South Australia Opens National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) Nominations

What is the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)?

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) is a permanent residency visa for individuals with an internationally recognised record of achievement in their field. It is available to applicants both in and outside Australia and does not require sponsorship from an Australian employer or family member.

Key benefits include:

• Direct access to Australian PR

• No age limit

• No points test

• Fast-tracked processing for the best global talent

Common eligible fields include:

• Technology and innovation

• Scientific research

• Business and entrepreneurship

• Arts and design

• Health and medical leadership

• Academic and intellectual achievement

South Australia’s Nomination Categories for NIV

Under the Department of Home Affairs’ current Global Talent visa processing priorities, candidates with a state government nomination, such as one from South Australia are classified as Priority 2. This places them before other general applicants in Priority 3, 4 and 5, giving their Expression of Interest (EOI) a significantly higher chance of faster assessment and invitation in comparison.

In practical terms, this means that submitting a strong ROI to South Australia and securing a nomination can considerably accelerate your journey through the competitive National Innovation Visa pathway. It also gives weight to your application by signaling state-level endorsement, which is increasingly valued in the Department’s review process.

To apply under South Australia’s program, your profile must align with one of the following five nomination pathways:

1. Global Researchers & Thought Leaders

Open to applicants with:

• National or international research grants

• Patents, peer-reviewed publications, or citations

• Prestigious speaking invitations

• High-impact academic credentials (e.g., PhD)

2. Entrepreneurs

You may be eligible if you:

• Have a venture ready for commercialisation

• Are building a startup with economic impact in South Australia

• Hold equity in a growing business or innovation-driven enterprise

3. Innovative Investors

This pathway is for individuals who:

• Have a track record of funding innovation

• Led companies to IPO or successful exits

• Plan to invest in South Australian growth sectors

4. Creative Talent

Open to creatives who have:

• International awards or recognition

• Significant media presence or exhibitions

• A portfolio with demonstrable commercial or cultural impact

5. Other Globally Talented Individuals

For profiles that don’t fit neatly into the above but still demonstrate exceptional global merit.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how to begin your South Australia NIV nomination:

1. Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)

   Through the Move to South Australia portal, outlining your achievements, future plans, and why South Australia.

2. Assessment & Shortlisting

   SA may invite you for further clarification or interview if shortlisted.

3. Nomination & Support

   If successful, you’ll receive:

   • Form 1000 (nomination confirmation)

   • A tailored business case support letter

4. Lodge Your EOI to the Department of Home Affairs

   Submit your EOI with the provided documents. Once invited, proceed to lodge your Subclass 858 Visa Application.

More information can be found on South Australia Official website: Click Here

Why Now?

With state nomination programs reopening and momentum building across the National Innovation Visa pathway, now is the best time to position your profile ahead of the curve.

We’re already seeing a fresh wave of new invitations being issued, including for entrepreneurs, investors, and senior industry leaders.

By submitting your ROI early:

• You increase your chances of being considered in the first rounds of nominations

• You position yourself at the front of the queue as the volume of applications grows

• You gain the advantage of tailored nomination support that makes your application stand out

Australia’s commitment to attracting global talent has never been stronger. This is a golden window for high-calibre individuals to secure permanent residency through the NIV.

Need Expert Help?

At Ten Heads Immigration, we’ve already helped numerous FinTech entrepreneurs, healthcare leaders, and global researchers move through the NIV/Global Talent (SC858) process—from EOI to visa grant.

Think your profile fits?

Book a confidential discovery session with our expert Migration Agent today.