Australia's National Innovation Visa (NIV) is open to individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a profession. If you are a senior technical expert or organisational leader working in one of Australia's priority sectors, and your achievements are recognised on the world stage, you may be well placed to explore this pathway.

This page explains what the NIV looks for in professional applicants, which sectors are covered, and the kinds of evidence that build a strong case.

The NIV is not a general skilled migration visa. It is reserved for individuals who can demonstrate that they are genuinely among the best in their field — recognised internationally, and working in one of Australia's designated priority sectors.

You are likely a good fit if you are:

• A senior technical expert in a priority sector, working at an internationally competitive organisation
• A senior leader or executive at an internationally reputed organisation in a priority sector

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To be considered under this pathway, your role and achievements must sit within one of Australia's designated priority sectors. These are grouped into two tiers below. Tier One sectors attract the highest priority in processing, while strong professional achievements in Tier Two are also well regarded.

A strong NIV application is built on multiple indicators of exceptional achievement. For professionals, the following are particularly relevant:

A competitive NIV application in the professional space will typically weave together several of the following into a clear picture of sustained, internationally recognised achievement. We expect at least two of the following achievements:

• A current senior role — whether as a technical expert or in management — in a priority sector, at an organisation with a strong international reputation
• A demonstrated track record in a priority sector, with evidence that your work has had real impact
• Top-of-field awards, honours, or formal recognition from respected bodies in your industry
• International patents or intellectual property that reflect innovation and originality
• Base current earnings of AUD 183,100 or above per annum
• Keynote appearances or invitations to speak at high-profile international events
• Evidence of innovative investment activity or entrepreneurial ventures — particularly those linked to Australian innovation hubs or priority sectors.

This professional is a highly accomplished innovation leader driving large-scale digital transformation and strategic initiatives within the global technology sector, specifically in Artificial Intelligence. Currently holding a senior leadership role at a major multinational tech firm, they specialise in scaling complex product ecosystems and spearheading high-impact programs across international markets. They were invited to apply for the visa based on the following key achievements:

• Technical expert at an internationally competitive organisation.
• Current earnings at or above the high income threshold of AUD183,100

This professional is a highly accomplished executive leader driving digital transformation and strategic growth across the technology sector. They hold a senior leadership role in a prominent global cybersecurity firm and a frequent keynote speaker at international conferences. They were invited to apply for the visa based on the following key achievements:

• Senior management of an internationally reputed organisation in a priority sector.
• Current earnings at or above the high income threshold of AUD183,100

This professional is a technology leader with extensive expertise in cloud automation and financial technology, and a co-inventor of a patented financial transaction processing system. Their work includes developing high-security systems for leading technology companies, and their achievements have been featured in international industry case studies and media. They were invited to apply for the visa based on the following key achievements:

• Technical lead of an internationally reputed organisation in a priority sector.
• Inventor of an international patent
• Current earnings at or above the high income threshold of AUD183,100