The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) program is an invitation-only pathway to Australian permanent residence managed by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. It is designed for individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in fields such as research, entrepreneurship, innovation, the arts or sport.
What is a Northern Territory Government nomination?
The Department of Home Affairs must invite you to apply for this visa.
The Department of Home Affairs is prioritising invitations for candidates nominated by expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agencies. The NT Government through MigrationNT may provide eligible candidates with a nomination. The NT Government uses a referral-only nomination model, ensuring nominations are targeted, high-calibre and aligned with NT priorities.
Receiving a nomination from the NT Government does not guarantee a successful invitation or visa outcome. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for issuing invitations and granting of visas.
Northern Territory Government nomination requirements
MigrationNT does not accept nomination requests directly from individual candidates.
All candidates must have a referral from an eligible NT-based organisation which is relevant to or operating in the same or a closely related field to the candidate’s area of expertise. Eligible NT-based organisations may include:
- peak bodies;
- Government agencies;
- based venture capital funds, accelerators or incubators; and
- research and education institutions.
The eligible NT based organisation may refer candidates to MigrationNT for nomination if they are satisfied the candidate has an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field and their proposed activities align with NT priorities.
NT nomination preference will be provided to candidates whose work supports one or more of the following NT Priority sectors:
- gas, mining and resources
- defence and aerospace
- tourism and creative industries
- agriculture, ag-tech and food innovation and
- renewables and low-emissions technologies.
For grant of a National Innovation Visa, candidates must also ensure they can satisfy the requirements of Department of Home Affairs.
Northern Territory Government nomination step-by-step guide
Step 1: Engage with an eligible NT-based organisation
Candidates must first establish genuine engagement with an eligible NT based organisation which is relevant to or operating in the same or a closely related field to the candidate’s area of expertise.
Step 2: Assessment and referral by an eligible NT-based organisation
Referrals must be sent to MigrationNT via email to migration@nt.gov.au directly by the eligible NT-based organisation (not the candidate) and include a signed letter on the organisation’s official letterhead which outlines:
- the candidate’s internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field;
- how the candidate remains prominent in their field;
- expected contribution to the NT (i.e. innovation, capability, research, investment, workforce or cultural benefit);
- the candidate’s ability to establish themselves in Australia (i.e. demonstrate that they would be able to find work or become independently established in the NT in their industry or area of expertise without difficulty); and
- the candidate’s commitment to reside in or maintain a substantial presence in the NT.
Step 3: MigrationNT assessment and NT Government nomination outcome
If the referral is supported, MigrationNT will contact the candidate directly for any further documentation required in support of the nomination request.
MigrationNT will review the referral and nomination request against:
- NT Government nomination requirements and priorities; and
- Department of Home Affairs requirements for grant of a National Innovation Visa - MigrationNT will only consider nomination referrals for candidates who meet the Department of Home Affairs indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement which may include internationally recognised awards, major research contributions, innovative investment activity, intellectual property, entrepreneurial success, or elite sporting or creative distinction in line with Ministerial Direction No. 112.
If successful, MigrationNT will issue the candidate with a completed Form 1000 and letter of support which enable them to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a National Innovation Visa with the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 4: Submission of Expression of Interest (EOI) to Department of Home Affairs
The candidate must submit an Expression of Interest through the Department of Home Affairs.
Receiving a nomination from the NT Government does not guarantee an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs to apply for the National Innovation Visa. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for assessing EOIs and issuing invitations.
Candidates nominated by the NT Government are classified as Priority Two by the Department of Home Affairs, meaning their EOI applications receive priority consideration only.
Step 5: Invitation to apply for the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858)
If the EOI is approved by the Department of Home Affairs, the applicant will receive a formal invitation to from Home Affairs to lodge a National Innovation Visa application.
Receiving an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs does not guarantee a successful visa outcome. The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for granting of visas.
Important Notes
- The NT Government does not issue invitations or visas.
- The program is highly selective with limited national places and no jurisdiction specific allocation.
- Criteria may be updated periodically to reflect NT priorities.