NIV State Nomination Comparison: NSW vs VIC vs SA vs QLD

The National Innovation Visa (Subclass 858) introduced something the old Global Talent Visa never had: state and territory government nomination. Under the NIV’s five-level priority framework, a state nomination places your application at Priority 2 — second only to recipients of top-of-field awards like Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals.

That’s a significant advantage. Priority 2 applications are processed ahead of those relying on sector alignment alone (Priorities 3–5), which means faster invitation timelines and a structured pathway that many applicants overlook.

But here’s the challenge: each state runs its own nomination program with distinct criteria, processes, and strategic priorities. Choosing the wrong state — or applying without understanding what a particular state values — can mean months of wasted effort.

This guide breaks down the four states with active or announced NIV nomination programs as of early 2026: New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Queensland. We’ll cover specific eligibility criteria, investment thresholds, application processes, and — critically — which state suits which type of applicant.

How State Nomination Fits the NIV Framework

Before comparing individual states, it’s worth understanding how state nomination works within the broader NIV structure.

The NIV uses a five-level priority system established under Ministerial Direction 112:

State nomination means a government agency submits Form 1000 on your behalf, effectively vouching that you align with the state’s economic and innovation priorities. This doesn’t guarantee a visa — the Department of Home Affairs still assesses your application independently — but it places you in a faster processing queue and provides a powerful institutional endorsement.

Key point: You still need to demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievement. State nomination is an accelerator, not a shortcut.

New South Wales (NSW)

Overview

NSW operates the most structured and established NIV nomination program among Australian states. Administered through Investment NSW, the program has five distinct nomination pathways and a multi-stage assessment process designed to identify candidates who align with the state’s innovation and economic priorities.

Nomination Pathways

1. Academic/Researcher — Senior researchers, academics at Level D or E (Associate Professor / Professor equivalent), PhD holders with high citation impact
2. Entrepreneur — Founders with demonstrated traction in commercialising innovative products or services in NSW
3. Innovative Investor — Investors deploying capital into NSW-based innovation-driven enterprises
4. Sports Professional — Elite athletes who will raise Australia’s international standing through NSW-based activities
5. Creative Professional — Artists, designers, performers, and cultural leaders with international recognition

Eligibility Criteria

NSW places heavy emphasis on strategic alignment. Your work must connect to at least one of NSW’s published strategic frameworks:

• Turning Ideas into Jobs — the state’s innovation strategy
• 20-Year R&D Plan — long-term research priorities
• NSW R&D Roadmap — sector-specific research directions

Beyond strategic alignment, NSW requires:

• An internationally recognised record of exceptional achievement in your field
• Evidence of existing or planned engagement with NSW institutions, employers, or industry
• A credible plan to live and work in NSW
• Third-party endorsement from a relevant NSW organisation or institution

What NSW Does NOT Nominate

NSW has been explicit about what falls outside scope:

• Passive investment proposals
• Vague or aspirational business concepts without demonstrated traction
• Applicants whose achievements are primarily “potential” rather than proven
• Candidates without a meaningful connection to NSW

Application Process

1. Expression of Interest — Submit through the Investment NSW online portal
2. Expert Review — NSW government experts assess alignment with state priorities
3. Invitation to Full Application — If shortlisted, submit comprehensive documentation including third-party endorsement
4. Assessment and Decision — Investment NSW reviews the full application
5. Form 1000 Issued — Successful candidates receive the nomination form
6. Submit EOI to Home Affairs — Lodge your federal NIV Expression of Interest citing state nomination

Best For

NSW suits applicants who have established connections to the state — whether through a university appointment, an existing business relationship, or a concrete plan to commercialise research through NSW institutions. The program rewards depth of engagement over raw ambition.

Ideal candidate profile: A senior researcher at UNSW or University of Sydney with a strong publication record and industry partnerships, or a founder whose startup has already secured NSW-based customers or partnerships.

