visa types

BUSINESS MIGRATION VISAS
As a business migrant you will want to ensure that you have chosen the right economic environment for your proposed business.

Australia has a strong enconomy and generates many exciting business opportunities across an extremely broad range of commercial activity.

The Australian Government welcomes business migrants, and can assist with information services for business establishment and family settlement.

Economic strengths
Australia’s economic and industry strengths include agriculture, food, manufacturing, medical research, financial services and tourism.

Australia is a regional leader in the new, knowledge-based industries such as information and communication technology, biotechnology, professional services, design, advanced manufacturing and environmental management.

In Australia Business Migrants will find:
° state-of-the-art infrastructure
° a modern, integrated transport network
° a highly skilled, multicultural workforce
° an abundance of raw materials
° an innovative industry base
° competitively priced office space and development sites
° reliable energy
° thriving regional centres
° high environmental standards and expertise, and
a time zone consistent with Asia.

Types of Business Visas
If you meet the Australian Government's criteria for Business Migration, you can apply directly to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and will not require sponsorship from the State Government.

If you do not meet the Australian Government's criteria, there is Local Governments sponsor business people for provisional and permanent residency visas:

Provisional visas
Provisional visas provide four years of temporary residency to enable you to put in place your business or investment plan, depending on the requirements of your chosen visa. Sponsorship by the State Government requires that you reach an agreement with the Skilled Migration Program about the projected outcomes your business or investment plan will deliver to Australia.

Business owner - 163
This visa category is generally for people aged under 55 years* with a successful business career - in a senior management position or as a business owner - who intend to establish a business in Australia that provides economic benefit to the state. Economic benefit can include (but is not limited to) employment creation, export activity, introduction of new technology or capital investment. At least one form of benefit should be demonstrated in the application.

Senior executive - 164
This visa category is generally for people aged under 55 years*, employed in one of the top three levels of management in a business - with a turnover of at least $10 million - who intend to establish a business in Australia, that provides economic benefit to the state. Economic benefit can include (but is not limited to) employment creation, export activity, introduction of new technology or capital investment. At least one form of benefit should be demonstrated in the application.

Investor - 165
This visa category is generally for people aged under 55 years* with a successful business/investment record, who must make an investment of no less than $750,000 with the Treasury Corporation of Victoria (TCV) for four years.

Investor Retirement Visa #405
This visa is for people who are aged 55 years and over and want to spend their retirement years in Australia.
To be eligible for this visa, the DIAC requires applicants to obtain sponsorship from Victoria as well as place a specified investment amount with the Treasury Corporation of Victoria.

In addition, potential migrants must have no dependants (other than a spouse), and be financially independent in Australia. The visa is issued for a four-year term, with the option of a conditional four-year renewal clause.

Investor Retirement Visa #405 Guidelines
*Age 55 years and over
People aged 55 years or over may be considered if exceptional economic benefit can be demonstrated. Economic benefit can include (but is not limited to) employment creation, export activity, introduction of new technology or capital investment. At least one form of benefit should be demonstrated in the application.

Permanent visas
Business owner - 892
This is a visa category for people who hold any one of the provisional visas sponsored by State Government, or a Business (Long Stay) Independent Executive visa - 457. Applicants must have successfully established a viable, sustainable business in Victoria, which is making an economic contribution to the state. Economic benefit can include (but is not limited to) employment creation, export activity, introduction of new technology or capital investment. At least one form of benefit should be demonstrated in the application.

Investor - 893
This is a visa category for people who hold an Investor (provisional) visa sponsored by the Victorian Government. Applicants must provide evidence of steps taken to start a business or investment activity in Australia, separate to their TCV investment, or evidence of established business or investment activity.

Business talent - 132
No provisional visa is required to apply for this visa.
This visa category is for high calibre business people aged under 55 years* who have can demonstrate substantial achievements in their existing businesses including:
° significant accumulation of assets
° annual turnover and business and personal assets to transfer to Australia.
° Exceptional economic benefit to Australiamust be demonstrated and evidenced by a specific project, supported by extensive market research.

Economic benefit can include (but is not limited to) employment creation, export activity, introduction of new technology or capital investment. At least one form of benefit should be demonstrated in the application.

Capital investment of approximately AUD$500,000 is required outside of metropolitan Capitals and AUD$750,000 in Capital cities.

Regional established business - 846
This is a visa category for people who hold a Business (Long Stay) Independent Executive visa - 457. Applicants must have successfully established a viable, sustainable business in Australia, which is making an economic contribution to the State demonstrated by employment creation, export activity, the introduction of new technology or capital investment. Application is subject to a DIAC 'points test' in relation to turnover, assets, age, language and other factors.