National Innovation Visa and State Nominations in SA, NSW, and QLD

Vikrant Gungash
Jul 1
4 min read

By Vikrant Singh, July 1 2025

Fast-Track Your Permanent Residency with State Endorsement

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) (subclass 858) is Australia’s latest, invitation-only permanent residency pathway for world-leading talent. Previously known as the Global Talent Visa, the NIV is designed for exceptional individuals—including researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, creatives, and sports professionals—who can drive innovation and deliver economic impact across Australia.

Why State Nomination Makes a Difference

If you’re seeking a National Innovation Visa, a nomination from a state or territory can significantly increase your chances of receiving an invitation. Under the current government policy (Ministerial Direction 112), state-nominated candidates are given second-highest priority—right after international prize winners. In simple terms: a state nomination acts as a powerful endorsement, often fast-tracking your path to an invitation and, ultimately, permanent residency.

How the NIV Process Works

For most candidates, the journey to a successful NIV application via state nomination involves three main stages:

Obtain State NominationApply to your chosen state or territory, demonstrating your track record and intentions. If you’re shortlisted, you’ll need to complete Form 1000 and secure a formal nomination letter of support.
Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)Lodge your EOI with the Department of Home Affairs, including all required documents—such as your state nomination letter, CV, qualifications, and evidence of your achievements.
Visa ApplicationIf you’re invited by Home Affairs, you’ll have 60 days to lodge your full visa application online, including health, character, and English proficiency evidence.

Each stage has rigorous criteria. Only those with “exceptional and outstanding” achievements will be successful—untested ideas, passive investments, or purely potential-based cases are not sufficient. State nomination gives your profile a competitive edge, but you’ll still need to meet federal eligibility standards.

Which State Should You Choose?

The best state for your NIV nomination depends on your career history, current relationships, and future plans in Australia. If you already have an established track record in a particular state, that’s usually your strongest option. Otherwise, it’s wise to start developing partnerships, collaborations, or business plans in the state that aligns best with your industry or expertise.

State-by-State Snapshot

State	Framework Status	Applications Open	Eligible Categories	Key Criteria	Assessing Authority
NSW	Implemented	July 2025 (TBA)	Academic/Researcher, Entrepreneur, Innovative Investor, Sports, Creative	Outstanding achievement, track record, state benefit	Investment NSW
QLD	Under development	TBA	Global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creatives, athletes	Significant achievement, business/collaboration, contribution to state	Trade & Investment Queensland (TIQ)
SA	Implemented	Yes (Open Now)	Researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creatives, athletes	Outstanding achievement, state benefit, no minimum investment for SA	Skilled & Business Migration SA

Quick State Overviews

New South Wales (NSW):NSW’s NIV nominations are set to open in July 2025. Five clear talent pathways are offered: Academic/Researcher, Entrepreneur, Innovative Investor, Sports Professional, and Creative Professional. You must show a proven track record and tangible achievements, not just potential.
Queensland (QLD):The NIV framework in Queensland is still being finalised. Anticipated applicant categories include global researchers, entrepreneurs, innovative investors, creatives, and athletes. Evidence of significant achievement and contribution to the state is essential.
South Australia (SA):SA nominations are open now, covering a wide range of global talent. There’s no minimum investment threshold in the entrepreneur or investor categories, making SA an attractive option for many. Applications are managed by the state’s Skilled & Business Migration office.

When Can You Apply?

South Australia: Open now. You can submit your Registration of Interest (ROI) today.
New South Wales: Scheduled to open in July 2025. Stay tuned for the official announcement.
Queensland: Details to be announced soon. We recommend preparing early and watching for updates.

Interested in Applying?

At WeAbide®, we specialise in guiding skilled professionals and global talent through the NIV and state nomination process. Having assisted hundreds of clients under the previous Global Talent and Distinguished Talent programs, our team is ready to help you maximise your chances with the new National Innovation Visa.

Get Started:

Book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents
Complete our free NIV eligibility assessment online

We’ll help you identify the best state for your profile, gather all the required documents, and present a compelling case for nomination.

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New details and nomination quotas for the new financial year are expected soon. Subscribe to our updates or follow WeAbide® for the latest insights on the NIV program.

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