858 National Innovation Visa Total Cost 2026
See the total cost of a 858 National Innovation visa in 2026 — every mandatory fee, attorney cost and hidden expense, all in one calculator.
What's the full cost of a 858 National Innovation visa in 2026 — not just the government filing fee, but attorney costs, premium processing and every add-on too? Here's every number added up, plus what you can skip to spend less.
Total cost, everything included
A$9,245 – A$17,585
Mandatory Home Affairs fees, an attorney, premium processing, and dependents — the full price if you want every option covered. Filing without an attorney or premium processing costs less; see the scenario breakdown below.
Mandatory Home Affairs fees for the 858 National Innovation
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a 858 National Innovation application in 2026.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base application charge (main applicant) | A$6,235 | Now officially the National Innovation Visa (858 is the onshore version); partner $3,120, child $1,560. | Official ↗ |
Source: Visa Pricing Estimator. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
A$2,600 – A$6,500 in Sydney. Typical cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
A$300 – A$700 — Bupa Medical Visa Services health examination.
Translation services
A$50 – A$200 — NAATI-certified translations of supporting documents.
How to apply for the 858 National Innovation
- 1
Submit an Expression of Interest
Demonstrate alignment with a priority sector (Tier 1: AI, biotech, clean energy, advanced manufacturing) and exceptional achievement; EOI valid up to 2 years.
- 2
Secure an eligible nominator
An Australian individual or organization of national standing completes Form 1000.
- 3
Receive invitation to apply
If selected, lodge the full visa application within the given window.
- 4
Submit complete evidence
Complete health/character checks; await decision.
Typical processing time: As of February 2026, roughly 50% of visa-stage applications process within about 4 months and 90% within 7 months after invitation; EOI-to-invitation timing is far more variable.
Documents you'll need
- Form 1000 nomination from an eligible nominator
- Evidence of exceptional/internationally recognized achievement
- Passport, national ID, birth certificate, recent photos
- Evidence of alignment with a priority sector
- Health examinations and police clearance certificates
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting evidence that shows competence rather than international-level exceptional recognition
- Stretching expertise to fit a priority sector without a genuine, demonstrable connection
- Treating the EOI as a casual first step rather than the most important framing opportunity
- Struggling to secure a credible, eligible nominator, or incomplete Form 1000 documentation
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | A$6,235 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | A$8,835 – A$12,735 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | A$9,245 – A$17,585 |
How to save money on your 858 National Innovation
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut A$2,600–A$6,500.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the Home Affairs website so you never overpay a third party.
858 National Innovation cost FAQ (2026)
How much does a 858 National Innovation visa cost in 2026?
The total estimated cost of a 858 National Innovation visa in 2026 ranges from about A$8,835 to A$17,585, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the 858 National Innovation application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. Home Affairs publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a 858 National Innovation visa?
Attorney fees typically add A$2,000–A$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a 858 National Innovation visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a 858 National Innovation visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the Home Affairs website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with Home Affairs before paying.
How often do Home Affairs fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a 858 National Innovation visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
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