The future is in NSW — are you?

Overview

The National Innovation visa (subclass 858) (NIV) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented people from around the world. These people help create jobs and drive productivity in key sectors of Australia’s economy.

The visa seeks established and emerging leaders with high-calibre talent and skills who can make significant contributions to Australia’s future prosperity.

This includes:

• Global researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Innovative investors
• Athletes and creatives

You can read about everything the National Innovation visa offers to holders on the Home Affairs website.

Why seek NSW Government nomination?

NSW nomination is a strategic advantage for the state to attract the world’s top talent. Here’s what sets you apart if you’re nominated:

Priority

NSW Government nomination gives Priority 2 consideration with Home Affairs.

Prestige

Our nomination process is deliberately rigorous — your application is reviewed holistically by domain experts and may include an endorsement from a recognised leader in your field.

Partnership

NSW Government see ourselves as your first strategic partner in Australia. We’ll stay connected and help you build local networks and opportunities so you can make your strongest contribution here.

Explore your pathway

No two exceptional people are the same — that’s why NSW’s National Innovation visa nomination framework offers five distinct pathways, tailored to the goals and impact of academic and researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creatives and sports professionals.

Whether you’re driving cutting-edge research, scaling a disruptive venture, fueling innovation with smart capital, shaping culture or competing in sport at the highest level — there’s a clear path for you.

• Researchers and Academics: Your research has global impact — let’s accelerate it in NSW.
• Entrepreneurs: You don’t fit in a box — neither does our nomination. Bring your vision and scale your business in NSW.
• Innovative Investors: Invest more than just capital — become a strategic partner in NSW’s startup ecosystem.
• Sports Professionals: Compete at the highest level — build your legacy in Australia’s sporting powerhouse.
• Creative Professionals: Your work defines culture — create your next chapter in NSW’s vibrant arts sector.

Explore our NSW nomination pathways.

How to get started

To be considered for NSW nomination for the National Innovation visa, you’ll need to follow a clear process:

Check if you meet the criteria for your pathway: Ensure you review what each pathway looks for — and that you can support the information you provide with evidence. Read more about our nomination Pathways.

Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI): Your ROI tells us you’d like to be considered for nomination. It’s a detailed form — once you submit it, you won’t be able to change it, so ensure it’s accurate and complete. Read our Guide to registering your interest for NSW nomination.

Apply if you’re invited: If your ROI is shortlisted, we’ll invite you to submit a full nomination application. You’ll then need to provide detailed evidence for everything you said in your ROI — so prepare early.

You can only have one active ROI at a time, and it stays valid for six months — so take your time, read the steps, and don’t submit until you’re ready.

See our full step-by-step Guide to registering your interest.

More about NSW nomination

For answers to frequently asked questions about the NSW nomination process, please see our Common questions page.