Visas for innovation

​​​​​​​​​​​After submitting your expression of interest (EOI)

Your EOI will stay in our system for 2 years from the date you submit it. During this time, we may invite you to apply for a National Innovation (subclass 858) visa (NIV).

You cannot provide more documents or update information on your EOI.

Do not submit another EOI unless:

  • there has been a significant change in your circumstances.
  • you have new achievement claims that strengthen your alignment with the exceptional achievement indicators outlined in the National Innovation visa priorities.
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Documents to prepare while waiting for an invitation

Details

While you are waiting for an invitation, we recommend that you start finding an eligible nominator.  

If you receive an invitation to apply for a NIV, your nominator will need to attest to your achievements by completing Nomination for National Innovation visa (Form 1000).    

You must submit your visa application with the Form 1000 completed by your nominator within 60 days of the invitation date. You should find a nominator early to prepare your visa application as soon as you receive an invitation.  

Your nominator must have a national reputation in your area of achievement and must be one of the following:  

       
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If we invite you to apply for a National Innovation (subclass 858) visa

Details

If we invite you to apply for a NIV, you will get a notification by email. The email will include a unique reference identifier and invitation code that you must use when applying for the visa.         

You will have 60 days from the date of your invitation to complete and submit your visa application. We cannot extend the 60-day invitation period.    

We will not accept applications lodged without an invitation or outside of the specified invitation period.    

If you do not apply within 60 days, submit a new EOI to be considered for another invitation. There is no guarantee that you will be invited again.         

Your invitation will include the achievement(s) that formed the basis of your invitation. When you apply for a visa, you must provide evidence of those achievement(s).         

Lodge your visa application and upload your supporting documents online through ImmiAccount.    

For information on visa requirements, see Subclass 858 National Innovation visa.    

For an indication of visa processing times, see Global visa processing times guide.    

    
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If you are not invited to apply for a National Innovation (subclass 858) visa

Details

Submitting an EOI this does not guarantee that we will invite you to apply for a visa.          

We cannot provide updates on the progress of your EOI or tell you whether you are likely to receive an invitation.         

If you do not receive an invitation within 2 years of submitting your EOI, your EOI will expire. After it expires, we will no longer consider your EOI for an invitation. We will notify you by email when your EOI expires.
         

You must submit a new EOI after this period to be considered.         

         
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Bridging visas

Details

If you submit an EOI it does not entitle you to a bridging visa.         

If you need a visa to travel to or stay in Australia while you wait for an invitation, you must apply for another visa. See Explore visa options.         

If you do not meet the requirements for another visa, you will need to leave Australia before your visa expires.         

         
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Withdrawing an EOI

Details

You can withdraw your EOI at any time before it expires or before you are invited to apply for a visa. If you plan to submit a new EOI with updated information, we recommend that you also withdraw any previously submitted EOI(s).        

To withdraw your EOI, email National.Innovation@homeaffairs.gov.au and provide your:        

  • full name
  • date of birth
  • EOI reference number.

Use the email address used to submit your EOI when sending your request.        

We will inform you once we withdraw your EOI.