Australia · Skilled Worker Visa

National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)

✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-21 · Our methodology

4.5/10 diff

Moderate

Área de talento: any specialised field. Reconhecimento: internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding…

Min income

—

Processing

—

Path to PR

Yes

Job offer

Not required

Not legal advice. This content is for educational and decision-support purposes only. It is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify requirements with the relevant official authority before making decisions.

Direct answer

Área de talento: any specialised field. Reconhecimento: internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. [2026-07-06: linha duplicada de australia-NM-8 (NIV 858) — canónica mantém-se lá]

At a Glance

Visa Duration

—

Processing Time

—

Min Income

—

Path to PR

Yes

Difficulty

4/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

Requirement	Details
Age Range	18+
Job Offer Required	No
Sponsorship Required	No
Language Required	A2
Health Insurance Required	No

Family & Rights

Right	Details
Family Allowed	Yes
Spouse Can Work	Yes
Path to Permanent Residency	Yes
Time to Citizenship	4 years

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

Sydney

Single (monthly)€3,140

Family (monthly)€5,650

Rent 1BR (center)€2,072

Groceries€785

Transport pass€188

Melbourne

Single (monthly)€2,503

Family (monthly)€4,800

Rent 1BR (center)€1,475

Groceries€626

Transport pass€150

Brisbane

Single (monthly)€2,448

Family (monthly)€4,550

Rent 1BR (center)€1,565

Groceries€612

Transport pass€147

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858)?

Can I bring my family on the National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858)?

Yes, this pathway allows family members including dependents. Your spouse may also be eligible to work.

Can the National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858) lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

Yes. Holders of this visa can work toward citizenship in approximately 4 years, subject to meeting residence and other conditions.

Are there alternative pathways to Australia?

Yes. Australia offers 24 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Australia country page.

What is the cost of living in Australia?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: Sydney: €3,140/mo; Melbourne: €2,503/mo; Brisbane: €2,448/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Data last verified: 2026-06-21 · See our methodology

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