An invitation-only permanent route for internationally recognised exceptional talent, including qualifying entrepreneurs and innovative investors.
Residency to citizenship
- 01Apply for permanent residence
- 02Maintain permanent residence
- 03Australian citizenshipresidence test
Each stage has its own eligibility requirements.
- Benefits
- Direct permanent residence if approved, without a standard investment-for-residence purchase option.
- Eligibility
- An exceptional and outstanding record, continuing prominence and a credible contribution to Australia. An expression of interest must result in an invitation before a visa application.
- Requirements
- Evidence of achievements and international recognition, an eligible Australian nominator and the visa’s identity, English, health and character requirements.
YOUR LONG-TERM PATHWAY
Residency to citizenship
- 01
Apply for permanent residence
An invitation-only permanent route for internationally recognised exceptional talent, including qualifying entrepreneurs and innovative investors.
- 02
Maintain permanent residence
The selected visa grants permanent residence when approved. Maintain lawful residence and document actual time in Australia before assessing nationality.
- 03
Australian citizenship · residence test
Normally four years of lawful residence immediately before applying, including the final 12 months as a permanent resident. Ordinary absence limits are 12 months in four years and 90 days in the final year, with character and test requirements where applicable.
Neither an invitation nor an investment is citizenship approval. Individual exceptions to the ordinary nationality residence test require separate assessment.
Each stage requires its own qualifying conditions and decision. The years shown are eligibility periods, not approval times.
