National Innovation Visa (858)
A temporary visa extension that lets eligible international graduates stay in Australia longer after finishing their studies so they can gain more work experience, look for skilled work, or apply for permanent residence.
Overview
This extension is for people who already hold—or recently held—a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) and need extra time in Australia to build work experience or meet requirements for a permanent visa. Grant length and eligibility depend on your qualification, work history and current Home Affairs rules.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ You previously held or currently hold a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa.
- ✔ You are in Australia when you apply (and usually at grant, if required).
- ✔ You applied before your current visa expired.
- ✔ You meet Australian health and character requirements.
- ✔ You provide evidence of your eligible qualification(s) and study history.
- ✔ You show you have stayed in relevant regional or work conditions if required by the extension rules.
- ✔ You meet any English-language or employment requirements set by the Department.
- ✔ You submit any required police certificates and health checks.
- ✔ You pay the applicable visa application charge (if any).
- ✔ You follow any additional documentary rules in the Department’s guidance.
Why Choose This Path?
- Extra time living in Australia after finishing your studies.
- Additional work rights to gain practical experience.
- More time to find employer sponsorship or permanent visa pathways.
- Opportunity to build local references and Australian work history.
- Time to improve English or gain industry specific skills.
- Time to lodge a permanent visa application if eligible.
- Can help meet employer or state/territory sponsorship criteria.
- Allows continuity of lawful status while you plan next steps.
- Can support family members’ stay if they are included in the grant.
- Gives breathing room to organise finances, health checks and paperwork for future visas.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Check you meet the extension eligibility rules on the Department of Home Affairs website.
- Gather documents: passport, current visa grant details, proof of qualification and study, employment evidence, police checks and health certificates.
- Translate any non English documents and certify translations.
- Create or sign in to ImmiAccount and start the online application. See ImmiAccount.
- Complete the application, upload documents and pay the fee (if required).
- Lodge the application before your current visa expires.
- Attend any medical exams or biometric requests if asked.
- Monitor ImmiAccount for requests for more information.
- If you applied on time and are unlawful, you may receive bridging status while the application is decided—follow Department advice.
- If granted, check the visa conditions, travel facility and expiry date.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Permanent
Visa Pathways
Australian Citizenship Pathway
The National Innovation visa Subclass 858 provides permanent residency immediately upon grant, creating a direct and streamlined pathway to Australian citizenship for individuals with internationally recognized records of exceptional and outstanding achievement in professions, sports, arts, or academia and research. As a permanent resident through the National Innovation visa, you can pursue Australian citizenship after meeting the general residence requirement of four years lawful residence in Australia including at least 12 months as a permanent resident, demonstrating your ongoing commitment to contributing your exceptional talents to Australian society.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD4,985.00 | Primary application fee |
| Additional applicant charge 18 and over | AUD2,495.00 | Applicants over 18 years |
| Additional applicant charge under 18 | AUD1,250.00 | Applicants under 18 years |
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Melbourne VIC 3000
Adelaide SA 5000