National Innovation Visa (NIV)

Introduction to NIV

The Australian government plans to launch the new National Innovation Visa (NIV) by the end of 2024, replacing the existing Global Talent Visa (GTI) and Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP). The NIV is a permanent residency visa designed to attract outstanding global high-caliber talent. These individuals will contribute to Australia’s economic growth by driving productivity and job creation in key sectors essential for the nation’s future prosperity.

Target Groups for NIV

• Global researchers
• Entrepreneurs
• Innovative investors
• Athletes and creative talent

Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and receive an invitation before they can formally apply. The EOI must demonstrate that the applicant possesses exceptional achievements and aligns with priority areas.

Priority Levels for NIV Applications

EOIs will be assessed based on the applicant’s claimed outstanding achievements and alignment with the NIV program’s priorities. An invitation does not guarantee visa qualification; formal application materials and evidence will undergo a final review. Priority levels are as follows:

Priority 1: Global Experts

International experts in any field. Candidates with prestigious “top-tier” global awards.

Priority 2: Government-Nominated Candidates

Candidates nominated by an Australian federal, state, or territory government agency (via Form 1000).

Priority 3: Exceptional Candidates in Tier-1 Priority Areas

Critical Technologies

Renewables and Low Emission Technologies

Health Industries

Priority 4: Exceptional Candidates in Tier-2 Priority Areas

Agri-food and AgTech

Education

Defence Capabilities and Space

Financial Services and FinTech

Infrastructure and Transport

Resources

Criteria for Outstanding Achievements

Recipients of International “Top-Tier” Awards

Recognized awards in various fields (including but not limited to):

Nobel Prize
Breakthrough Prize
Rousseeuw Prize
Eni Award
IEE Medal of Honor
Fields Medal
Chern Medal
Abel Prize
L’Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science
Turing Award
ACM Prize in Computing
Pulitzer Prize
International Booker Prize
International Tchaikovsky Competition Gold Medal
Olympic Gold Medal
Laureus World Sportsman/Sportswoman of the Year

Recipients of National-Level Research Grants

Applicants funded by prestigious national research grants that demonstrate they are at the forefront of their field. Grants include (but are not limited to):

Australian Research Council
Department of Education Accelerator grants

Equivalent grants from other countries:

United Kingdom Research and Innovation Grants program
EU Commission
US National Science Foundation
etc.

Applicants with a PhD and Significant Academic Influence

Candidates with PhDs and high academic impact or thought leadership, such as

Recent publications in top journals (e.g., Nature, The Lancet, Acta Numerica).

A strong h-index (e.g., an early-career researcher with an h-index of 14).

Research-based degrees from top universities (e.g., Times Higher Education Top 100).

International Conference Keynote Speakers

Web Summit

International Congress of Mathematicians

American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting

International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium

High-Income Earners, applicants must meet the Fair Work High-Income Threshold, demonstrated by

A formal job offer from an Australian employer with a salary equal to or exceeding the threshold.

Current income meeting or exceeding the threshold.

Government-Nominated Candidates

Candidates may also be assessed based on

• Contribution to Australia’s global reputation in sports or creative fields.
• Evidence of successful innovation investments or entrepreneurship.
• Particularly those linked with federal, state, or territory innovation hubs and capable of driving the commercialization of products or services in Australia.
  
  
• Recognized intellectual property, such as international patents.

JCG’s NIV Visa Services

Since the Australian government announced the NIV program, Jiacheng has dedicated significant resources to mastering this new pathway. With years of policy research and extensive hands-on experience, Jiacheng offers professional and tailored services to ensure every application is handled with precision and care.

• Eligibility assessment: We evaluate your qualification for the NIV and provide alternative migration options if needed.
• Assistance with obtaining a unique identifier from the Department of Home Affairs.
• Sector-specific research: We guide clients in demonstrating their expertise in priority fields.
• Nominator coordination: We help facilitate communication with nominators or government agencies.
• Application preparation: We assist in compiling all necessary documentation.
• Nomination and visa submission: We handle the submission of nomination and visa applications.
• Ongoing support: We maintain communication with the Department of Home Affairs, track progress, and provide updates until the visa is granted.