Victoria (VIC)

Overview

Victoria opened its NIV nomination program on 17 July 2025, making it one of the newer entrants. The program operates through a referral-based model that distinguishes it from other states — you generally need a connection to a Victorian Government department or agency to initiate the process.

Eligibility Focus

Victoria’s program targets candidates who demonstrate:

• Internationally recognised achievements in a relevant field
• Existing engagement with Victorian Government agencies, departments, or funded institutions
• A genuine commitment to live and work in Victoria
• Alignment with Victoria’s economic and innovation priorities

The Referral Model

Victoria’s key differentiator is its referral requirement. Unlike NSW or SA, where you apply directly through a portal, Victoria requires a referral from a relevant Victorian Government department or agency. This could come from:

• A Victorian Government department you’ve collaborated with
• A Victorian research institution or university
• A government-funded industry body operating in Victoria
• A Victorian Government trade or investment agency

Application Process

1. Secure a Referral — Obtain a referral from a relevant Victorian Government entity
2. Nomination Request — The referring agency submits a nomination request to the relevant Victorian Government body
3. Assessment — Victorian Government assesses the nomination request against state priorities
4. Form 1000 Issued — If approved, Victoria issues the nomination
5. Submit EOI to Home Affairs — Lodge your federal NIV EOI citing state nomination
6. Await Invitation — Home Affairs processes at Priority 2

Strategic Considerations

The referral model means Victoria’s pathway is less accessible to cold applicants but potentially stronger for those already embedded in the Victorian ecosystem. If you have a relationship with a Victorian university, hospital, research institute, or government-funded program, this pathway can be highly effective.

However, if you have no existing Victorian connections, this program may be difficult to access without first establishing a meaningful engagement — which takes time.

Best For

Victoria suits applicants who already have institutional relationships in the state. The referral model favours those embedded in Victorian research institutions, health systems, or government-partnered industry programs.

Ideal candidate profile: A medical researcher with an active collaboration at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, or a renewable energy engineer working with a Victorian Government-funded clean energy program.

South Australia (SA)

Overview

South Australia runs one of the more accessible NIV nomination programs, with five nomination categories and a process that includes a direct assessment interview with SA government representatives. SA has historically positioned itself as welcoming to skilled migrants and has extended that approach to the NIV.

Nomination Categories

1. Global Researchers and Thought Leaders — Academics, scientists, and researchers with internationally recognised contributions
2. Entrepreneurs — Founders with innovative business concepts suitable for the SA market
3. Innovative Investors — Investors deploying capital into SA-based innovation enterprises
4. Creatives — Artists, performers, and cultural leaders with international standing
5. Other — Including elite athletes and professionals in niche fields

Eligibility Criteria

SA assesses candidates against the standard NIV criteria but with particular attention to:

• Alignment with South Australia’s economic priorities and growth sectors
• Potential economic, social, or cultural contribution to the state
• A credible plan to establish in SA
• Evidence of exceptional achievement (publications, patents, commercial success, awards)

Excluded Investment Types

SA has published a specific exclusion list for “innovative investment.” The following do not qualify:

• Cafes and restaurants
• Consulting firms
• Labour hire businesses
• Franchise operations
• Purchase of existing enterprises (without significant innovation)
• Real estate investment
• Retail businesses

This list reveals SA’s priorities: they want innovation-driven activity, not conventional business migration.

