Creative Professionals

Overview

This pathway is for artists, performers, designers, writers and other creatives whose work is recognised on the world stage — and who want to keep creating, sharing and inspiring from NSW.

You may be eligible for NSW nomination if you:

• Have won major awards or honours in your creative field
• Have exhibited, performed or published work at globally recognised venues or festivals — such as the Venice Biennale, major museums or peak international shows
• Are featured in peak industry publications or high-profile media coverage
• Actively collaborate with other leading creatives, collectives or institutions
• Have a clear plan to contribute to NSW’s creative industries — through new work, performances, exhibitions or mentoring

Eligibility

Exceptional talent and artistic distinction

You must show exceptional talent and a high level of artistic distinction in your creative field — such as music, visual arts, performing arts, literature, design, film or digital media.

Evidence may include:

• Critical acclaim — significant positive reviews or high-profile media coverage
• Prestigious awards or honours in your field
• Exhibitions or performances at renowned national or international venues
• Major publications or creative works that have made a notable impact

National or international recognition

You should show clear recognition and standing at a national or international level within your creative field.

Evidence may include:

• Touring or exhibiting work internationally
• Commissions for significant creative projects
• Recognition by peak national or international arts or cultural bodies

Contribution to NSW’s cultural sector

You must show how your presence and practice will benefit NSW’s arts and cultural scene.

Evidence may include:

• Plans for performances, exhibitions, screenings or publications in NSW
• Intent to collaborate with NSW-based artists or cultural organisations
• Contribution to arts education or community engagement in NSW
• Helping enhance NSW’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination

Innovation and impact in your field

Evidence that you bring innovative approaches, push creative boundaries, or have made a significant impact on your art form or the wider cultural landscape will strengthen your application.

Evidence may include:

• Development of new techniques, styles or forms of expression

Record of professional engagement

You should have a strong record of professional activity in your creative field — such as a consistent exhibition or performance history, a publication record, or involvement in significant cultural projects.

Endorsements

Letters of support from respected figures in the NSW, national or international arts and cultural community are essential — these should confirm your exceptional talent and potential contribution to NSW.

How to get started

To be considered for NSW nomination, you must follow this three-stage process.

Stage 1: Check you are eligible

First, you need to confirm you meet the criteria for a nomination pathway.

• This page explains the criteria for the Creative Professional pathway.
• If you are not a creative professional, read our Pathways page to find your correct pathway.

Stage 2: Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)

When you are sure you are eligible, you can submit a Registration of Interest (ROI). An ROI formally tells us you would like to be considered for nomination.

• Fill it out carefully. You cannot change your ROI after you submit it. Make sure everything is accurate.
• One at a time. You can only have one active ROI with us at a time.
• It’s valid for six months. Your ROI will be considered for up to six months.

You can read our Guide to Registering Your Interest for more detailed help.

Stage 3: Apply if invited

If we invite your ROI, we will email you a link to apply for nomination.

• Prepare your evidence early. Your application must include documents that prove the claims you made in your ROI. We advise you to start gathering this evidence now.

Other visa pathways

If NSW nomination for the National Innovation Visa isn’t right for you, there are other visa options for skilled professionals wanting to live and work in NSW. These include:

• Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
• Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nomination visa (subclass 190)
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)

For a full list of available visa options, see the visa finder on the Home Affairs website.