Great news for global talent! The NSW Government has officially opened its nomination pathway for the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV) – a prestigious permanent visa program designed to attract the world’s most exceptional professionals across five high-impact sectors.
Whether you’re a pioneering researcher, a successful entrepreneur, a top-tier athlete, a leading creative, or a proven innovative investor, NSW is now actively seeking nominations from individuals with outstanding achievements who can contribute to its future economy and innovation ecosystem.
What Is the National Innovation Visa?
The Subclass 858 NIV, also known as the Global Talent Visa, is a permanent residency visa for individuals who are internationally recognised in their field. With a NSW nomination, applicants can benefit from:
- Priority visa processing
- Tailored state support during the nomination
- Access to NSW’s thriving innovation ecosystem
This visa is ideal for professionals who have a global reputation for excellence and a clear intention to live and work in Australia.
NSW Nomination Program: Key Features
As of July 2025, NSW is accepting Registrations of Interest (ROIs) for Subclass 858 through a competitive and merit-based selection process. Here’s what you need to know:
- One ROI submission every six months – choose your pathway carefully
- Once submitted ROIs cannot be edited
- Shortlisted candidates have 21 days to lodge a full nomination application with comprehensive supporting documents
- Assessment is holistic – NSW evaluates candidates based on international recognition, demonstrated excellence, potential impact and alignment with state priorities, rather than using a point-based system.
Five Talent Pathways – Which One Fits You?
NSW is looking to nominate candidates under the following professional streams:
1. Researchers & Academics
Are you conducting high-impact research in fields aligned with NSW’s strategic needs? Key selection criteria include:
- Competitive research grants
- Peer-reviewed publications
- Patents and academic awards
- Research collaborations and partnerships
2. Entrepreneurs
If you’ve founded or led scalable, innovative ventures, NSW wants to hear from you. You’ll need:
- A proven business track record
- Clear commercialisation plans
- Market traction or early success
- Relevance to NSW’s innovation goals
3. Innovative Investors
Investors with a focus on innovation and tech are encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates will have:
- A solid investment history in startups
- Mentorship or advisory roles
- Tangible contributions to the NSW innovation ecosystem
4. Sports Professionals
For elite athletes, coaches, or sports scientists, your international or national achievements and plans to contribute to NSW sport are key.
5. Creative Professionals
Exceptional creatives in areas like:
- Film, literature, design, digital media, or the arts
- Evidence of cultural contribution and international recognition
- Plans for ongoing engagement with NSW’s creative sector
Ready to Apply? Key Next Steps
- Choose the most suitable pathway for your background
- Prepare your documentation early, especially if you plan to submit soon
- Submit your ROI via the official NSW NIV platform – remember, only one ROI every six months
- Act quickly if invited – you’ll only have 21 days to submit a full application
- Seek professional legal advice to enhance your chances of success
How Brightstone Migration Can Support Your NIV Application
At Brightstone Legal, we specialise in high-stakes, high-potential migration matters. Our team has extensive expertise in managing complex applications and delivering results.
Our services include:
- Eligibility assessment – helping you choose the right NSW nomination stream
- Pre-ROI preparation – strategic guidance, document review and professional drafting
- Post-invitation support – complete application handling, endorsements, evidence preparation and compliance advice
Should you or anyone you know face a complex immigration situation that demands meticulous legal manoeuvring, we stand ready to offer our unparalleled expertise and personalised assistance.
Contact Brightstone Migration today for a consultation. Whether you are a student, worker, partner or parent, we are here to help you turn your migration goals into reality.
Need to consult with us? Book an appointment today.
Our team will give you expert advice that has been specifically tailored to your case.
Related news
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National Innovation Visa: NSW Sets the Bar for World-Class Talent
How we will help
Free Assessment
Please call us or fill in the questionnaire here for a free initial assessment. After a simple communication, we will understand your concerns and visa requirements in detail, and then provide a timely and comprehensive professional consultation with tailor-made plans.
Consultation
Our consultations are typically 45-60 minutes long, which allows us to provide you with a detailed strategy to address the needs and concerns you raised with us during the initial call.
Our fee is $400 + GST for the full session. You can book in a consultation by calling us, emailing us or filling in the Contact Us form.
Developing and Managing a Strategy
During our consultation session, we will go through in more detail your background and circumstances to ensure that we can provide a tailored solution to your problems and making sure that you meet all the legal requirements. If we notice any potential issues, we will also immediately formulate a solution.
We’ll also balance time required, cost and difficulty and allow you choose the most appropriate strategy. We will then attend to all visa application matters on your behalf.