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National Innovation Visa Assessment

By Principal Migration Consultant.

National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) Assessment

Complete this assessment to help us evaluate your potential eligibility for the Australian National Innovation Visa (NIV) (Subclass 858). This visa is designed for individuals with internationally recognised achievements and exceptional talent in areas such as research, academia, innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, sport, the arts, creative industries and other fields of national importance to Australia.

This assessment reviews factors including your professional achievements, international recognition, leadership profile, contribution to your field, Australian connections, nomination prospects and potential alignment with Australia's National Innovation Visa priorities.

✓ 5–10 minutes ✓ No documents required ✓ Australia or overseas ✓ Free preliminary assessment
Book Consultation
Assessment Progress 0%
STEP 1 — Current Location & Visa Position
Tell us about your current location and visa position so we can understand your starting point for a potential National Innovation Visa pathway.
Are you currently in Australia?(*)
Are you currently in Australia?
Please select whether you are currently in Australia.
Please select your country of residence.
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When does your current visa expire?
When does your current visa expire?
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STEP 2 — Innovation Profile
Tell us about your area of expertise, professional background and achievements so we can assess potential eligibility for the National Innovation Visa.
Please enter your current professional title, position or role.
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Do you have recognised achievements or expertise in your field?(*)
Do you have recognised achievements or expertise in your field?
Please indicate whether you have recognised achievements or expertise in your field.
Please select an option.

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Have you received notable awards, honours, distinctions or industry recognition?(*)
Have you received notable awards, honours, distinctions or industry recognition?
Please select an option.
Do you have published research, academic publications, citations or recognised professional publications?(*)
Do you have published research, academic publications, citations or recognised professional publications?
Please select an option.
Have you founded, led or significantly contributed to a successful business, startup or commercial venture?(*)
Have you founded, led or significantly contributed to a successful business, startup or commercial venture?
Please select an option.
Have you held a senior leadership, executive, founder, director, principal investigator or other significant leadership role in your field?(*)
Have you held a senior leadership, executive, founder, director, principal investigator or other significant leadership role in your field?
Please select an option.
STEP 3 — English & Visa Readiness
Tell us about your English language position and other factors relevant to a potential National Innovation Visa application.
Do you currently have evidence of English language ability?(*)
Do you currently have evidence of English language ability?
Please select an option.
Which age category applies to you?(*)
Which age category applies to you?
Please select your age bracket.
STEP 4 — Australian Connections & Nomination
Tell us about any Australian professional connections, nomination prospects or support that may assist a potential National Innovation Visa application.
Have you previously collaborated with an Australian organisation relevant to your field?(*)
Have you previously collaborated with an Australian organisation relevant to your field?
Please select the option that best describes your previous collaboration with Australian organisations.
Please select the State or Territory associated with your Australian collaboration.
How long did the collaboration last?
How long did the collaboration last?
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Was this collaboration related to your professional achievements, expertise or recognition?
Was this collaboration related to your professional achievements, expertise or recognition?
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Do you currently maintain an active relationship with the organisation?
Do you currently maintain an active relationship with the organisation?
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Do you currently know an Australian individual or organisation that may be willing to support or nominate you for a National Innovation Visa application?(*)
Do you currently know an Australian individual or organisation that may be willing to support or nominate you for a National Innovation Visa application?
Please indicate whether you may have access to a potential nominator or supporter in Australia.
Please select the type of individual or organisation that may be willing to support or nominate you.

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Please upload your CV or resume.
STEP 5 — Contact & Submit
Provide your contact details below and our migration team will review your information and contact you regarding possible migration pathways and eligibility options.
Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter your phone number.
Please select your nationality.
Please enter a valid email address.
When are you hoping to move forward with your migration matter?
When are you hoping to move forward with your migration matter?
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How would you prefer us to contact you if further review is required?
How would you prefer us to contact you if further review is required?
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Declaration(*)
Declaration
Please confirm the declaration before continuing.
Migration Updates (Optional)
Migration Updates (Optional)
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Please complete the security verification before submitting your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may be suitable for the National Innovation Visa?

