Could you qualify for Australian permanent residency?
For accomplished business owners, founders and senior leaders seeking a fully managed research and enterprise pathway. Your professional record is the starting point. We help suitable candidates understand whether the programme fits their background and plans.
The programme supports an application for the National Innovation Visa, subclass 858. Funding the programme does not, on its own, establish visa eligibility.
A programme fee funding research, venture development and specialist delivery. There is no scheduled capital repayment.
Your achievements matter more than your job title.
The strongest starting point is a substantial business or professional record that you can document. A senior title helps explain your experience; the assessment looks at the results behind it.
Business owners & founders
You have built or grown a business and can show meaningful commercial results, innovation or entrepreneurial achievement.
CEOs & company leaders
You have led an organisation, with evidence of your personal contribution to its growth, performance or industry standing.
Senior leaders in global companies
You hold substantial leadership responsibility and can demonstrate achievements beyond the fact of being employed by a recognised company.
A clear starting profile.
The private programme uses these criteria to decide which candidates should progress to a detailed review and intake interview.
These are programme screening criteria. The degree and net-worth thresholds are not standalone government requirements for the National Innovation Visa.
The initial candidate profile
- Bachelor’s degree or higherA documented tertiary qualification.
- Business or professional accomplishmentsEntrepreneurial success, recognised awards, high remuneration or other evidence of achievement.
- Substantial leadership experienceExperience founding or leading a company, or working in a leadership position within a global company.
- US$500,000 or more in net worthThe programme’s financial screening threshold.
- Capacity to fund the US$250,000 programmeYou understand that this is programme expenditure, with no scheduled capital repayment.
Meeting this profile allows further assessment. It does not automatically secure programme admission, nomination, an invitation or visa approval.
Show what you have accomplished.
Your CV should connect your responsibilities with specific results. The following examples help specialists understand your record; no single item guarantees eligibility.
- Business growth and commercial outcomesRevenue growth, expansion, exports, employment creation or successful business exits, with evidence of your role.
- Innovation and enterpriseProducts brought to market, intellectual property, new business models or a record of building successful ventures.
- Leadership impactMajor projects, organisational transformation or significant decisions for which you held responsibility.
- Recognition beyond your organisationRelevant awards, industry appointments, speaking engagements, credible media coverage or recognition of your work.
- Professional standing and remunerationEvidence of seniority, specialist expertise or high earnings in your area of achievement.
- Recent, continuing achievementCurrent activity and results that show your record remains relevant to the contribution you propose in Australia.
Programme fit is the first assessment. Visa eligibility is a separate decision.
The programme connects your professional background with a proposed Australian contribution. Australian Home Affairs decides whether to invite you and whether to grant the visa.
The National Innovation Visa
The NIV requires internationally recognised exceptional achievement, continued prominence, a benefit to Australia and the ability to establish yourself in your field.
An invitation and an eligible Form 1000 nominator are required. Health, character and other applicable criteria also apply.
Government agency nomination may support priority consideration. A university project or programme admission does not guarantee nomination, invitation or approval.
Read the official NIV requirements ↗Start with a conversation. Then build the evidence.
You can make an initial enquiry without uploading sensitive documents. If your background appears suitable, the next stage is a focused review of your credentials.
01 · Initial enquiry
Tell us your role, qualifications, financial profile and a short account of your achievements. We identify the appropriate next step.
02 · Document review
The detailed review requires a CV, your passport picture page and a one-page description of your expertise or current business. We explain how to provide them.
03 · Intake decision
Suitable candidates progress to discussions with assessment specialists and an intake selection interview. Review the programme terms before making a financial commitment.
Is this the right route for you?
This programme is designed for candidates who bring both an accomplished professional background and the resources to fund a managed Australian research and enterprise project.
A sensible next step if…
You can document substantial achievements, meet the initial screening profile and are comfortable committing US$250,000 to programme expenditure.
Clarify the fit first if…
You are relying primarily on your wealth or job title, have limited evidence of achievement, or need the programme funds returned at a set date. Explain this in your enquiry so the assessment addresses it directly.
What should you know before applying?
A review considers your complete profile. These answers explain what the initial screening can and cannot establish.
Does investing US$250,000 qualify me automatically?
No. The fee funds a private research and enterprise programme. Your professional record and the applicable NIV criteria remain central to assessment and approval.
Do I need to be a scientist or academic?
No. This programme screens accomplished business owners, entrepreneurs and senior leaders. Your proposed research and enterprise work should connect credibly with your expertise.
Are the degree and net-worth thresholds visa rules?
They are the private programme’s screening criteria. Meeting them does not establish NIV eligibility, and the programme may be narrower than the visa’s broader applicant categories.
Can I apply if I am 55 or older?
The NIV has no general upper age limit. Applicants aged 55 or older must show exceptional benefit to Australia. Programme suitability and the additional evidence required need individual review.
Do I need perfect English?
Applicants aged 18 or older must provide evidence of functional English or pay the applicable second instalment of the visa application charge. Specialists assess how this applies to your circumstances.
Does an invitation mean my visa is already approved?
No. Home Affairs assesses the merits and supporting evidence when you lodge the visa application. An invitation is a separate step from approval.
What do I send for the initial review?
Start with the enquiry below. If a detailed review is appropriate, you will be asked for a CV, passport picture page and one-page description of your expertise or business.
Could your experience open the door to Australia?
Tell us about your career, business and plans. We’ll explain whether an initial profile review is appropriate and what the next steps involve.
- Start with a short enquiryYou do not need to upload your passport or CV to make first contact.
- Understand the fit before committingSuitable enquiries progress to a review of your credentials and a discussion of programme terms.
- One coordinated next stepWe connect suitable candidates with the specialists responsible for assessment and delivery.
US$250,000 programme commitment. No programme payment is required to make this enquiry. Formal admission and visa approval are separate decisions.
Request your eligibility assessment
A few details about you and your professional background will help us identify the appropriate next step.