Australia National Innovation Visa Program
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) program is Australia's efficient avenue to permanent residence for accomplished academics, researchers, innovative investors, and entrepreneurs. The NIV also extends to globally recognized athletes, entertainers, and artists. The program is tailored for talented individuals who would benefit Australia’s future prosperity through the transfer of skills, initiation of innovation, and creation of opportunities for Australians.
Globally Recognized Startup Incubator Partnered with Australian Research Institutions
Empowered Startups administrates and controls selection of candidates for Empowered Startups’ National Innovation Visa (NIV) Program in collaboration with world renowned scientists from Australia’s top research institutions. The program has been designed to bring significant foreign direct investment to the Australian research sector and deliver innovation to Australia’s industry and economy.
Empowered Startups operates within the R&D and startup ecosystem to commercialize important inventions that will impact Australia’s economy and society while having the potential to scale internationally and solve meaningful problems for the world.
Australia’s Immigration Program for Global Talent
The National Innovation Visa (subclass 858) is a permanent visa for exceptionally talented individuals from across the world. These proven professionals will help create jobs and drive productivity growth in key sectors of the Australian economy.
The NIV is designed for established and emerging leaders with high-caliber talents and skills who can make significant contributions to benefit Australia’s future prosperity.
This category includes:
- Entrepreneurs
- Innovative Investors
- Researchers
- Athletes and creatives
NIV Program Benefits for Entrepreneurs & Skilled Professionals
The NIV Program is an exceptional opportunity for talented individuals seeking a pathway to Australian permanent residency or citizenship. As a priority program for the Government of Australia, the NIV Program offers a streamlined process with numerous advantages for qualified applicants and their families.
- Fast-track, direct path to Australian Permanent Residency program.
- World renowned schools and universities
- Freedom to live permanently in Australia and travel back and forth freely
- No business performance requirements
- High Priority nominations from Government aligned organizations
- No age limit (if under 18 or over 55, must demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community)
- Minimal additional requirements for citizenship
How to Qualify for the Australia National Innovation Visa
The Australia National Innovation Visa Program has five basic requirements. To be eligible for Australia NIV, you must:
- Have a proven record of outstanding professional accomplishment
- Be an expert in your field and/or have a university/college degree
- Demonstrate you would be an asset to Australia and have the ability to establish yourself in your field in Australia
- Receive a nomination from either an Australian citizen with national reputation, a certified Australian organization, or an Australian state, territory or government agency
- Speak functional English
Timeline To Australian Residency
Empowered Startups makes the journey to Australia both seamless and efficient, all while allowing you to balance the competing demands of your busy life. You can move from application to residency permit invitation in as little as 6 months. With clear guidance at every stage, Empowered Startups ensures a direct path to residency while making an impact in Australia. Here are the stages you'll go through on your NIV journey:
1
Qualify and Engage
1 to 3 weeks
Present your credentials to Empowered Startups Intake Committee. If qualified, you’ll receive an offer to join NIV program. Upon accepting the offer, you remit fees and R&D funds.
2
Expression of Intent (EOI) Application and Approval
3 to 8 months
You will work with a dedicated legal and operational team to secure all required documents, support documents, the Form 1000, and all items related to the identified R&D project. Submit your application and receive approval of your EOI.
3
NIV Application and Approval
2 to 10 months
You will work with our expert MARA legal team to prepare and submit your NIV application within 60 days to receive your NIV invitation. Receive NIV approval.
4
Travel to Australia
1 to 2 months
Travel to Australia to activate your Permanent Residence Visa and begin your concierge incubation program.
5
Enjoy Australia
The rest of your life!
With permanent residence secured, you can choose to live, work, and study in Australia, take part in Australian health care, and apply for Australian citizenship after four years. Alternatively, you can renew your Permanent Resident Card every five years.
Priorities for the National Innovation Visa program
The Australian Department of Home Affairs accepts Expression of Interest (EOI) submissions from exceptional individuals, some of whom are invited to apply for a National Innovation Visa. Empowered Startups’ NIV Program ensures its applicants are extremely well positioned to receive NIV invitations.
The Government of Australia processes EOIs and extends NIV invitations in the following priority order:
Priority 1: Global experts who are recipients of top international awards
Priority 2: Candidates nominated by an expert Government agency with a supporting business case
Priority 3: Candidates with exceptional achievements in a Tier 1 sector:
- Critical Technologies
- Health Industries
- Renewables and Low-Emission Technologies
Priority 4: Candidates demonstrating exceptional achievements in Tier 2 sectors:
- Agri-Food and AgTech
- Defence Capabilities and Space
- Education
- Financial Services and FinTech
- Infrastructure and Transport
- Resources
While these sectors represent the industry priorities for the NIV, applicants are not limited to these disciplines. Exceptional talent in fields such as entrepreneurship, investment, athletics, and the creative arts may also qualify if endorsed by an Australian State, Territory, or Government agency.
Get Started Immediately with the Australia National Innovation Visa Program
We have a dynamic team of experts waiting to learn more about your startup ideas, business opportunities, and immigration goals. Our programs offer immediate enrolment for qualified people and startup ideas.
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us or you can also download this program brochure.
