National Innovation Visa
Permanent Residence for Exceptional Achievers

You must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in your field. This is a high threshold — isolated or localised recognition is unlikely to be sufficient. The Department looks for achievements that distinguish you from other highly capable practitioners globally.

Your achievements must be in one of the four eligible fields: academia and research; sport; the arts; or innovative technology sectors. Achievements in multiple fields may be combined if they relate to a coherent body of work.

You must be nominated by an eligible nominator: an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation with a national reputation in the relevant field. A nominator does not sponsor you in the employer sense — they provide a formal nomination letter attesting to your achievements and reputation.

You must submit an EOI through the Department of Home Affairs and receive an invitation to apply before you can lodge the visa application. Priority consideration applies for candidates in nominated priority sectors.

Standard character and health requirements apply. A police clearance from your country of residence and health examinations are required for you and any secondary applicants.

Researchers, scientists, and academics with an internationally recognised body of work — typically demonstrated by peer-reviewed publications, citations, research grants, or awards of international standing. The impact of the research, not merely its volume, is assessed.

Elite athletes and sporting coaches or officials with an internationally recognised record at the highest level of their sport — typically demonstrated by international competition representation, world rankings, or elite-level coaching appointments. Past and current achievements are both assessed.

Artists, performers, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and other creative practitioners with an internationally recognised body of work — demonstrated by critical recognition, major awards, prestigious commissions, or representation in international venues and publications.

Technology entrepreneurs, inventors, and technical leaders with an internationally recognised record of innovation — demonstrated by patents of international significance, recognition in global technology awards, leadership of ventures with international traction, or pioneering contributions to emerging technology fields.

An Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen who has a national reputation in the relevant field. The nominator must be able to attest to your achievements and standing in the field — they should be a peer, senior figure, or recognised authority, not merely a personal reference.

An Australian organisation with a national reputation in the relevant field — for example, a peak sporting body, a major arts institution, a research university, a national academy of science or arts, or a technology industry body. The organisation must be able to speak authoritatively to your standing and achievements.