National Innovation visa (NIV) (subclass 858) - Agent Training Manual

1. Overview

Know these facts cold before the first client conversation - they are also what the exam below tests. This visa IS permanent residence.

Visa typePermanent

LodgementOnshore or offshore

StayPermanent

Work rightsUnlimited - full PR work rights

Study rightsYes

Government charge~$5,135 (main applicant)

Processing timeVaries - case by case

2. Process flow

The handling sequence for a 858 file, from first consultation to decision. Each step assumes the one before it is genuinely finished - not "mostly done".

Audit the achievement record
The bar is an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field - prizes, patents, publications, senior roles, media, salary. Be honest early if the record is strong-but-ordinary.
Secure the nominator
A national-reputation nominator (individual or organisation) in the same field completes Form 1000. A weak nominator undermines a strong record.
Expression of Interest
Submit the EOI with the evidence mapped to the criteria; wait for an invitation - only invited candidates apply.
Lodge and manage
Full evidence pack at lodgement: recognition, benefit to Australia, and standing in the field.
Decision and briefing
PR on grant; processing is case-by-case rather than a published service standard.

3. Eligibility checklist

Every box must be confirmable with evidence, not the client's say-so, before you advise that the 858 is viable.

A record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible fieldRecognition by peers internationallyA nominator/endorsement where requiredA demonstrable benefit to Australia

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4. Document checklist

The lodgement pack. Aim for decision-ready: a case officer should be able to grant without asking for anything further.

Valid passport biodata page for every applicant - check expiry against expected processing timeCertified identity documents: birth certificate, national ID, any change-of-name evidencePolice certificates for every country the client lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (since turning 16)Health examinations with an approved panel physician when requested (record the HAP ID)Form 956 appointing you as the registered agent, signed before you deal with the DepartmentAchievement record: awards, patents, publications, keynote invitations, media coverage, senior appointmentsForm 1000 completed by a nominator with national standing in the fieldSalary evidence or offers indicating ability to attract a high incomeMapping document tying each criterion to its evidence

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5. Cost checklist

Quote the full stack, in writing, before the client signs. Surprise costs are the fastest way to lose a client's trust (and earn a complaint).

Item	Indicative amount
Base visa application charge (2025-26, indicative)	~$5,135 (main applicant)
Health examinations (per person)	~$300-500
Police certificates	~$42-150 each
Document translation and notarisation	Varies with volume
Your professional fee	Per your agency's schedule - quote in writing before Form 956
Rule of thumb	Government charges usually change every 1 July - re-quote any file that lodges after 30 June

6. Qualification checklist

Run this in the first consultation, before taking a retainer. It screens the client, not the visa: history, hard stops and honesty come first.

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7. Case studies - eligible cases

Illustrative composites showing what a grantable 858 file looks like in practice.

Grant: Daniel from Sri Lanka

Background: Daniel, a machine-learning researcher from Sri Lanka. Highly skilled individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Replaced the Global Talent program.
Why it qualified: (1) A record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. (2) Recognition by peers internationally. (3) A nominator/endorsement where required.
What made the file strong: The agent tested the weakest criterion first and fixed it before lodging, not after a natural-justice letter.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (Varies - case by case).

Grant: Mei from India

Background: Mei, a fintech founder from India. Highly skilled individuals with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Replaced the Global Talent program.
Why it qualified: (1) A record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in an eligible field. (2) Recognition by peers internationally. (3) A nominator/endorsement where required.
What made the file strong: Dates, names and figures matched across every document - no internal inconsistencies to trigger checks.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (Varies - case by case).

8. Case studies - refusal cases

The same visa, handled badly. Every one of these failure modes is screenable at the first consultation.

Refusal: Amir from Colombia

Background: Amir, a med-tech entrepreneur from Colombia, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 858.
What went wrong: Evidence that doesn't clearly rise to 'exceptional and outstanding'
Outcome: The case officer decided on the papers without a further request - the file had to stand on its own, and it could not.
Lesson for the agent: Put this issue on the document checklist on day one and refuse to lodge until it is closed out.

Refusal: Ngoc from Iran

Background: Ngoc, a robotics professor from Iran, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 858.
What went wrong: Weak or missing nomination/endorsement
Outcome: The refusal went to review: another year, more cost, and no certainty the outcome changes.
Lesson for the agent: Apply the decision-ready test: if you cannot evidence the claim today, the application is not ready to lodge.

9. Self-exam

10 questions drawn from this manual. Pass mark 80%. Answers are graded on the server and your result is recorded against your agent profile - retakes are unlimited and your best score is kept. Log in to the agent portal first so your result is saved to My trainings.

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