National Innovation Visa (NIV)

Home Affairs indicator

Evidence of promising entrepreneurial activities that will lead to the commercialisation of a product or service in Australia, particularly where linked to Commonwealth, State or Territory-based innovation hubs. 

Queensland indicator

Established or emerging business owners/entrepreneurs, wanting to commercialise a product or service or develop their business in Queensland.

You must have have a Queensland investment threshold of $1 million AUD minimum to: 

•  set-up or expand their business in Queensland  

• expand your business through joint venture opportunities.

Candidates with recognised intellectual property attributed to them, for example holding relevant international patents, will be highly regarded. 

Candidates linked to Queensland based innovation hubs will also be highly regarded. 

Evidence you must provide

Candidates must provide evidence of their operational readiness and evidence of commitment to Queensland (i.e. they need to have actively begun implementing their business expansion strategy in Queensland) in the following 1-2 years.

This could include: 

• a registered office and business presence, proof business address or office lease with rentals payments in Queensland

• evidence of funds spent towards business setup, e.g. feasibility study, consultant, market research, licensing, regulatory approvals etc. 

• onshore staff – an employment contract for at least one staff member in Australia, e.g. Business Development Manager or Research staff

• secured partnerships – a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Join Venture (JV) agreements with Australian partners

• proof of contracts with suppliers, distributors or clients in Queensland. 

• evidence of engagement with state-supported innovation hubs or industry groups such as local incubator or accelerator programmes

• proof of secured funding of at least $1 millio AUD either self-funded or from venture capital (VC), institutional investors, or grants.

 Entrepreneurial success and commercialisation potential evidence can include:

• established business growth and financial performance – demonstrated annual revenue, market traction, or sustained profitability in a competitive industry 

• commercial partnerships and contracts such as MOUs, JV agreements, or secured supply chain contracts that support business expansion in Queensland

• proof of funding secured from venture capital firms, angel investors, institutional funding, or government innovation grants

• industry recognition and market validation such as awards, media recognition, government-backed support, or participation in accelerator or icubation programmes.

Home Affairs indicator
Evidence of innovative investment activity with an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures. 

Trade and Investment Queensland indicator
Ready-to-invest innovative investors, with an established track record of supporting successful innovative ventures. You must provide a Queensland investment threshold of AUD $5 million for a minimum of 2 years after visa grant in Queensland focused projects with the proposed structure/ investment avenues such as:  

• private equity 

• venture capital

• research and development

• asset management  

• co-investments.

Evidence you must provide (if selected for consideration)
You must provide proof of AUD $5 million in an Australian bank account in your registered business/company name; and a clear and structured investment deployment plan into ‘supported funds’ when visa is granted. 

You must provide evidence of a track record of supporting successful innovative ventures by: 

• previous investments in private equity, venture capital, research and development, co-investments and or asset management, Investments linked to high-growth sectors, and in priority *one and *two sectors will be highly regarded

• successful exits or returns, IPOs, acquisitions, or funding rounds that contributed to economic growth

• companies: shareholding, board positions, or leadership roles in start-ups, scale-ups, publicly listed companies, or high-growth ventures

• third party endorsements such as letters of recommendation from investment firms, venture capitalists, government-backed funds or recognised co-investors

• The details of the priority sectors can be found on the Home Affairs website National Innovation visa priorities
• Health

• _{*Priority 1 - Critical technologies, Renewables and low emission technologies} 

• _{HhHealth Industries *Priority 2 - Agri-food and AgTech, Education, Defence Capabilities and Space, Financial Services and FinTech, Infrastructure and Transport and Resources} 

Home Affairs indicator 

Athletes and creatives who will raise Australia’s international standing in their field.

Queensland Government indicators

Elite talent to contribute to major events such as the 2032 Brisbane Olympics Games and drive creative sectors such as the screen industry, AI and games development. 

All candidates must have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.

All candidates must be willing to take part in TIQ’s Global Connect program.