IStarting today, December 6, Australia’s National Innovation Visa (NIV) will be replaced with the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858).
The government of Australia has introduced the new visa as part of intensified efforts to attract exceptionally talented persons who can contribute to further economic growth, VisaGuide.World reports.
The purpose of the NIV program is to help in the further development of various sectors, among them advanced technology and AI, renewable energy and sustainability, and biotechnology and medical innovation.
The application process for Subclass 858 has been facilitated in a bid to enhance efficiency. Applicants are required to submit Form 47NI through ImmiAccount, the online portal of Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.
In some cases, applicants can apply through email to an official Department address if authorized. Such procedures are highlighted in the Migration Amendment Instrument 2024, which will take effect from today, December 6, 2024.
Several Changes Introduced
The Migration Amendment Regulations 2024 consist of several key changes, among them:
- Switching from the Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) to the National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858).
- Applicants are required to receive a written invitation from the Ministry in order to apply for the NIV within a specified period of time.
- Applicants must also prove the same internationally recognized record in terms of exceptional achievements highlighted in the invitation letter.
- The role of the Prime Minister’s Special Envoy for Global Business and Talent Attraction has been abolished due to low utilization since its implementation.
However, requests submitted before December 6, 2024, would be assessed under the legislation that was effective until the same date.
Applications for the Global Talent Visa submitted before December 6 2024 will be assessed under the legislation in effect at the time of application. The new amendments apply exclusively to applications lodged on or after December 6 2024.
Benefits From the National Innovation Visa
Among the benefits of applying for the National Innovation Visa of Australia are the following ones:
Pathway to Permanent Residency
This means that all foreigners who benefit from this kind of visa are eligible to study, work, and live in Australia permanently.
Flexibility
People aged over 55 are no longer required to prove additional factors after this requirement has been abolished. In addition, applicants with less than functional English can opt to pay a second Visa Application Charge.
No Occupation Restrictions
The visa is open to persons across several sectors, provided they meet the achievement criteria.
Through the new changes, the NIV is looking forward to creating a community of innovators contributing to Australia’s future growth.