1. Core Advantages of the NIV Visa

1. ​One-Step Permanent Residency for the Whole Family
   Successful applicants gain immediate Australian Permanent Residency (PR) without transitioning through temporary visas, saving time and costs. Spouses and children under 18 can be included in the application 

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2. ​No High Investment Threshold
   Unlike traditional business visas (e.g., Subclass 188), the NIV focuses on ​innovation capabilities, technical expertise, and economic contributions rather than fixed investment amounts. For example:

   • Entrepreneurs must present high-growth business plans 

   • Investors must demonstrate contributions to priority sectors like clean energy or digital economy 

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3. ​Flexible Age and Language Requirements

   • ​Age Flexibility: Applicants over 55 may need to prove ongoing professional impact, but exceptions exist for those with significant contributions (e.g., job creation or national research advancements) 

   • ​Language Waiver: Accepts IELTS 4.5 or payment of a language training fee 

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4. ​Priority Processing
   Applications are prioritized based on four tiers, with top-tier candidates (e.g., Nobel laureates, Olympic medalists) processed in as little as 3 months 

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   • ​Tier 1: International award winners (e.g., Nobel Prize, Olympic Gold Medal).

   • ​Tier 2: Applicants nominated by Australian federal/state governments.

   • ​Tier 3: Leaders in critical technologies, health industries, and renewable energy.

   • ​Tier 4: Talent in agriculture, defence, education, and infrastructure 

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5. ​No Skills Assessment or Points Test
   Requires proof of ​internationally recognized achievements, such as:

   • Publications in top-tier journals (e.g., Nature, Lancet) with high citation counts 

   • International patents or groundbreaking projects 

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​2. Target Sectors

NIV prioritizes talent in ​Tier 1 and ​Tier 2 sectors 

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​Tier 1 Priority Sectors

1. ​Critical Technologies: AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, advanced robotics 

2. ​Health Industries: Biotechnology, genomics, precision medicine 

3. ​Renewable Energy & Low-Emission Tech: Clean energy storage, hydrogen production, green metals 

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​Tier 2 Priority Sectors

1. Agri-food & Agri-tech

2. Defence & Space Technology

3. Education (senior academic/research roles)

4. Fintech & Blockchain Engineering

5. Infrastructure & Transport Innovation

6. Resources (critical mineral supply chains) 

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​3. Salary Threshold & Eligibility Criteria

1. ​Income Requirement

   • ​2024–25 Fair Work High Income Threshold (FWHIT): AUD 175,000 (updated annually on July 1) 

   • Acceptable proofs include:

     • Current salary slips or employment contracts 

     • Future job offers from Australian employers 

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2. ​Achievement Metrics

   • ​Academic Impact: High H-index (e.g., H-index ≥14 for early-career researchers) 

   • ​Entrepreneurial Success: Proven startup track record or government endorsements 

   • ​Investment Contribution: Support for innovation-driven projects (e.g., tech startups) 

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​4. Application Process

1. ​Submit Expression of Interest (EOI)

   • Valid for 2 years via the Immigration Portal 

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2. ​Secure Nomination

   • ​Nominator Requirements:

     • Australian citizen/permanent resident or eligible NZ citizen 

     • Reputable Australian organization in the applicant’s field 

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3. ​Formal Visa Application

   • Submit within 60 days of invitation, including:

     • Form 1000 (nomination) 

     • Medical and police clearance certificates 

     • Evidence of achievements (awards, patents, etc.) 

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4. ​Approval & Visa Grant

   • Average processing time: ​3–6 months, depending on priority tier