When many people first hear about the NIV 858, their immediate reaction is often: “Isn’t this only for Nobel Prize winners?” “I don’t seem ‘top-tier’ enough.”The criteria appear unclear and even mysterious. But that’s not the case.Queensland has already clearly broken down the eligible profiles for the NIV 858 into four major categories. The key is not whether you are a “genius”, but whether you can be clearly and convincingly classified into one of these categories.

1. Global Researchers）

Who is this for? Global researchers at an appropriate stage of their academic career, with a strong h-index performance, who can make a substantive contribution to Queensland’s local research ecosystem.

You must meet at least one of the following two criteria:

Option 1: You have received a formal appointment from a Queensland university

Option 2: You have secured research-specific funding (research grants or collaborative projects) that can support at least two years of research work at a Queensland research institution。 The h-index is an important indicator of academic impact, combining publication volume and citation performance.

Common background examples (from China):

• PhD or postdoctoral researchers
• University academics
• Principal investigators of national or provincial-level research projects
• Consistent publication output and citation records within a specialised field

2. Entrepreneurs）

Who is this for? Business owners who plan to commercialise innovative products or services in Queensland.

Core threshold (very clear): A minimum AUD 1 million investment commitment

What does the government focus on?

• Whether you will genuinely establish operations in Queensland
• Whether the project demonstrates innovation and scalability
• Whether you already have a track record of commercial success

Acceptable evidence includes:

• Investment commitments into Queensland
• Proof of operational preparation for the startup project
• Commercialisation outcomes of innovative products or services
• Company establishment documents, market research, feasibility studies
• Evidence of capital expenditure related to approvals or regulatory compliance

This is not about a shell company, but a functioning, operational project.

3. Innovative Investors）

Who is this for? Investors who are deeply engaged in investment activities and have a proven track record of leading or supporting the success of innovative enterprises.

Core hard requirement: At least AUD 5 million in investable funds, with an investment period of no less than two years

Eligible investment areas include:

• Private equity
• Venture capital
• Research and development investment
• Asset management
• Co-investment structures

What will the authorities closely assess?

• Whether you have genuinely achieved successful investments in the past
• Whether you can support the development of Queensland’s innovation ecosystem
• Whether your investment plan is clear, structured, and executable

4. Athletes, Sports Professionals, and Creative Talent Athletes and Sports Professionals）

Who is this for? Elite-level or highly skilled sports-related professionals, including but not limited to:

• Athletes
• Coaches
• Sports science specialists

What value does Queensland expect you to bring?

• Advancing the development of Queensland’s sports industry
• Training and developing local sporting talent
• Enhancing Queensland’s international reputation in sport

Special context: This category aligns with talent needs related to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Creative TalentWho is this for? Individuals working in the arts, culture, or creative industries who demonstrate elite-level capability or high-quality outputs.

What does Queensland value most?

• Tangible impact on local creative industries
• The ability to enhance Queensland’s international creative reputation
• Contribution to areas of critical skill shortage, including those related to major international events

Acceptable evidence includes:

• Creative portfolios or project records
• Academic or professional qualifications
• National-level or international creative awards
• Invitations or funding support for creative projects in Queensland

Common Mistakes Applicants Make

 Only focusing on “Do I have a PhD / a company / enough money?”
 Failing to clearly identify which category they belong to
 材料很多，但没有主线
 以为 858 可以“试试运气”

Final Key InsightThe Queensland NIV 858 is a classification-based, assessment-driven visa. It is not a lottery, and it is not points-tested.There is only one real core question:Can you be clearly and reasonably placed into one of the above categories—and can your evidence demonstrate that you have already generated impact within that field?