Current Route
National Innovation visa, subclass 858, for high-calibre applicants with exceptional achievement.
Residence by Innovation
Australia National Innovation Visa
A permanent residence route for exceptional global talent, entrepreneurs and innovative investors.
This WIMA program brief reflects the current policy position: Australia's former business innovation and investment route is closed to new applications, and the relevant pathway is now an invitation-only National Innovation visa.
PermanentDirect visa outcome
InviteApplication by invitation
No FixedInvestment threshold
ClosedLegacy BIIP route
Policy Position
Australia Is No Longer a Standard Investment-Threshold Residence Program
Australia's current pathway for investors sits within an innovation and exceptional-talent framework. It is not a conventional residence-by-investment product with a guaranteed minimum capital route.
Closed to New Applicants
The previous business innovation and investment framework is no longer available for new filings.
Invitation-Only Permanent Visa
The National Innovation visa requires an expression of interest and an invitation before a visa application can be lodged.
Eligible Profiles
High-Calibre Talent and Innovation Categories
The National Innovation visa is directed at established and emerging leaders whose achievements can contribute to Australia's future prosperity.
For investor clients, the issue is not only capital capacity. The file must show innovation, leadership, international recognition and likely contribution.
Global Researchers
Internationally recognised researchers and thought leaders with exceptional achievements.
Entrepreneurs
Founders and operators with high-calibre innovation credentials and scalable contribution potential.
Innovative Investors
Investors with evidence of innovation-focused investment leadership and economic impact.
Athletes and Creatives
Exceptional individuals in sport, arts and creative fields with recognised achievement.
Requirements
Evidence-Led Eligibility
A strong file should demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievement, continued activity in the relevant field, contribution potential and nomination support.
This is a selective pathway. A financial investment alone does not establish eligibility.
International Achievement
Evidence should show a record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible area.
Future Benefit
The applicant must show capacity to make a significant contribution in Australia.
Recognised Nominator
A suitable nominator with standing in the relevant field is required for the visa application.
Health and Character
Applicants and relevant family members must satisfy standard health, character and visa integrity checks.
Applicants under 18 or aged 55 and over may need to demonstrate exceptional benefit to the Australian community. Age positioning should be reviewed before lodging an expression of interest.
Investor Planning
How Innovative Investors Should Be Assessed
The investor profile should be built around demonstrated achievement, strategic capital deployment and future economic contribution rather than passive asset ownership.
| Planning Area | What WIMA Would Review | Risk Note |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Record | Track record in innovative companies, technology, venture capital, commercialization or growth-stage investment. | Passive real estate or portfolio wealth alone is unlikely to match the policy intent. |
| International Recognition | Awards, press, board roles, exits, sector influence, investment performance and recognized leadership. | Evidence should demonstrate distinction compared with peers. |
| Australia Contribution | Potential job creation, productivity growth, knowledge transfer, sector development or strategic investment activity. | The case must connect achievements to future benefit. |
| Nominator Strategy | A credible nominator with national standing in the applicant's field. | Weak nomination support can undermine an otherwise strong profile. |
Procedure
Invitation-Based Application Journey
The process begins before the visa application. Applicants first need to present their profile for consideration and receive an invitation before lodging the visa application.
01
Profile Assessment
Review achievements, investor record, contribution case, age position and documentation readiness.
02
Expression of Interest
Submit an expression of interest demonstrating the applicant's achievements and proposed contribution.
03
Invitation Decision
If selected, the applicant receives an invitation and can proceed to the visa application stage.
04
Visa Application
File the permanent visa application with evidence, nomination support and family documentation where applicable.
05
Assessment and Grant
Complete health, character and integrity checks before any permanent residence grant.
Outcome
Permanent Residence, Not a Temporary Investor Permit
The National Innovation visa is a permanent visa. Successful applicants can live, work and study in Australia, subject to visa grant conditions and general Australian law.
- Permanent residence outcome on grant.
- Eligible family members may be included in the application where they satisfy requirements.
- Health, character and documentation checks remain central to the file.
- A citizenship pathway may be available later if general residence and citizenship requirements are met.
FAQ
Australia Residence Questions
Answers are written for professional reference and should be checked against current migration law and invitation settings.
Is there still a standard Australia investor visa for new applicants?
The legacy business innovation and investment route is closed to new applications. Current investor cases should be assessed under the innovation and exceptional-talent framework.
Is there a fixed minimum investment amount?
No fixed minimum investment amount is prescribed for the National Innovation visa. The case depends on exceptional achievement and contribution potential.
Can passive investors qualify?
A passive capital profile is unlikely to be sufficient. Innovative investors should evidence leadership, recognition, impact and future benefit.
Can family members be included?
Eligible family members may be included, subject to relationship evidence, health, character and application requirements.
Program Intelligence
Australia Residence by Innovation
Use this WIMA page as a structured policy brief for Australia residence planning where investor, entrepreneur and innovation profiles intersect.
Information reviewed June 27, 2026. This page is informational and does not constitute legal, tax, investment or immigration advice.