The National Innovation (Subclass 858) visa (NIV) requires that each visa applicant has an Australian Nominator.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) process for the NIV sets out four priority groups that the Department will consider in issuing invitations to apply for the visa. “Priority Group 2” captures candidates who have been nominated “by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government.”
What is the NIV?
We have a separate article here that outlines the NIV program, as well as the process.
We also have articles regarding other State nomination criteria here:
What are the Queensland State nomination criteria?
The Queensland State government are looking for:
- Global Researchers;
- Entrepreneurs;
- Innovative investors;
- Athletes and sports professionals; and
- Creatives
Global Researchers
Global researchers with a high ‘h-index’ for their stage of career that will make a significant contribution to the international reputation of Queensland-based research, and who satisfy either criteria 1 or 2:
- criteria 1 – a confirmed job placement at a Queensland university
- or criteria 2 – confirmed funding (by grant or partnership) to support research engagement placement at a Queensland research institute for no less than two years.
Entrepreneurs
Innovative investors
Actively involved innovative investors, with an established track record of leading groundbreaking ventures that are ready to invest a minimum of $5 million for two or more years in Queensland’s innovation ecosystem.
The proposed structure or investment avenues would be private equity, venture capital, research and development, asset managers or co-investments (e.g. Queensland Investment Corporation ventures).
Athletes and sports professionals
Elite or high-calibre talent that will contribute to significant sporting opportunities in Queensland, including athletes, coaches and other sports specialists (e.g. sports scientists).
Creatives
Elite or high-calibre talent that will make a unique contribution to Queensland’s arts, cultural and creative sector. This includes building local sector impact, building the state’s creative reputation and boosting capacity in key skill areas including technical production in the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
What is the process?
The application process requires a candidate to fill in a Registration of Interest (ROI) form.
The ROI is not a visa application. When you submit an ROI, a person is registering to be considered for nomination by the Queensland Government only.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with the Trade and Investment Commissioner aligned to the applicant’s passport country.
Nominated candidates will receive a signed Form 1000 from the Trade and Investment Commissioner in support an eventual EOI to the Department of Home Affairs (Department).
If your EOI is successful, the Department will invite you to apply for the NIV.
It’s important to note that securing State nomination does not guarantee an invitation under the NIV program.
What is the purpose of State Nomination?
Each NIV primary applicant must provide a Form 1000 by an Australian organisation, or Australian citizen or permanent resident that has a “national reputation” in the same field.
While a nominator is not a requirement to submit the EOI for the NIV, there are two things to consider:
- if invited to apply for the visa – an applicant has 60 days to apply; and
- having a nomination from an “expert Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency” places an applicant in Priority Group 2 (out of 4).
As Priority Group 1 applies to individuals who are recipients of “top of field” awards (i.e. Nobel prize, Pulitzer Prize, Olympic Medal etc.) – all other candidates that do not have such an Award would likely fall under Priority Group 3 or 4, or none at all.
Obtaining the nomination from an Australian State/Territory would move the NIV candidate’s EOI up to Priority Group 2 (improving their prospects of receiving an invitation), while also resolving the issue outlined above about securing an Australian nominator for the NIV application should they receive an invitation.
Conclusion
Given that State Nomination offers candidates an improved priority group, all prospective NIV candidates that don’t already hold a “top of field” level award (placing them in priority group 1) should review the State/Territory nomination programs as they’re released – this offers them the possibility of moving from Priority Group 3 or 4, to Priority Group 2. It also reduces the burden of later looking for a nominator, should the applicant receive an invitation to apply for the NIV.
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