OpenAustralia

Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858): Cost, Requirements & Processing Time (2026)

The short version

Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) requires a minimum investment of €0 (talent-based (no investment) route), with residency in ~4–8 months and a path to citizenship in 4 years.

Investment routes compared

Route type	Amount (EUR)	Notes	Primary?
Talent-based (no investment)	No financial investment	Proven exceptional achievement in Professions, Sport, Arts, or Academia/Research. State/territory/Australian-organisation endorsement required before application.

At a glance

€0 minimum qualifying investment
~4–8 months expected end-to-end processing
4 years of residence citizenship timeline
No Schengen access travel rights
No minimum stay physical-presence requirement

Physical presence: No minimum stay for the permit. For citizenship path, standard residence rules apply (~4 years lawful, 365+ days as PR).

Official program source · Source: Australian Department of Home Affairs · Last verified Apr 15, 2026 · Verify current rules with an authorized immigration adviser or the destination's consulate before applying.

Next review 2026-07-15.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum investment for the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)?

The minimum qualifying investment is €0. No financial investment required. Invitation-only, based on exceptional achievement in a specific field. Qualifying routes: Talent-based (no investment) (€0) Most applicants use the Talent-based (no investment) route (€0).

How long does the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) take to process?

Expected end-to-end processing is ~4–8 months. Direct-to-PR. Expression of Interest + invitation required before application can be lodged.

Can I get citizenship through the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858), and when?

Citizenship is available after 4 years of legal residence. Standard Australian citizenship pathway from PR.

What is the physical-presence requirement for the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)?

No minimum stay for the permit. For citizenship path, standard residence rules apply (~4 years lawful, 365+ days as PR).

Are my spouse and children included in the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)?

Spouse, minor children, dependent adult children, dependent parents can be included.

Does the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) grant Schengen access?

No. Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) does not by itself grant Schengen-area travel rights.

Is the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) currently open to new applicants?

The programme is currently open. Launched 7 December 2024, replacing the Global Talent Visa (GTV) and Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP).

Who regulates the Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858)?

Australia National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) is administered by Australian Department of Home Affairs. The canonical source is https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/national-innovation-858. Facts last verified 2026-04-15; next review 2026-07-15.

Route type

Amount (EUR)

Notes

Primary?

Talent-based (no investment)

No financial investment

Proven exceptional achievement in Professions, Sport, Arts, or Academia/Research. State/territory/Australian-organisation endorsement required before application.