Application Process

1. Register of Interest (ROI) — Submit through the SA Application Portal
2. Initial Screening — SA government screens applications for basic eligibility
3. Assessment Interview — Shortlisted candidates attend an interview with SA government representatives
4. Decision — SA government assesses whether to nominate
5. Form 1000 and Case Letter Issued — Successful candidates receive the nomination form and a supporting case letter
6. Submit EOI to Home Affairs — Lodge your federal NIV EOI

Strategic Advantages

SA’s program has several characteristics that make it attractive:

• Direct interview process — gives candidates an opportunity to present their case personally
• Supporting case letter — SA provides additional documentation beyond the standard Form 1000
• Lower cost of living — Adelaide offers a significantly lower cost base than Sydney or Melbourne, which matters for entrepreneurs and early-stage investors
• Less competition — fewer applicants target SA compared to NSW or VIC, potentially improving your chances

Best For

SA suits applicants who are flexible on location and value a more accessible, personal nomination process. It’s particularly strong for entrepreneurs with innovative business concepts that may not require a major metropolitan base, and for researchers who can connect with SA’s growing defence, space, or health research sectors.

Ideal candidate profile: A defence technology researcher with expertise relevant to SA’s submarine and defence manufacturing sector, or an AgTech entrepreneur with a solution applicable to SA’s agricultural industries.

Queensland (QLD)

Overview

Queensland’s NIV nomination framework is the newest among the four states, with development expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026. The program is likely to be administered by Trade and Investment Queensland and targets four applicant categories. Queensland’s nomination program is particularly noteworthy for its explicit financial thresholds for entrepreneurs and investors.

Nomination Categories

1. Entrepreneurs — Founders setting up or expanding innovative businesses in Queensland
2. Innovative Investors — High-net-worth investors deploying capital into Queensland-focused projects
3. Athletes — Elite athletes contributing to major events (with a clear eye on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics)
4. Creatives — Arts and cultural leaders with international recognition

Investment and Financial Thresholds

Queensland has published the most specific financial requirements of any state:

These thresholds are substantially higher than entry points in other states and signal Queensland’s focus on high-impact economic contribution.

Application Process (Expected)

Based on published framework details:

1. Register of Interest (ROI) — Submit through Trade and Investment Queensland
2. Assessment — Trade and Investment Queensland evaluates alignment with state priorities
3. Form 1000 Issued — Successful candidates receive state nomination
4. Submit EOI to Home Affairs — Lodge your federal NIV EOI at Priority 2

The Brisbane 2032 Factor

Queensland’s nomination program is uniquely positioned around the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. This creates specific opportunities for:

• Elite athletes who will compete or prepare in Queensland
• Sports scientists and coaches with Olympic-level expertise
• Creative professionals involved in major cultural events surrounding the Games
• Infrastructure and technology professionals supporting Olympic preparations

Best For

Queensland suits applicants with significant capital (entrepreneurs and investors) or those in the sports and creative sectors where the 2032 Olympics creates natural alignment. The higher financial thresholds mean this isn’t an entry-level pathway — it targets established business operators and high-net-worth investors.

Ideal candidate profile: An established entrepreneur ready to deploy $1M+ into a Queensland-based technology venture, a high-net-worth investor with $5M+ for Queensland innovation projects, or an Olympic-calibre athlete planning to train in Queensland ahead of 2032.

State-by-State Comparison Summary

Strategic Advice: Which State Should You Choose?

Choose NSW if:

• You have existing relationships with NSW universities, research institutions, or industry partners
• Your work aligns with NSW’s published R&D priorities
• You can secure a third-party endorsement from an NSW organisation
• You’re an academic at Level D or E with a strong publication and citation record
• You prefer a structured, well-established nomination process

Choose Victoria if:

• You already collaborate with Victorian Government departments or agencies
• You have an active appointment or partnership at a Victorian institution
• Your work connects to Victorian Government-funded programs (health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing)
• You have a contact who can initiate the referral process
• You are committed to living in Melbourne or regional Victoria

Choose South Australia if:

• You’re flexible on location and value a more personal assessment process
• You work in defence, space, or AgTech — sectors where SA has strong competitive advantages
• You’re an entrepreneur with an innovative concept that doesn’t require a Sydney or Melbourne base
• You want to present your case directly in an interview setting
• You’re looking for a potentially less competitive nomination pathway

Choose Queensland if:

