of top of field awards) 
  • Entrepreneurs (both established and emerging)
  • Innovative Investors with a focus on the quality of investment, not simple thresholds 
  • Athletes and creatives, particularly those that represent Australia internationally 

What Are The Key Requirements To Qualify For A NIV?

Applications are by invitation only and are to be conducted via an Expression Of Interest (EOI) process.

To be eligible, applicants must be nominated, and have a minimum Functional English language proficiency (or make payment of a second instalment of the Visa Application Charge).

How Many National Innovation Visas Will Be Granted Each Year?

The program planning level will be determined by the Government each year.

It has allocated 4,000 places to the NIV in the 2024-25 program year (this includes any Subclass 858 Global Talent visas granted from 1 July 2024 until the program closure at the end of 2024).  

What Happens to Subclass 858 Global Talent Visa Applicants With An Undecided Application As At 6 December 2024?

The Department of Home Affairs will manage the transition to the new National Innovation visa to ensure applicants, including those who have already applied for the previous Subclass 858 Global Talent visa before it closed, are supported in the application process. Existing Global Talent visa applicants will not be adversely affected by the transition. Visa applicants will be assessed against the eligibility criteria at the time of their application.

What Happens To Subclass 188 BIIP Applicants With An Undecided Application As At 6 December 2024?

The BIIP will be closed permanently from July 2024 and new applications for the Subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP) (Provisional) visa will no longer be able to be lodged.

Subclass 188 BIIP visa applications that have been lodged will continue to be processed in line with Government priorities and the Migration Program planning levels. BIIP policy guidance is being tightened to ensure that all business migrants coming to Australia through this program have overall had a successful business career and will bring an economic benefit to Australia.

Those who hold a subclass 188 visa and meet the relevant criteria for the grant of the Subclass 888 Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa are still able to continue on this pathway as of 6 December 2024.

Get More Information

Subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates and additional information.

Contact us to book a no-obligation consultation to find out more, and to assess your eligibility for the Subclass 858 National Innovation visa.

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Australia’s migration laws are complex, and each case is different. We recommend that you seek professional advice if you are interested in applying for an Australian visa, as being fully informed will give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome on your case. A migration professional can help you to do this.

For up-to-date advice on your eligibility for an Australian skilled visa, including a Subclass 858 NIV, contact PAX Migration Australia, a leading immigration service providing advice on a range of visas. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion on how we may be able to assist you in achieving your migration goals in Australia.

Sources/Links

Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Citizenship – News and media – Archive – News – Reforms to get migration working for the nation – 11 Dec 2023: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-strategy

Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs – Immigration and Citizenship – What we do – Migration Program planning levels: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/migration-program-planning-levels

Constantine Paxinos

Director

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Con is Managing Director of PAX Migration Australia, specialising in employer sponsored work visas and corporate immigration services. He is a recognised leader in the immigration advice industry, regularly presenting to stakeholders and practitioners at conferences and professional development seminars. He also provides training to HR managers on immigration law and policy and delivers continuing professional education to immigration advice practitioners. Con is the immediate past Vice President and South Australian State President of the profession's highly respected peak body, the Migration Institute of Australia, where he served on the board and regularly engaged with Ministers of state and federal governments as well as senior officials within the Department of Home Affairs and state migration departments. Con also regularly engages with other stakeholders in the Australian immigration ecosystem, advocating for improved policy outcomes, particularly for employers and migrants in regional areas. Con is a dedicated and passionate immigration consultant, with deep knowledge of Australia's immigration system. He is best placed to provide employers with advice about how to utilise the immigration system to improve workforce outcomes and solve skill shortages for businesses large and small. Some of Con's career highlights: • Chair of the Migration Institute Temporary Visa Program Advisory Panel 2024 • National Vice President of the Migration Institute from 2021 - 2023 • South Australian State President of the Migration Institute from 2019 –2023 • Member of the South Australian Ministerial Advisory Council for the Minister for Innovation and Skills 2020 – 2022 • Provided testimony to the Commonwealth Joint Standing Committee on Migration on four occasions across 2019 - 2023 • Provided testimony to the South Australian Economic and Finance Committee inquiry into the economic contribution of migration to South Australia 2019 • Chair of the MIA Regional Migration Committee from 2019- 2021 • Current member of the South Australian State MIA Committee 2023-2025 • Honorary Treasurer of the Migration Institute 2020 - 2021 • Member of the MIA Regional Migration Committee 2019 –2023 • Organiser and host of the South Australian State Migration Conference in 2020 • Participated in numerous stakeholder meetings with state government, regional stakeholders, Home Affairs and the Commonwealth government advocating and advising on regional issues • Worked closely with the South Australian Government and the then Minister for Innovation and Skills, to develop the first South Australian Designated Area Migration Agreement 2018-2020 • Holds a Bachelor of Laws and Graduate Certificate in Migration Law, a Bachelor of Commerce and is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia New Zealand
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