Potential applicants may include highly accomplished researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, athletes, creatives and other individuals with recognised achievements in their field.

Do I need international recognition?

Evidence of outstanding achievements and recognition may be relevant when assessing potential suitability for this pathway.

Can I apply from outside Australia?

Yes. Potential applicants may be located either in Australia or overseas.

Does this assessment confirm eligibility?

No. This assessment is a preliminary review only and does not confirm eligibility or visa approval.

What happens after I submit the assessment?

The information provided may be reviewed to determine whether further assessment, evidence review or professional consultation is recommended.

Need Advice About the National Innovation Visa?

If you would like professional guidance regarding your achievements, evidence, recognition or National Innovation Visa strategy, you can book a consultation with Shada Migration Services.

Employer Sponsored Visa Assessment

By Principal Migration Consultant.

Employer-Sponsored Visa Assessment

Complete this assessment to help us evaluate potential Australian employer-sponsored visa pathways, including Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme) and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) visas, based on your occupation, qualifications, work experience, English language ability and employment circumstances.

✓ 5–10 minutes ✓ No documents required ✓ Australia or overseas ✓ Free preliminary assessment
Book Consultation
Assessment Progress 0%
STEP 1 — Current Visa & Location
If you are currently in Australia, tell us about your visa and location so we can understand your current migration position.
Are you currently in Australia?(*)
Are you currently in Australia?
Please select whether you are currently in Australia.
Please select your country of residence.
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When does your current visa expire?
When does your current visa expire?
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STEP 2 — Career Profile
Tell us about your occupation, work experience and current employment situation so we can better understand possible skilled migration pathways.
Are you currently employed?(*)
Are you currently employed?
Please indicate your current employment status.
Is your current employment located in Australia?
Is your current employment located in Australia?
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Is your current work related to your occupation or qualification?
Is your current work related to your occupation or qualification?
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Has your employer discussed sponsorship with you, or may be willing to sponsor you?
Has your employer discussed sponsorship with you, or may be willing to sponsor you?
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Is your current work located in regional Australia?
Is your current work located in regional Australia?
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Please enter your occupation.
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Has most of your work experience been related to your nominated occupation?(*)
Has most of your work experience been related to your nominated occupation?
Please indicate whether most of your work experience has been in a skilled occupation related to your nominated occupation.
STEP 3 — Education & Skills Assessment
Tell us about your qualifications, education and any skills assessments you may already have completed.
Have you completed a skills assessment?(*)
Have you completed a skills assessment?
Please select your skills assessment status.
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What was the outcome of your skills assessment?
What was the outcome of your skills assessment?
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Is your qualification related to your occupation?(*)
Is your qualification related to your occupation?
Please select whether your qualification is related to your occupation.
Please select your highest qualification level.
Where was your highest qualification completed?(*)
Where was your highest qualification completed?
Please select where your highest qualification was completed.
STEP 4 — English & Skilled Migration Factors
Tell us about your English test status and other factors that may support your skilled migration options.
Have you completed an English language test within the last 3 years?(*)
Have you completed an English language test within the last 3 years?
Please select your English language test status.
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What best describes your current English test plan or situation?(*)
What best describes your current English test plan or situation?
Please select your current English readiness position.
Which age bracket do you currently fall into?(*)
Which age bracket do you currently fall into?
Please select your age bracket.
Are you willing to live or work in regional Australia if it improves your migration options?(*)
Are you willing to live or work in regional Australia if it improves your migration options?
Please select your regional Australia preference.
STEP 5 — Employer Sponsorship
If you currently work for an employer or may be eligible for sponsorship, provide some additional information below.
Do you have an Australian employer who may be willing to sponsor you?
Do you have an Australian employer who may be willing to sponsor you?
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Is your annual salary approximately AUD $80,000 or above?
Is your annual salary approximately AUD $80,000 or above?
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Is your current employer located in regional Australia?
Is your current employer located in regional Australia?
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STEP 6 — Additional Information
If there is anything else you would like our migration team to know, you may provide additional information below.

