South Australia Opens Nomination for National Innovation Visa (NIV)

A New Pathway to Australian PR

Whether you are a global researcher, entrepreneur, innovative investor, creative talent, or other internationally recognised individual, you may now apply for nomination under the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) through the South Australian Government.

Basic Eligibility – Department of Home Affairs Requirements

Applicants must meet the following core requirements:

• Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in one of the following areas:

  • A profession (e.g., science, technology, business, etc.)

  • Sports

  • Arts

  • Academia and research

• No age limit; however, applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate that they would provide an exceptional benefit to the Australian community.

• Must be nominated by an eligible nominator.

Five Nomination Categories

1. Global Researchers & Thought Leaders

Target applicants: Experts with international recognition in academia, research, or professional fields.

Supporting evidence may include:

• National-level research funding or project grants (Australian or international)

• Recent keynote speaker invitations at leading international academic conferences

• Internationally recognized intellectual property (e.g., registered global patents)

• High-impact research outputs, such as:

  • Publications in top-tier journals in the relevant field

  • A high h-index appropriate for career stage

  • A PhD from a globally ranked top 100 university (e.g., Times Higher Education World Rankings)

2. Entrepreneurs

Target applicants: Entrepreneurs with business experience or plans to launch an innovative business in South Australia.

Must demonstrate:

• That your entrepreneurial activity will result in either:

  • Commercialization of a product or service in South Australia; or

  • Establishment of a business with high economic impact in the state

Additional expectations:

• Deep understanding and relevant experience with your product/service

• Readiness to establish a sustainable, high-growth business in South Australia

• Core operations, staffing, and assets based in South Australia

• No minimum capital investment is required

3. Innovative Investors

Target applicants: Investors with a proven track record of successful investments or company IPO leadership.

Must meet at least one of the following:

• Backed a successful and innovative business

• Played a leadership role in an internationally recognised IPO

Evidence may include:

• Investment agreements or shareholding documents

• Documentation of the investment’s economic outcomes in SA (e.g., job creation, product launch)

Important Notes:

• Managed fund investments will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and must demonstrate:

  • Past contribution to South Australia’s economy

  • Clear future investment plans in the state

• The following are not considered innovative investments:

  • Cafés or restaurants

  • Consulting or recruitment agencies

  • Franchise businesses

  • Acquisition of existing businesses

  • Property development or rental management

  • Retail operations

• No minimum capital investment is required

4. Creatives

Target applicants: Individuals with internationally recognised achievements in arts, performance, design, film, or similar fields.

Must provide evidence of:

• International awards or notable public recognition (e.g., exhibitions, performances, certificates)

5. Other Globally Talented Individuals

Target applicants: Individuals not fitting the above categories, but with outstanding global achievements in other fields such as sports, emerging technologies, or social impact.

Must demonstrate:

• Internationally recognised accomplishments, positions, awards, or influence

• Applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis with flexibility for outstanding talent

NIV Registration of Interest (ROI) Document Checklist

Applicants must submit the following documents when lodging their ROI. Only provide the documents requested. Do not upload unnecessary files.

1. Proof of Identity

• Valid passport bio-data page (must include photo, full name, DOB, and passport number)

• If applicable, include the passport biodata page of your accompanying spouse/partner

2. Current Australian Visa Details (if applicable)

• Grant notification letter of your current Australian visa

3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Maximum of four (4) pages, outlining:

  • Educational background

  • Employment history

  • Professional skills and achievements

  • Awards, publications, or presentations

4. Academic Qualifications

• Degree certificates and/or academic transcripts relevant to your nomination category

• If qualifications were obtained in Australia, include:

  • Transcripts; or

  • Official letter from the education provider stating:

    • Completion date of the qualification

    • Total course duration

    • Campus location

5. Employment Evidence (if applicable)

If currently employed or have a job offer from a South Australian employer, provide:

Current Employment Letter

• Position title and key responsibilities

• Salary and weekly working hours

• Start and end date, and work location

• Must be on company letterhead, signed by a supervisor or HR, with contact details

Job Offer Letter from SA Employer (if applicable)

• Position title, duties, salary, working hours

• Start date, location, duration of employment

• Must be signed by HR/supervisor with contact details

6. Proof of Residence (if applicable)

If currently residing in South Australia, submit one of the following documents in your name:

• A valid residential tenancy agreement

• Utility bill or council rate notice from the last 6 months (e.g., water, electricity, gas)

• Vehicle registration certificate

The following documents are not accepted:

• Driver’s license

• Mobile phone bills

• Statutory declarations in place of rental agreements

7. Authorisation to Act (if applicable)

• If using a migration agent, include Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent/legal practitioner

8. Letter of Support (if applicable)

• Letter of support from a South Australian government agency encouraging submission of a NIV ROI (optional)

Application Process Overview

Prepare Your Documents

Refer to the above checklist and ensure all supporting documents are in English or translated by a certified translator.

Submit ROI (Registration of Interest)

Lodge an online ROI through the Skilled & Business Migration Portal.

Await Selection & Interview Invitation

Applications will be screened. Shortlisted candidates may receive an interview invitation.

Receive Nomination

If successful, you will be issued Form 1000 and a letter of support for your visa application.

Submit EOI and Visa Application

Proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and apply for the Subclass 858 visa via the Department of Home Affairs.