Summary
5
Processing priority levels under MD 120
2,166
NIV EOIs received Apr–Jun 2026
248
Invitations issued Apr–Jun 2026
192
Tier 1 sector invitations (Priority 3)
Ministerial Direction 120 processing priorities explained
Ministerial Direction 120 is now the key processing framework for Class BX visas, which include the National Innovation visa (NIV) subclass 858, legacy Global Talent visas and Distinguished Talent applications not finally decided before the Direction took effect. It replaces Ministerial Direction 112 and applies to applicants already in the system as well as new NIV candidates.
Class BX – who is included?
What Ministerial Direction 120 does – and does not – do
- Sets the order of considering and disposing of Class BX applications
- Applies to National Innovation, Global Talent and Distinguished Talent subclass 858 cases
- Revokes Ministerial Direction 112 from 25 July 2026
- Does not create a new visa subclass
- Does not remove existing subclass 858 legal criteria
- Does not guarantee visa approval for any priority level
The Direction also provides guidance to decision makers on how to assess “exceptional and outstanding achievement”, which remains central to the NIV pathway. This is a talent-based visa, not a points-tested program like subclass 189, 190 or 491. No quick points spreadsheet. Just talent, evidence and contribution potential.
The five processing priority levels under Direction 120
| Priority level | Who falls into this category |
|---|---|
| Priority 1 | Exceptional applicants who are global experts and recipients of top-of-field international level awards |
| Priority 2 | Applicants nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency on approved Form 1000 |
| Priority 3 | Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 1 priority sectors |
| Priority 4 | Applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements in Tier 2 priority sectors |
| Priority 5 | All other Class BX visa applications |
This structure means a Nobel Prize winner in a Tier 2 area may still sit above a strong but less globally recognised Tier 1 researcher. Priority is about both category and calibre. Priority 5 exists, but it is clearly the slow lane.
Priority ≠ automatic grant
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View EOI DashboardHow Direction 120 ranks talent, sectors and nominations
Direction 120 makes clear that the National Innovation visa is for people who are exceptional first, and in a priority sector second.
Priority 1 – global experts with top-of-field international awards
Priority 1 is reserved for applicants who are global experts and hold top-of-field international awards. The Direction cites examples such as Nobel Prizes, the Fields Medal, Turing Award, Pulitzer Prize, International Booker Prize and Olympic Gold Medals as indicators of the standard expected.
| Priority 1 evidence type | What it may show |
|---|---|
| Top international award | Recognition at the highest level of the field |
| Global expert status | Applicant is recognised internationally |
| Field-leading contribution | Work has changed or shaped the field |
| Independent recognition | Achievement is not only self-claimed |
| Strong public evidence | Award, media, institution or industry recognition supports the claim |
Very few applicants will fall into this category. It targets those whose impact is already undisputed at a global level, where ImmiIQ data and our analysis suggest decision makers have abundant public material to verify claims quickly.
Priority 2 – expert government agency nominations (Form 1000)
Priority 2 applies to applicants nominated by an expert Australian Government agency or State or Territory Government agency using Form 1000. The nomination is not a box-tick; it is expected to set out why the applicant’s expertise matters to Australia’s interests.
| Government nomination requirement | What it should explain |
|---|---|
| Completed Form 1000 | Nominating agency details and support |
| Supporting statement | Why the agency is nominating the applicant |
| Strategic contribution | How the applicant can help Australia |
| Collaboration | Any past or proposed collaboration with the agency |
| Field relevance | Why the agency sees the applicant as exceptional |
Government nomination is specific, not generic
Tier 1 vs Tier 2 priority sectors under Direction 120
| Tier | Priority sectors |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Critical technologies |
| Tier 1 | Renewables and low emission technologies |
| Tier 1 | Health industries |
| Tier 2 | Agri-food and AgTech |
| Tier 2 | Defence capabilities and space |
| Tier 2 | Education |
| Tier 2 | Financial services and FinTech |
| Tier 2 | Infrastructure and transport |
| Tier 2 | Resources |
Tier 1 sector applicants with exceptional and outstanding achievements are placed in Priority 3, while similarly strong Tier 2 candidates sit in Priority 4. This does not label Tier 2 as unimportant; it simply organises the queue. Lowest since September 2025.
The National Innovation visa is not based on a simple points score. It is based on exceptional talent, recognised achievements, priority sectors and the applicant’s potential contribution to Australia.
Recent NIV invitation data – April to June 2026
Home Affairs’ April–June 2026 National Innovation visa invitation data gives a snapshot of how Direction 120’s sector focus aligns with outcomes. During that period, the Department received 2,166 Expressions of Interest (EOIs) and issued 248 invitations to apply for the NIV.
| NIV invitation data, Apr–Jun 2026 | Number |
|---|---|
| Total EOIs received | 2,166 |
| Invitations issued | 248 |
| Priority 1 invitations | Fewer than 5 |
| Priority 2 invitations | Fewer th… (data truncated in source) |
| Priority 3 invitations (Tier 1) | 192 |
| Priority 4 invitations (Tier 2) | 38 |
Incomplete Priority 2 invitation figure
From the available figures, 192 of 248 invitations went to Priority 3 Tier 1 sector applicants, compared with 38 for Priority 4 Tier 2. This could affect how agents, applicants and education providers view sector positioning within the NIV program.
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Calculate PointsPractical next steps for agents, applicants and providers
Direction 120 does not change the law for subclass 858, but it changes who waits longer. For many, the key question now is simple: where does a particular profile realistically sit across the five priorities?
- 01Check whether the case is clearly Priority 1 or 2 (global award holder or expert government agency nomination using Form 1000).
- 02Map the applicant’s work to Tier 1 or Tier 2 sectors using the published NIV priority sector list.
- 03Review evidence of exceptional and outstanding achievement, using Direction 120’s indicators such as independent recognition and public record.
- 04Compare sector alignment with recent invitation trends for Tier 1 and Tier 2 from April–June 2026.
- 05For education providers, align course marketing and articulation pathways with Tier 1 and Tier 2 sector definitions where relevant.
Where to find official NIV and EOI information
Agents managing legacy Global Talent or Distinguished Talent matters can now clearly see that those cases sit within the same Class BX queue as new National Innovation visa applicants. For everyone involved, Direction 120 turns what was previously implied into a transparent processing roadmap.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Ministerial Direction No. 120 – Order for considering and disposing of applications for Class BX visas, 2026-08-14Departmental forms – including Form 1000, 2026-08-14National Innovation visa – Priorities, 2026-08-14National Innovation visa – Current invitation round, 2026-08-14Distinguished Talent visa (subclass 124) – legacy information, 2026-08-14Submitting your Expression of Interest – Visas for innovation, 2026-08-14Topics
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute migration advice. Always consult a Registered Migration Agent (RMA) for advice specific to your circumstances.
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