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STEP 7 — Contact & Submit
Provide your contact details below and our migration team will review your information and contact you regarding possible migration pathways and eligibility options.
Please enter your first name.
Please enter your last name.
Please enter your phone number.
Please select your nationality.
Please enter a valid email address.
When are you hoping to move forward with your migration matter?
When are you hoping to move forward with your migration matter?
Invalid Input
How would you prefer us to contact you if further review is required?
How would you prefer us to contact you if further review is required?
Invalid Input
Declaration(*)
Declaration
Please confirm the declaration before continuing.
Migration Updates (Optional)
Migration Updates (Optional)
Invalid Input
Please complete the security verification before submitting your assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which employer-sponsored visas does this assessment cover?

This assessment may help identify potential pathways including Subclass 482, Subclass 186 and Subclass 494 visas.

Do I need an employer before completing the assessment?

No. The assessment can be completed whether you already have an employer or are still exploring sponsorship opportunities.

Can I apply from outside Australia?

Yes. Employer-sponsored pathways may be available to applicants both inside and outside Australia.

Does my occupation need to be eligible?

Occupation eligibility is an important factor and may affect available sponsorship pathways and visa options.

What happens after I submit the assessment?

Your information may be reviewed to identify potential sponsorship pathways, eligibility factors and areas requiring further advice.

Need Employer Sponsorship Advice?

If you would like professional advice regarding employer-sponsored visa pathways, sponsorship requirements or employer eligibility, you can book a consultation with Shada Migration Services.

Skilled Migration Points Terms Explained

By Principal Migration Consultant.

Skilled Migration Points Terms Explained

This guide explains common skilled migration terms used in Australian visa assessments, points-tested migration pathways and employer-sponsored visa planning.

Skills Assessment

A Skills Assessment is an assessment conducted by an authorised assessing authority to determine whether your qualifications and employment history meet the requirements of a nominated occupation for migration purposes.

Most skilled migration pathways require a positive Skills Assessment before a visa application can proceed.

Common assessing authorities include VETASSESS, Engineers Australia, ACS, CPA Australia, TRA and AHPRA.

Possible assessment outcomes may include positive, negative, expired or in progress.

Skilled Employment

Skilled employment refers to work experience that may be recognised for migration purposes.

Work experience is generally more useful when it is closely related to your nominated occupation, performed at an appropriate skill level and supported by evidence such as employment references, contracts, payslips and tax records.

Both Australian and overseas skilled employment may be relevant to skilled migration points and pathway planning.

Australian Work Experience

Australian skilled work experience may contribute to a skilled migration points score.

The number of years, relevance to the nominated occupation and quality of evidence can affect whether employment is useful for migration purposes.

Overseas Work Experience

Relevant overseas skilled employment may also contribute to skilled migration points.

Not all overseas work experience will automatically be recognised. The work generally needs to be relevant, skilled and supported by reliable evidence.

Australian Study Requirement

Some skilled migration applicants may receive additional points if they satisfy the Australian Study Requirement.

This generally involves completing eligible study in Australia that meets specific migration criteria. Holding an Australian qualification alone does not automatically mean the requirement has been met.

Additional conditions may apply regarding study duration, location and visa status during study.

Professional Year Program

A Professional Year Program is a structured work-readiness program available for certain occupations, including Accounting, Engineering and Information Technology.

Eligible applicants who complete an approved Professional Year Program may receive additional skilled migration points.

NAATI Credentialed Community Language

Applicants who hold an eligible NAATI Credentialed Community Language qualification may receive additional migration points.

NAATI credentials recognise language and translation or interpreting skills in approved community languages.

Specialist Education Qualification

A Specialist Education Qualification may provide additional migration points.

This usually relates to eligible Australian Masters by Research or PhD qualifications in recognised STEM, ICT, Engineering, Mathematics, Medical Science or related fields.

Regional Australia

Regional Australia may be relevant to several skilled migration pathways.

Regional factors may include living, studying or working in a designated regional area, or having an eligible relative living in regional Australia.

State & Territory Nomination

State and Territory governments may nominate eligible applicants for skilled migration visas.

Nomination requirements vary between States and Territories and may change over time.

State or Territory nomination can be important for applicants considering Subclass 190 or Subclass 491 visa pathways.

