On Thursday, 16 October 2025, the Department of Home Affairs hosted an information session for members on the Subclass 858 National Innovation Visa (NIV).
The session provided updates on program priorities, invitation processing, and recent statistics on Expressions of Interest (EOIs).
Program Overview:
| Feature | Details |
| Visa Name | National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) |
| Program Type | Invitation-only |
| Target Group | High-calibre, exceptional talent applicants |
| Assessment Basis | Indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement and alignment with Ministerial Direction 112 (MD 112) |
| Program Goal | To attract individuals contributing to Australia’s innovation and priority sectors |
Program Statistics
| Metric | Count |
| EOIs submitted | 9,000+ |
| Invitations issued | 304 |
| Visas granted | ~85 |
Candidates are invited according to the following:
- Priority 1 and 2 candidates are invited as soon as they are identified.
- Priority 3 and 4 candidates are invited on a monthly basis.
Information on the number of invitations issued is available on the Department’s website and is updated quarterly. Information on issued invitations is available on the Department’s website and is updated quarterly. Once an EOI is submitted, it cannot be edited or withdrawn. If an applicant’s situation changes to strengthen their case, a new EOI must be lodged with updated details.
Key Takeaways:
- The NIV remains a highly selective and limited program focused on attracting top-tier global talent.
- MD 112 defines the priority sectors and achievement indicators used to assess applicants.
- The Department continues to refine its invitation and processing framework for efficiency and transparency.
Click here: Department of Home Affairs- National Innovation Visa
