Supporting documents for NSW nomination

Overview

This page explains what evidence you’ll need to provide if you’re invited to apply for NSW nomination for the National Innovation visa (subclass 858). It sets out the types of documents we expect — from proof of your achievements to endorsements and your plan for contributing to NSW.

We strongly recommend preparing this evidence before you submit your Registration of Interest (ROI), so you’re ready if invited.

What to prepare

Below you’ll find what everyone needs to show, plus extra evidence you’ll need for your specific pathway.

Note: If any of your documents are not in English, you must provide a certified translation.

General requirements

Everyone applying for NSW nomination must upload these documents:

• A clear scan of your current passport bio page (add this to your form mapping too!)
• One written reference or letter of support from someone who can speak to your professional achievements, talent or alignment with NSW’s priorities
• A second written reference or letter of support from another trusted source who knows your work and can vouch for you

Your referees should be credible — for example, senior colleagues, mentors, supervisors or leaders in your field.

Researchers and academics

If you’re applying under the Researchers & Academics pathway, you’ll need to upload the following:

• Your current CV with your full publication list — include conference papers, grants and appointments if relevant. Highlight any high impact or frequently cited work.
• Recent grant award letters or research funding agreements — to show competitive funding you’ve received.
• Evidence of your engagement with a NSW-based university, research organisation or industry partner — this might be a letter of support, an MoU or a confirming email.
• PDF copies of 1–3 of your key publications, or your full citations — choose papers that best show your impact or alignment with NSW research priorities.
• Any letters of interest or collaborative emails showing your connection with an NSW university, lab or research partner.
• Any other documents that help strengthen your application — for example, media coverage, extra letters of support, or proof of research impact that doesn’t fit the other categories.

Entrepreneurs

If you’re applying under the Entrepreneur pathway, you’ll need to upload:

• Your current investor or product pitch deck — this should clearly explain your value proposition, business model, traction, team and go-to-market plan.
• A capitalisation table or equivalent document showing your company’s current ownership structure — include equity splits and any external investors.
• Documents showing market traction — for example, revenue reports, user growth metrics, analytics dashboards, contracts or letters of intent.
• Proof of funding you’ve already secured — such as signed term sheets, SAFE notes, investment agreements or bank transfer records.
• Any documentation that shows how you’ve engaged with the NSW startup ecosystem — like meeting records, incubator applications, or emails with NSW-based investors or accelerators.
• Media coverage, awards or third-party recognition that validates your venture’s impact or public profile.
• Any other documents that help strengthen your application — for example, extra press, letters of support or proof of impact that doesn’t fit another category.

Innovative investors

If you’re applying under the Innovative Investor pathway, you’ll need to upload:

• Proof of your past investments — for example, deal memos, investment contracts or screenshots of your portfolio holdings.
• Evidence of your personal involvement in supported ventures — like board minutes, advisory agreements or shareholder communications.
• Details of your NSW deal pipeline — this might include pitch decks, early-stage deal memos or due diligence notes.
• Documents outlining how your investment capital is structured — such as a fund overview, SPV documentation or proof of personal capital.
• Any NSW-specific material that shows your local connections — for example, early-stage opportunities, introductions via Investment NSW or meeting notes with NSW-based startups or funds.
• Media coverage, awards or industry recognition that highlights your success and credibility as an investor.
• Any other documents that help strengthen your application — for example, extra proof of impact, letters of support or evidence that doesn’t fit another category.

Sports professionals

If you’re applying under the Sports Professional pathway, you’ll need to upload:

• Evidence of your sporting achievements — such as international or national rankings, competition results, medals or championship records.
• Proof of NSW invitations or interest — for example, a club contract, coaching offer, letter of intent, or other documentation showing a NSW-based team or institution wants to work with you.
• A letter of support or reference from a recognised sporting organisation, national body or professional coach — confirming your elite performance and potential contribution to NSW.
• Any media coverage or public profile evidence — like articles, interviews or broadcast clips that highlight your sporting achievements and professional reputation.
• Any other documents that help strengthen your application — such as extra letters of support, proof of impact or any material that doesn’t fit the other categories.

Creative professionals

If you’re applying under the Creative Professional pathway, you’ll need to upload:

• Examples of your creative work — such as a portfolio, showreel, recordings or an exhibition catalogue. Include a short explanation if it helps put your work in context.
• Any awards, grants, residencies or public recognition that highlight your contribution to the creative sector.
• Evidence of your connection to NSW’s creative industries — for example, a letter of interest, co-production agreement, festival invitation or email from a local collaborator.
• A short artist statement or project outline that explains your creative focus, background and what you plan to develop next.
• Any media coverage, reviews or interviews that showcase your work or public profile.

• Any other documents that help strengthen your application — for example, extra proof of impact, letters of support or material that doesn’t fit another category.