Eligible Relative in Regional Australia

Certain applicants may have additional regional visa options if they have an eligible relative living in a designated regional area of Australia.

The relative usually needs to meet specific relationship, residence and location requirements.

Partner Points

Partner-related factors may affect eligibility and points under the skilled migration program.

Relevant considerations may include whether your partner is included in the application, whether your partner has a Skills Assessment, whether your partner has competent English and whether your partner is an Australian citizen or permanent resident.

English Language Requirements

English language ability plays an important role in skilled migration.

Common English tests include IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, OET and Cambridge English.

English results may affect visa eligibility, migration points and skills assessment requirements.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa

By Principal Migration Consultant.

Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa Australia

The Skilled Work Regional visa (Subclass 491) is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

Applicants may be nominated by a state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

  • Points-tested regional skilled visa
  • State nomination or eligible family sponsorship
  • Additional 15 migration points
  • Pathway to Subclass 191 permanent residency
Book a Consultation

What is the Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)?

The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers who want to live and work in designated regional areas of Australia.

Applicants can be nominated by an Australian state or territory government or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area.

This visa can lead to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to:

  • Be under 45 years old
  • Have Competent English or higher
  • Nominate an eligible occupation
  • Obtain a positive skills assessment
  • Meet the points requirement
  • Receive state nomination or family sponsorship
  • Receive an invitation to apply

Regional Requirements

Subclass 491 holders must live, work and study in designated regional areas of Australia.

Major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are generally excluded, while many other locations may qualify as designated regional areas.

Occupation Requirements

Your occupation must be listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.

You can explore eligible occupations here: Skilled Occupation List

Skills Assessment

Most applicants must complete a positive skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority before lodging an Expression of Interest.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm occupation eligibility
  2. Complete skills assessment
  3. Sit an English test if required
  4. Calculate your migration points
  5. Submit an Expression of Interest
  6. Apply for state nomination or family sponsorship
  7. Receive invitation
  8. Lodge visa application

Points Test

Points may be awarded for:

  • Age
  • English ability
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Partner skills
  • Australian study
  • NAATI credentials
  • State nomination or family sponsorship: 15 points

Pathway to Permanent Residency

Eligible Subclass 491 holders may later apply for the Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa if they meet the relevant residency, income and visa requirements.

Key Benefits

  • Additional 15 migration points
  • Pathway to permanent residency
  • Access to regional opportunities
  • Ability to include eligible family members
  • Potentially lower competition compared to Subclass 189

Common Reasons Applicants Struggle

  • Choosing the wrong regional pathway
  • Misunderstanding regional obligations
  • Low points score
  • Incorrect Expression of Interest claims
  • Occupation restrictions

Skilled Occupation List

Check whether your occupation may be relevant to Australian skilled migration pathways.

Check Occupation List

Skilled Migration Program

Explore skilled visa pathways including Subclass 189, 190 and 491.

Explore Skilled Migration

Visa Application Charges and Processing Times

Visa application charges and processing times change regularly. Applicants should review the latest official information before lodging an application.

Official Visa Application Charges

Check the latest Subclass 491 visa application charges published by the Department of Home Affairs.

View Current Visa Charges

Official Visa Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the application, supporting documents and Department workload.

View Processing Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subclass 491 a permanent residency visa?

No. Subclass 491 is a provisional visa. However, eligible visa holders may later apply for permanent residency through Subclass 191 if they meet the relevant requirements.

How many extra points does Subclass 491 provide?

Subclass 491 nomination or eligible family sponsorship can provide 15 additional migration points.

Can a family member sponsor me for Subclass 491?

Yes. An eligible family member living in a designated regional area may be able to sponsor an applicant, subject to meeting the relevant requirements.

Can I live in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane on a Subclass 491 visa?

Subclass 491 visa holders must generally live, work and study in designated regional areas. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane are generally excluded.

Can Subclass 491 lead to Australian citizenship?

Subclass 491 may lead to permanent residency through Subclass 191. After becoming a permanent resident, a person may later become eligible for Australian citizenship if they meet the relevant requirements.

