NSW National Innovation Visa Program Opening in July 2025

Australia’s National Innovation (subclass 858) visa (NIV) is a new permanent residency program launched in December 2024 which replaced the Global Talent (subclass 858) visa and Business Innovation (subclasses 188/888) visas.

The New South Wales (NSW) government has announced the opening of their National Innovation Visa nomination program who will be nominating candidates that can demonstrate outstanding global achievements and a strong connection to New South Wales.

The NSW government has made it clear that they will be supporting candidates with evidence of action, and not simply aspiration. All candidates are expected that they are able to demonstrate past achievement, clear alignment with the NSW priorities, they have proven impact, and have credible, well supported plans to contribute to NSW.

Overview of the NSW nomination streams & key criteria

NSW’s NIV 858 nomination framework covers five talent streams, each with specific criteria. In all cases the emphasis is on demonstrated excellence and impact – not on future potential.

Key points for each stream include:

• Academic’s & Researchers: Senior academics or researchers with world-class credentials. Typically, this means a PhD and a strong publication record (papers in leading journals, high citation indices, etc.). Prestigious awards or grants (e.g. national science funding, fellowships) are weighed favourably.
  
• Entrepreneurs: Founders or leaders of innovative businesses that are already operating successfully. Applicants should show a commercial track record – for example, a startup with revenue growth, investment funding or partnerships. The State will look for a clear plan to scale or commercialise your product/service in NSW.
  
• Innovative investors: Investors who actively back high-tech or knowledge-intensive ventures. You’ll need a history of funding or managing innovation-driven projects (for instance, as a venture capitalist, private equity partner or R&D project sponsor). NSW may set investment thresholds (e.g. multi-million-dollar commitments) in priority sectors, and it will expect your funds to be deployed in Australia, not passively invested.
  
• Sports professionals: Elite athletes with international standing. Examples include world-class sportspeople – Olympic or Commonwealth medalists, national team members, or high-ranked professionals in major leagues or competitions.
  
• Creative professionals: Accomplished artists, performers, designers, media creators or other creatives with significant international recognition. This could include award-winning writers, filmmakers, visual artists or musicians who have major prizes or high-profile success such as exhibitions and publications.

Across all streams, evidence of proven achievements is essential. Evidence might include published research papers, patents, awards, income or funding statements, contracts, media coverage, and so on.

NSW’s Focus: Demonstrated Achievement & Positive Impact

The NSW government has stated that it will prioritise candidates who have already proven themselves on the world stage and can contribute to a positive impact to the state.

Examples of demonstrated achievement and positive impact are:

• Top achievements: E.g. evidence of publications and citations, major research grants, business revenues, funding rounds, patents filed, world rankings in sport, awards won, etc.
  
• Alignment with NSW priorities: Show how your work contributes to NSW’s strategic industries (such as health, renewables, digital tech, creative sectors, and advanced manufacturing).
  
• Economic/social impact: Examples may include jobs created in NSW, revenue or investment attracted, collaborations with local organisations, awards that have raised Australia’s global profile.

The NSW 858 State Nomination Process

When the NSW nomination program opens (expected early July 2025), the process is likely to follow these steps:

Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with the NSW Government

This is done online through the NSW Skilled Migration portal. (It is separate from the Department’s SkillSelect EOI – this application is directly with the NSW government.) In your EOI, you’ll select the relevant stream and detail your career highlights and qualifications. Importantly, explain your connection and commitment to NSW – for example, any past studies or jobs in NSW, or plans to set up business/research in NSW.

Step 2: NSW Expert Panel Review

NSW’s skilled migration unit will evaluate your EOI against the state’s criteria. They’ll look for exceptional achievements (as above) and alignment with NSW’s priority industries (e.g. tech, health, renewables, creative industries).

Step 3: Invitation to apply for nomination

If you are successful, NSW will formally invite you to make a full nomination application and provide detailed documentation to substantiate the claims made in your EOI.

Step 4: NSW nomination assessment

The NSW government will review all shortlisted candidates who have received an invitation to apply for nomination and will seek independent expert endorsement for each shortlisted applicant. Endorsements will come from a recognised individual or institution with national or international standing in the applicant’s field.

Step 5: NSW nomination decision & nomination (Form 1000 and Letter of Support)

After careful assessment, NSW will nominate the highest calibre applications and will lodge a Form 1000 nomination to the Department of Home Affairs, along with a formal Letter of Support.

Step 6: National Innovation (subclass 858) visa application & NSW follow up

Successful candidates will then be required to submit a National Innovation (subclass 858) visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. The NSW government will maintain contact with successful nominees through the visa decision stage and can provide further information to the Department of Home Affairs if required.

Further Information & Professional Assistance

The National Innovation (subclass 858) visa is a great opportunity for highly skilled and talented individuals looking to migrate to Australia.

If you think that you have what it takes to be considered, please contact our office for further information and professional assistance on preparing a high calibre nomination for the NSW NIV program.