Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858): Are You Eligible for Australia's Elite Pathway in 2026?

Important Update: As of December 6, 2024, the Global Talent Visa has been rebranded as the National Innovation Visa (NIV)-but it remains Subclass 858 and follows a similar structure. This guide covers everything you need to know about this premium pathway.

What Makes This Visa Different

The Global Talent / National Innovation Visa is for individuals who have already achieved exceptional recognition in their field-not those who simply meet standard occupation requirements.

---

The Two-Tier Priority Sectors (2025-2026)

The government has structured target sectors into priority tiers:

Tier One (Highest Priority)

Tier Two

Note: Tier One sectors receive processing priority, but Tier Two applications are still welcome and processed.

---

Eligibility Criteria

1. Internationally Recognised Achievement

You must demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievement in your field. Evidence includes:

The key question the Department asks: "Is this person among the very best in their field globally?"

2. Salary Threshold

You must demonstrate current earnings or the ability to attract salary at or above the Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT):

How to demonstrate this:

• Current employment contract or payslips
• Job offer from an Australian employer
• Evidence of comparable salaries for your role in Australia
• For recent PhD graduates: earning potential is considered

3. Nominator Requirement

Unlike employer-sponsored visas, you only need a nominator-not a job offer or sponsorship.

What the nominator does:

• Completes Form 1000
• Attests to your exceptional achievements
• Confirms you are a talent in your field
• Does NOT need to offer you a job
• Does NOT pay any fees

Who makes a good nominator?

• Senior professors or department heads at Australian universities
• CEOs or directors of major Australian companies in your sector
• Government research agencies (CSIRO, etc.)
• Peak industry bodies
• Successful Australian entrepreneurs in your field

4. English Language

The requirement is functional English only-much lower than other skilled visas (see our English Test Comparison Guide for the full breakdown):

If you can't demonstrate functional English, you can still apply but will pay a second instalment fee (~$4,890).

5. Age

The visa is not closed to those over 55-you just need stronger evidence of your contribution.

---

The Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Your Evidence Package

Before anything else, compile comprehensive evidence of your achievements:

Step 2: Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

Submit your EOI through ImmiAccount:

• Outline your achievements and expertise
• Explain how you fit the target sectors
• Provide nominator details
• Demonstrate your potential contribution to Australia

EOI is free and serves as your initial introduction to the Department.

Step 3: Receive Invitation

If the Department considers you a strong candidate:

• You'll receive an invitation with a unique reference number
• You have 60 days to lodge your full visa application
• Invitations are issued based on merit and sector priority

Step 4: Lodge Visa Application

Submit your complete application through ImmiAccount:

• All supporting documents
• Health and character clearances
• Visa application fee

Step 5: Decision

The Department processes your application and issues a decision.

---

Processing Times

Tip: Strong applications with clear evidence, prominent nominators, and Tier 1 sector alignment are processed fastest.

---

Costs

Visa Fees

Additional Costs

---

Real-World Examples: Who Gets This Visa?

Example 1: AI Researcher

• PhD from top international university
• Published 50+ papers with 5,000+ citations
• Developed AI algorithms used by major tech companies
• Invited speaker at NeurIPS, ICML
• Nominated by Australian university professor

Example 2: Biotech Entrepreneur

• Founded company that developed patented cancer treatment
• Raised $20M+ in venture capital
• Multiple medical device patents
• Featured in Forbes "30 Under 30"
• Nominated by Australian biotech industry body

Example 3: FinTech Executive

• CTO of major digital bank
• Led development of payment platform processing billions annually
• Multiple fintech patents
• Board positions at industry associations
• Nominated by Australian FinTech organisation

Example 4: Renewable Energy Engineer

• Designed solar farms generating 500MW+
• 15+ years experience with major international firms
• Published research on grid integration
• Industry awards for sustainability innovation
• Nominated by Australian energy company

---

Common Questions

I'm a software engineer-can I apply?

Standard software engineers typically don't qualify. This visa is for:

• Leads/architects at major tech companies (Google, Meta, etc.)
• Founders of successful tech startups
• Published researchers in computer science
• Developers of widely-used open source projects

The key is exceptional achievement, not just skill.

Can I apply from overseas?

Yes! You can apply from anywhere in the world. You can also apply while in Australia on any visa.

What if I don't know anyone in Australia?

Finding a nominator is often the biggest challenge. Consider:

• Reaching out to Australian academics who cite your work
• Contacting industry bodies in your sector
• Networking at international conferences with Australian representation
• Engaging a migration agent with nominator networks

Can my family come with me?

Yes! You can include:

• Spouse/de facto partner
• Dependent children (any age if dependent)
• Partners receive full work rights
• Children can access education

Is there a quota?

Historically, around 5,000-8,500 places were allocated annually to the Global Talent program. The National Innovation Visa continues this allocation within the overall migration program.

---

Tips for a Strong Application

1. Lead with Your Best Evidence

Front-load your application with your most impressive achievements. The case officer should understand your calibre within the first few documents.

2. Get a Prominent Nominator

A nominator with genuine national reputation significantly strengthens your application. A professor at a Group of Eight university or CEO of an ASX-listed company carries weight.

3. Align to Priority Sectors

Frame your expertise within the target sectors, especially Tier 1 if applicable. Show how your work contributes to Australia's strategic interests.

4. Demonstrate Australian Connection

Show why you want to come to Australia specifically:

• Potential employers or collaborators
• Research facilities or industry clusters
• Market opportunities for your innovation

5. Be Realistic

This visa is genuinely for exceptional individuals. If you're not sure whether you qualify, a preliminary assessment with a migration agent can save time and money.

---

How First Migration Can Help

The Global Talent / National Innovation Visa requires strategic presentation of your achievements and careful selection of a nominator. At First Migration Service Centre, we specialise in high-value migration pathways and can:

• Assess your eligibility against the program criteria
• Connect you with potential nominators through our professional networks
• Prepare your EOI submission to maximise invitation chances
• Compile your evidence package to highlight your strongest achievements
• Manage your visa application through to grant

Think you might qualify for Australia's elite pathway? We invite you to submit a free visa assessment and discover if the Global Talent / National Innovation Visa is right for you.