Australia National Innovation Visa

Eligibility requirements

• Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession, sport, the arts, or academia and research; remain prominent in that field.
• Demonstrate a benefit to Australia and the ability to obtain employment or establish yourself independently in the area of achievement.
• Obtain nomination from an eligible Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same area.
• Secure an invitation and substantiate the field and achievements that produced it. An invitation does not mean the visa criteria have already been satisfied.
• Meet health, character and other grant requirements. Applicants under 18 or aged 55 or over must show exceptional benefit to the Australian community. Functional-English evidence or an applicable second visa-charge instalment also needs consideration.

Legal framework

Build the evidence

Prepare records that substantiate the relevant criteria. The final checklist depends on the applicant, route and filing authority.

• A concise achievement chronology with independent corroboration of international standing, such as major awards, influential research, intellectual property or independently evidenced venture impact.
• For the EOI: passport biographical page, CV and highest qualification evidence in the required formats, with English translations where necessary.
• Completed Form 1000 and evidence of the nominator's reputation, eligible status and, for an organisation, signatory authority.
• A practical Australia contribution plan linking existing expertise to credible opportunities, supported by relevant third-party evidence rather than an unsupported claim of future success.
• Identity, family, health, police and English documents for the visa stage, organised consistently with the achievements disclosed in the EOI.

How to apply

1. 01

   Assess achievement and fit

   Distinguish exceptional standing from strong professional competence. Identify the field, evidence gaps, Australian contribution and a suitable nominator.

2. 02

   Prepare and submit the EOI

   Use the Home Affairs EOI form. Check all information before submission: the published instructions say information cannot be added after submission. A government-agency nomination requires the specified supporting documents.

3. 03

   Maintain a separate immigration plan

   The EOI remains active for two years but provides no visa, bridging status or work permission. Preserve lawful status independently while awaiting a possible invitation.

4. 04

   Apply through ImmiAccount if invited

   Submit within 60 days with Form 1000, corroborating achievements and the required personal evidence. Complete any requested checks and respond to case-specific enquiries.

5. 05

   Plan arrival and professional establishment

   If granted, check the grant notice and travel facility, then coordinate employment, business or research activities and any professional registration needed.

After approval & family planning

• The permanent visa permits living and working in Australia. The initial travel facility is generally five years; future overseas travel may require a resident-return visa or citizenship.
• Eligible family-unit members may be included subject to the applicable criteria. Each person's health, character and documentation must be addressed.
• Professional licensing, business regulation and citizenship requirements remain separate from visa approval.

Frequently asked questions

Points to consider

• The EOI is not a visa application and creates no right to remain in Australia.
• Government nomination, where available, has separate agency requirements and does not guarantee federal approval.