Updates to NIV Programs in NSW, South Australia and Victoria 2025

Australia’s National Innovation Visa is moving into its first full program year with fresh state nomination settings in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria. The NIV (Subclass 858) began on December 6, 2024, replacing the Global Talent and the Business Innovation and Investment visas. It retains an invitation-only, permanent residence model aimed at people with world‑leading achievements who can drive innovation and economic growth.

VisaVerge.com reports that the 2025 intake is expected to remain at about 4,000 places, although this figure has not been officially published. Invitations will be issued throughout the year, with priority for candidates working in Critical Technologies and Health Industries.

2025 policy settings — what they mean now

Under the National Innovation Visa, applicants first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining their achievements and plans for Australia. The EOI is free to lodge and remains valid for two years.

A nomination is required from one of the following:
– an Australian citizen
– an Australian permanent resident
– an eligible New Zealand citizen
– a nationally recognized Australian organization working in the applicant’s field

If the Department of Home Affairs issues an invitation, the applicant can then lodge the NIV (Subclass 858) application for permanent residence. The government confirms there is no points test and no strict asset or income thresholds. Instead, the program places weight on:

• proven achievement and international recognition
• potential to generate jobs, research, and commercial outcomes
• alignment with Australia’s growth areas (e.g., Critical Technologies, Health)

New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria have each released nomination frameworks aligned with their own economic priorities. While state and territory nominations do not guarantee an invitation, officials say nominations can provide a competitive edge within the Department of Home Affairs’ invitation process.

VisaVerge.com analysis suggests the state role reflects a national shift toward quality over quantity: fewer applications, stronger candidates, and clearer sector focus (quantum, AI, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, clean energy systems, and health).

A single federal reference point remains the most reliable source for core rules and updates. The Department of Home Affairs provides program information, invitation pathways, and sector guidance on its official site: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas. Applicants should monitor that page for any changes to allocations and processing arrangements later in 2025.

How NSW, Victoria, and South Australia will nominate

New South Wales (NSW)

NSW opened Registrations of Interest (ROI) for NIV nomination on July 30, 2025, with five tailored pathways that capture a wide range of top‑tier talent:
– Researchers and academics with international impact
– Entrepreneurs ready to scale disruptive ventures
– Innovative investors who bring expertise beyond capital
– Sports professionals competing at elite levels
– Creative professionals shaping culture and the arts

Key NSW process points:
1. Lodge a detailed ROI showing how you meet the selected pathway criteria.
2. If shortlisted, you have 21 days to submit a full nomination application.
3. If unsuccessful, you may reapply after six months.

An NSW nomination signals strong alignment with the state’s innovation economy and comes with Department of Home Affairs Priority 2 consideration, which can improve the chance of receiving an invitation. NSW’s design aims to build a pipeline beyond startups and labs to include culture, sport, and strategic investors.

Victoria

Victoria uses a referral-based approach. Candidates must be referred by authorized Victorian government departments or agencies (for example, Invest Victoria for high‑net‑worth individuals) before they can receive a nomination document to include with their NIV EOI.

Victoria’s assessment focuses on:
– alignment with state objectives
– the candidate’s planned activity in Victoria
– likely benefits to the state’s economy and community

Sectors highlighted include research, innovation, entrepreneurship, the arts, and sport. The referral system is designed to ensure nominations map directly to state strategy and demonstrate a clear intention to live and contribute in Victoria.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia targets internationally recognized candidates who can make a direct economic impact. Eligible categories include:
– global researchers
– entrepreneurs
– innovative investors
– creative talent

SA emphasizes attracting founders and research leaders who can anchor teams, attract capital, and build capability in the state. The focus is on clear, demonstrable economic contribution aligned with strategic priorities.

Evidence and the application narrative

Across all three states, the message is consistent: the bar remains high, and evidence matters.

Applicants should be ready to present:
– peer‑recognized achievements
– high‑impact publications, patents, or licenses
– scale‑up traction and commercialisation milestones
– major roles in elite sport or globally noted creative portfolios

For innovative investors, NSW and SA particularly seek candidates who add know‑how as well as capital — for example, operational scale experience, deep sector networks, and board‑level leadership.

The broader NIV (Subclass 858) rules continue to apply nationwide. Invitations are issued progressively, prioritizing Critical Technologies and Health Industries. The removal of points and financial tests eliminates a common hurdle from the former Business Innovation and Investment program, opening the door for exceptional scientists, engineers, founders, clinicians, and creators who may not meet asset‑based thresholds but can deliver outsized national benefit.

Practical steps for potential applicants

The practical process remains straightforward:

1. Submit the EOI (free; valid for two years).
2. Seek a nomination that strengthens your case.
3. Wait for an invitation from the Department of Home Affairs.
4. If invited, lodge the NIV (Subclass 858) application for permanent residence.

State-specific starting points:
– NSW: start with the ROI and prepare to move quickly if shortlisted.
– Victoria: obtain a referral from the correct state agency before seeking nomination.
– SA: present a record demonstrating international standing and clear economic contribution potential.

Remember: state nominations do not grant visas on their own. Ensure your EOI tells a clear, evidence‑based story of impact in Australia, including immediate plans, employer or research interest, and how your work fits federal priorities like Critical Technologies.

Important: Stakeholders across universities, research institutes, startups, and venture circles are watching for additional state and territory frameworks expected later this year. The Department of Home Affairs may also publish official allocation figures and further processing guidance in 2025.

For now, the core settings are settled: an invitation‑only, permanent residence pathway targeting exceptional, internationally recognized talent, with states sharpening front‑end selection to match local priorities and national outcomes.