Australia replaces Global Talent Visa with invitation-only National Innovation Visa

In a significant overhaul of its skilled migration program, the Australian government has introduced a new National Innovation Visa. Importantly, this new visa stream is stricter and has a narrower focus than its predecessor. Here’s what you need to know. 

The National Innovation Visa is an invitation-only permanent visa program that is replacing the former Global Talent Visa.

Launched on December 7, it is designed to attract individuals with internationally recognised achievements in critical areas such as advanced robotics, clean energy, and quantum computing. 

Applications submitted under the Global Talent Visa before December 7 will still be processed according to the previous criteria.

Some of the ’emerging leaders’ the federal government has specified it is looking for include entrepreneurs, ‘innovative investors’, global researchers, athletes and creatives.

How to apply for the National Innovation Visa

Unlike its predecessor, the National Innovation Visa operates on a stricter invitation-only basis that focuses on talent across key industries.  

Applicants must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Department of Home Affairs. Invitations to apply for the visa are extended based on a candidate’s alignment with priority fields and their record of achievements. 

Applicants must also secure a nominator with a ‘national reputation’ in their field to validate their achievements.

According to the federal government, this reform is part of a broader migration strategy to modernise the visa system, address workforce shortages, and enhance Australia’s economic resilience and innovation.

“As a government, we are focused on targeting skilled migration to address our workforce needs while promoting worker mobility,” Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said. 

“The new visa programs reshape temporary and permanent skilled migration to drive long-term prosperity and support Australia to attract and retain the best and brightest.”

According to the government, there are no age limits for applicants, and English language requirements are flexible.

EOIs can also be submitted by individuals already in Australia on temporary visas, or from overseas. 

What happens if you receive an invitation?

Successful applicants receive permanent residency, granting them the ability to work and study in Australia, access public healthcare through Medicare, and sponsor family members. 

Once an applicant receives an invitation, they have 60 days to submit their visa application via their ImmiAccount. 

Invitations are valid for up to two years from the time of the EOI submission, providing flexibility for applicants. 

How much does the National Innovation Visa cost?

The visa comes with a processing fee starting at $4,840.

It’s worth noting that the Department of Home Affairs has stated in its FAQs that if applicants “do not have at least functional English” they must pay a second instalment of the visa application charge.

National Innovation Visa priority areas and sectors 

The National Innovation Visa has a particular focus on attracting talent in critical fields. Priority for invitations will be given to:

• Recipients of internationally prestigious awards, such as Nobel Prizes, Fields Medals, Booker Prizes, and Olympic gold medals.
• Individuals endorsed by Australian government agencies at the state, territory, or federal level.
• Talent in critical technologies such as renewables, low-emission technologies, and the health sector.
• Experts in fields such as agrifood, defence, space, fintech, quantum computing and infrastructure.

“There’s a global race to attract the best science and tech workers to give industry an edge, these new visas put Australia in the best position to attract the right people to work hand-in-glove with our own world-class researchers,” Minister Husic said.

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