Welcome to our National Innovation Visa (NIV) Series. Over the next ten weeks, we are publishing a dedicated article each week to explore one of Australia’s most exciting permanent migration pathways — the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858), formerly known as the Global Talent Visa Program. Each article will focus on one of the visa’s ten priority sectors, offering practical insights, policy-backed detail, and real examples to help you understand whether you qualify. This week, we begin with one of the most dynamic areas — DigiTech.
The National Innovation Visa is designed to attract globally recognised talent to drive growth in Australia’s future industries. It is a permanent residency visa that offers streamlined access to individuals with exceptional skills in one of ten government-identified priority sectors.
Resources
Agri-food and AgTech
Energy
Health Industries
Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space
Circular Economy
DigiTech
Infrastructure and Tourism
Financial Services and FinTech
Education
Australia is scaling up its digital economy. The government recognises that to remain competitive globally, it must attract top talent in cutting-edge technologies. That is why DigiTech is one of the core focus areas of the National Innovation Visa.
The following specialisations are listed in official migration policy as high priority: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Cybersecurity (prevention, detection, response), Big Data, Data Science, and Analytics, Blockchain Technology, Quantum Computing, Cloud Computing and eResearch Infrastructure, Robotics and Automation, Software Engineering and Product Management, Systems Integration and IT for Industry, Internet of Things (IoT), Smart Tech, Smart Cities, Network Engineering, Front-End Development and UX/UI, Digital Games and Immersive Tech, Start-ups and Tech Entrepreneurs, 3D Printing and Digital Manufacturing. If you are working at a global level in any of these areas, this visa may be for you.
To qualify for the Subclass 858 visa in the DigiTech sector, applicants must: Have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in DigiTech; Be currently prominent in their field; Demonstrate they will be an asset to the Australian community; Show they would have no difficulty obtaining employment or becoming independently established in Australia; Be nominated by someone with a national reputation in the same field. Nominators can include Australian citizens, permanent residents, eligible New Zealand citizens with a recognised national reputation in DigiTech; Australian organisations (e.g. tech companies, universities), or state and territory governments .
Senior AI engineers with research publications and global product deployments, Cybersecurity experts who have advised governments or scaled secure digital systems, Founders or C-suite executives of venture-backed tech start-ups, Quantum computing researchers working with international labs, Developers of high-impact software or platforms used at scale. These individuals must also show strong prospects of working in Australia, often through employment offers or demonstrated earning potential.
Applicants can support their claims through: Employment in senior roles at globally known tech firms, Publications in peer-reviewed tech journals, Speaking roles at international industry events, Prestigious awards or competitive research grants, Coverage in mainstream or industry media, Proof of market adoption or commercialisation of tech solutions, Patents, software licences, or other proprietary innovations.
To demonstrate you will succeed in Australia, you may need to show: Offers of employment from Australian tech firms, Income that meets or exceeds the Fair Work High Income Threshold (AUD 167,500 for 2024–25), Evidence that your skills are in shortage or high demand (e.g. AI, cloud, security, blockchain), Viable business plans or VC interest if you plan to launch a start-up in Australia.
Direct permanent residency — no employer sponsorship or points test, Fast-tracked processing for priority sector applicants, No age limit (applicants under 18 or over 55 must demonstrate exceptional benefit), Family members can be included in your visa application, Pathway to Australian citizenship. This visa is tailored for elite professionals and innovators in globally relevant industries like DigiTech.
We have helped a wide range of talented professionals to secure this visa. We know what the Department of Home Affairs is looking for and how to present a compelling application. We also help nominators understand their role and support applicants with preparing accurate, evidence-rich submissions.
Think you may be eligible for the DigiTech stream of the National Innovation Visa? Let us help you assess your profile, guide your documentation, and manage the process from start to finish. Book a personalised consultation now.
In our next instalment of the NIV series, we will explore Australia’s clean energy priorities — hydrogen, battery tech, grid innovation, and more. Stay informed as we continue to explore the Subclass 858 visa’s powerful opportunities for global innovators.