Book a Skilled Visa Consultation

Need help understanding regional skilled migration pathways?

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Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa

By Principal Migration Consultant.

Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa Australia

The Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190) is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

This pathway may be suitable for applicants whose occupation is in demand in a particular state or territory and who can meet the relevant nomination and visa requirements.

  • Permanent residency visa
  • State or territory nomination required
  • Additional 5 migration points
  • Skills assessment and invitation required
Book a Consultation

What is the Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)?

The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated Visa is a points-tested permanent residency visa for skilled workers who are nominated by an Australian state or territory government.

Unlike the Subclass 189 visa, this pathway requires state or territory nomination. In return, applicants may receive an additional 5 migration points.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants generally need to:

  • Be under 45 years old at the time of invitation
  • Have Competent English or higher
  • Nominate an eligible occupation
  • Obtain a positive skills assessment
  • Meet the minimum points requirement
  • Receive state or territory nomination
  • Receive an invitation to apply

State Nomination Requirements

Each Australian state and territory has its own nomination requirements.

These may vary depending on:

  • Occupation demand
  • Work experience
  • English score
  • Onshore or offshore status
  • State-specific employment requirements
  • Commitment to living in the nominating state

State nomination programs may open, close or change regularly depending on labour market demand.

Occupation Requirements

Your occupation must be eligible for both skilled migration and relevant state nomination programs.

Explore occupations here: Skilled Occupation List

Skills Assessment

Most applicants must complete a positive skills assessment through the relevant assessing authority before lodging an Expression of Interest.

How to Apply

  1. Confirm occupation eligibility
  2. Complete skills assessment
  3. Sit an English test if required
  4. Calculate migration points
  5. Submit an Expression of Interest
  6. Apply for state nomination
  7. Receive invitation
  8. Lodge visa application

Points Test

Points may be awarded for:

  • Age
  • English ability
  • Work experience
  • Education
  • Partner skills
  • Australian study
  • NAATI credentials
  • State nomination: 5 points

Key Benefits

  • Permanent residency in Australia
  • Additional 5 migration points
  • Access to Medicare
  • Pathway to Australian citizenship
  • Live and work in Australia permanently
  • Include eligible family members

Common Reasons Applicants Struggle

  • Applying for states that are closed or not currently inviting their occupation
  • Missing state-specific requirements
  • Low points score
  • Incorrect Expression of Interest claims
  • Occupation not currently being prioritised

When Professional Advice May Help

Professional advice may help if you are unsure which state offers the best pathway for your occupation, whether your points are competitive, or whether Subclass 190 is more suitable than Subclass 189 or Subclass 491.

Skilled Occupation List

Check whether your occupation may be relevant to Australian skilled migration pathways.

Check Occupation List

Skilled Migration Program

Explore skilled visa pathways including Subclass 189, 190 and 491.

Explore Skilled Migration

Visa Application Charges and Processing Times

Visa application charges and processing times change regularly. Applicants should review the latest official information before lodging an application.

Official Visa Application Charges

Check the latest Subclass 190 visa application charges published by the Department of Home Affairs.

View Current Visa Charges

Official Visa Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on the application, supporting documents and Department workload.

View Processing Times

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Subclass 190 visa a permanent residency visa?

Yes. The Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) is a permanent residency visa that allows eligible applicants to live and work permanently in Australia.

Why do many applicants choose Subclass 190 instead of Subclass 189?

Subclass 190 may provide a stronger pathway for some applicants because state nomination can provide an additional 5 migration points and may increase invitation opportunities depending on the occupation and state demand.

Can state nomination requirements change?

Yes. Australian states and territories regularly update their nomination criteria based on labour market demand, occupation ceilings, employment needs and migration planning priorities.

Do I need to live in the nominating state after visa grant?

Applicants are generally expected to genuinely intend to live and work in the nominating state or territory. Individual state nomination programs may include specific expectations or commitments.

Can I include family members in a Subclass 190 application?

Yes. Eligible family members may generally be included in the visa application, subject to meeting health, character and other visa requirements.

Book a Skilled Visa Consultation

Need help with state nomination strategy or Subclass 190 eligibility?

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