• You have $1M+ to establish or expand a business (entrepreneur pathway)
• You have $5M+ for innovative investment in Queensland projects
• You’re an elite athlete, especially with Olympic relevance
• You work in sports science, coaching, or creative arts connected to major events
• You want to align with the 2032 Brisbane Olympics narrative

Consider Waiting if:

• Your profile doesn’t align clearly with any state’s published priorities
• You’re targeting Western Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory, or ACT — these states haven’t published NIV nomination frameworks yet as of early 2026 (see our state and territory nomination allocations overview for broader context)
• Your strength is primarily in salary/income rather than demonstrated achievements (state nomination emphasises track record over earnings)

The Case Officer’s View: What Makes a Strong State Nomination

From our analysis of published nomination criteria and assessment frameworks, here’s what state assessors are looking for:

1. Genuine alignment, not retrofitting. Don’t pick a state and reverse-engineer a justification. States can tell when an applicant’s connection is artificial. Your engagement with the state should be credible and verifiable.

2. Specificity of contribution. “I will contribute to the Queensland economy” is weak. “I will establish a biotech manufacturing facility in Brisbane’s Herston Health Precinct, creating 15 specialised roles within 18 months” is strong.

3. Evidence over aspiration. States want to see what you’ve already achieved, not just what you plan to do. A track record of building successful businesses, publishing influential research, or winning international competitions carries far more weight than a business plan alone.

4. Institutional validation. Letters of support from Australian institutions, evidence of existing partnerships, or confirmed employment offers significantly strengthen a nomination application.

5. Long-term commitment signals. States want nominees who will stay. Evidence of property research, school enrolments, community engagement, or long-term business planning demonstrates genuine commitment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for state nomination from multiple states simultaneously?

There is no published restriction preventing you from engaging with multiple states. However, this approach carries risks. Each state expects genuine commitment to living and working in that state, and applying to multiple jurisdictions simultaneously could undermine your credibility. A stronger strategy is to identify the single best-fit state and present a compelling, focused case.

Does state nomination guarantee I’ll receive a visa invitation?

No. State nomination places your application at Priority 2 in the Department of Home Affairs processing queue, but it does not constitute a pre-assessment of your eligibility. The Department independently assesses whether you meet the NIV criteria, including exceptional and outstanding achievement, the “asset to Australia” requirement, and health and character checks.

What if my state nomination is approved but my NIV application is refused?

These are separate decisions by separate entities. A state nomination is the state’s endorsement of your alignment with their priorities. The federal visa decision is made by the Department of Home Affairs against the full NIV criteria. It’s possible (though uncommon with strong applications) to receive a state nomination but have the visa application refused if you don’t meet federal requirements.

How long does the state nomination process take?

Timelines vary by state and are not always published. Based on available information, allow 4–12 weeks for the state nomination process, plus additional time for the federal NIV EOI and visa application stages. The full journey from state nomination application to visa grant could span 6–12 months or more depending on priority level and processing conditions.

Do I need a separate nominator (Form 1000) if I have state nomination?

No. When a state government nominates you, the state agency submits Form 1000 on your behalf. This replaces the requirement to find an individual nominator with a national reputation in your field — which is one of the key advantages of the state nomination pathway, particularly for applicants who lack established Australian professional networks.

Next Steps

State nomination is one of the most powerful — and most underutilised — pathways to the National Innovation Visa. But choosing the right state requires honest assessment of your profile, your connections, and your long-term plans in Australia.

If you’re considering a state nomination pathway, start by mapping your existing Australian connections, identifying which state’s priorities most naturally align with your expertise, and building your evidence portfolio before approaching the state government.

For a detailed assessment of which state nomination pathway best fits your profile, contact WiseKangaroo for a strategic consultation.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Individual circumstances vary. For advice specific to your situation, consult a registered migration agent. WiseKangaroo is a registered Australian migration agency (MARA).