NSW ROI Opening This Week: A Strategic Gateway for Global Talent to Migrate to Australia
In late 2024, the Australian Government officially launched the National Innovation Visa (NIV, Subclass 858) — a new permanent residency pathway that replaces the former Global Talent Visa. The NIV is designed to attract outstanding global researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, athletes and creatives who are ready to settle in Australia and contribute to its long-term economic development.
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has now released its nomination framework, with Registrations of Interest (ROIs) opening this week. For aspiring NIV applicants, obtaining a state nomination from NSW not only increases the likelihood of receiving an invitation but also provides a unique opportunity to build long-term strategic partnerships with the state.
1. What is the National Innovation Visa (NIV)?
The NIV (Subclass 858) is a direct-to-PR visa with no requirement for employer sponsorship, investment capital, or a temporary visa stage. It is intended for globally recognised talent in the following fields:
- Academic research and higher education
- High-potential entrepreneurship and innovation-driven businesses
- Strategic innovation investment
- Arts, design, and creative industries
- Elite-level international sports
2. Why Seek Nomination from NSW?
Compared to applying solely through the federal channel, securing NSW nomination offers multiple strategic advantages:
Prioritised Processing
NIV applicants nominated by NSW are assigned Tier 2 priority under Home Affairs processing guidelines — significantly increasing their visibility and turnaround speed.
Rigorous Review & Reputational Endorsement
The NSW nomination process involves in-depth assessment by sector experts and may include endorsements from recognised leaders in the applicant’s field, greatly boosting credibility.
Government Support & Industry Access
Nominees are treated as key strategic partners. NSW provides support for network-building, market access and local integration to ensure applicants can make the greatest impact.
3. Five Global Talent Pathways Offered by NSW
NSW has defined five distinct nomination pathways, tailored to suit different categories of internationally distinguished applicants:
4. How to Apply for NSW Nomination?
If you are seeking nomination for the NIV from NSW, you’ll need to follow these three key steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility and Choose a Suitable Pathway
Carefully review the eligibility requirements for each stream and prepare relevant supporting documentation showcasing your global achievements and contributions.
Step 2: Submit a Registration of Interest (ROI)
ROIs will officially open this week and remain valid for six months. You can only have one active ROI at a time. Once submitted, your ROI cannot be edited, so make sure it is complete and accurate before submitting.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply
If your ROI is shortlisted, you will receive an invitation from NSW to lodge a full nomination application, which includes evidence of impact, nomination forms, and a clear landing plan outlining your intended contributions in NSW.
If you have any questions or would like professional assistance, please feel free to contact us at Riverwood Migration (Email: [email protected]). We are committed to providing transparent, expert migration services to help you achieve your dream of moving to Australia.
