The National Innovation Visa (NIV) (Subclass 858) is an invitation-only program for exceptionally talented and internationally recognised individuals, such as global experts, entrepreneurs, researchers, and creative professionals. The visa pathway is highly competitive, assessing applicants based on their outstanding achievements and alignment with the program’s priorities as guided by Ministerial Direction 112 (MD 112).

Decoding the Invitation Priority System – MD 112

The Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) uses a clear priority processing matrix to assess Expression of Interest (EOI) and issue invitations:

Priority	Talent	Nominator	Sector	Invitation Frequency
One	Global experts and recipients of international 'top of field' level awards	Any	Any	Invited as soon as identified
Two	Nominated by relevant government agency with a provided business case for exceptional talent	Expert government agency	Any	Invited as soon as identified
Three	Exceptional and outstanding achievements	Any	Tier 1 Sector	Invited monthly
Four	Exceptional and outstanding achievements	Any	Tier 2 Sector	Invited monthly

As of October 2025, the NIV (SC 858) has:

Over 9,000 EOIs have been submitted since the program has commenced.
Only 304 invitations have been issued.
Approximately 85 visas have been granted.

Read our clients’ testimonials on Agape Henry Crux and Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law, Jason Ling.

Contact us for professional assistance with your National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) pathway. Book a Migration Planning Session with one of our immigration lawyers or Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310-5230 or emailing us to book a time at info@ahclawyers.com.

We speak fluent English, Mandarin and Cantonese. If these aren’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.

Client Testimonials

….we call it Support Network

As navigating through the immigration law process may be difficult, our former clients have agreed to share their experiences through telephone chats, emails and meetings in person.

These are their stories…

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