National Innovation Visa Government Nomination: Priority 2 Guide
Government nomination can place a National Innovation Visa candidate in Priority 2, but it is not a shortcut around the Subclass 858 eligibility criteria.
Under the current NIV framework, Priority 2 covers candidates from any sector who are nominated on approved Form 1000 by an expert Australian Commonwealth, State or Territory Government agency.
For the broader visa requirements, see our National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) hub.
What is Priority 2 government nomination?
Priority 2 applies where an expert Australian government agency formally supports an exceptional candidate. The nomination can come from the Commonwealth or from a State or Territory government agency.
It is a processing-priority mechanism. The visa applicant must still meet the legal criteria for Subclass 858.
What must be included with a government-nominated EOI?
Home Affairs currently states that a candidate nominated by an expert government agency must include:
- a completed Form 1000 with Part A filled out by the nominating agency; and
- a supporting statement from the agency.
The supporting statement should explain:
- why the agency is nominating the candidate;
- how the candidate’s expertise is expected to make a significant contribution to Australia in line with the agency’s strategic priorities; and
- any previous or proposed collaboration between the candidate and the agency.
Does government nomination guarantee an invitation?
No. Priority 2 is a high processing priority, but the Department still considers the claimed indicators of exceptional and outstanding achievement and the overall NIV framework.
An invitation itself is also not a pre-assessment that the visa will later be granted.
Does government nomination guarantee the visa?
No. The visa application must still prove the achievements on which the invitation was based and satisfy all Subclass 858 criteria.
This includes international recognition, current prominence, Australian contribution, establishment, the nomination requirements and the ordinary health, character, English and immigration-history rules.
Which candidates are realistic candidates for agency support?
There is no universal checklist. Government agencies are more likely to have a reason to engage where the candidate’s expertise aligns with a strategic priority and there is a genuine Australian nexus.
Examples might include:
- researchers collaborating with Australian institutions or innovation programs;
- founders developing technology relevant to an agency priority;
- investors supporting strategic innovation ecosystems;
- specialists contributing to health, energy, defence, space, critical technologies or other nationally significant sectors;
- candidates already involved in substantive government-backed initiatives.
Government nomination is not the same as State skilled nomination
Applicants should not confuse NIV government nomination with ordinary State nomination processes used for visas such as Subclass 190 or 491.
The NIV does not use a points test, and Priority 2 nomination is designed around exceptional expertise and government strategic contribution rather than an occupation list and points score.
What does Form 1000 do?
Form 1000 is the nomination form for the National Innovation Visa. The nominator attests to the candidate’s achievement, standing, contribution and ability to establish.
For non-government cases, the nominator must have a national reputation in the same area and be an eligible Australian individual or organisation. Government nomination has additional EOI documentation requirements because it can affect Priority 2 positioning.
Read our complete Form 1000 guide.
Can you pay a government agency or nominator to nominate you?
NIV nomination should not be treated as a purchasable endorsement. Form 1000 itself states that no fee is to be paid to the nominator for completion of the nomination form.
Any approach to an agency should be based on genuine expertise, demonstrated achievement and strategic relevance.
What evidence should accompany a Priority 2 strategy?
The government nomination should sit within a broader evidentiary case. Depending on the candidate, that may include:
- international awards and recognition;
- research, patents or commercialisation;
- successful ventures;
- independent media and industry recognition;
- employment, contracts or Australian collaborations;
- evidence of current prominence;
- specific evidence of anticipated Australian contribution.
Latest Priority 2 invitation data
For April to June 2026, Home Affairs reported fewer than 20 invitations in Priority 2. That figure shows the category is active, but it should not be converted into a success percentage or assumed to reflect the number of candidates seeking government nomination.
Victoria and other State/Territory pathways
State and Territory approaches can differ. We already maintain a separate guide on Victorian National Innovation Visa nomination.
This article focuses on the national legal architecture of Priority 2 rather than the procedures of one jurisdiction.
How we approach government-nominated NIV matters
The first question is not “which agency can sign the form?” It is whether the candidate has a genuinely exceptional profile and a credible strategic connection that an expert agency could responsibly support.
Contact Emigrate Lawyers for advice on whether government nomination should form part of an NIV strategy.
Official sources
Last reviewed: 24 September 2026. General information only; not legal advice.
Madhab Kharel
Principal Lawyer & Director, Emigrate Lawyers
Madhab Kharel is the Principal Lawyer and Director of Emigrate Lawyers, an Australian law firm assisting clients across Australia and internationally. His migration law practice includes Partner Visas, Protection Visas, visa refusals and cancellations, Administrative Review Tribunal matters, health and character issues, Schedule 3, Section 48, sponsorship limitations and employer-sponsored migration. He regularly advises clients with complex immigration histories and matters requiring detailed legal submissions and evidence strategy.
Reviewed by Madhab Kharel, Principal Lawyer
Date reviewed: 24 September 2026
