Australia Welcomes Successful Overseas Business People

The Australian Government understands that throughout the years international business people have considerably boosted the skills base of the Australian economy, expanded local business and export activity and created employment opportunities for Australians.

Despite the global economic slowdown, Australia continues to thrive and boasts one of the most developed and technologically advanced economies in the world. Located in the Asia-Pacific region, Australia is strategically positioned to offer business migrants an exciting edge and a chance for a better lifestyle.

Business Skills Visa Program

On 1st March 2003, the government amended the Migration Regulations to abolish the Business Points Test System and introduce a 2 - stage visa processing for business people.

Under the new arrangements, successful business visa applicants are granted a 4 year provisional visa. After establishing a business, or maintaining an investment in Australia, provisional visa holders are eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa.

The Business Skills (Provisional) visa allows holders to depart and re-enter Australia as many times as desired during the 4 year validity period. Therefore Business Skills (Provisional) visa holders are not required to remain in Australia continuously.

There are 3 major categories under the Business Skills (Provisional) visa stream -

• Business Owner,
• Senior Executive and
• Investor.

Under the Business Skills (Provisional) visa categories you can apply to obtain State / Territory government sponsorship to set up business (es) in regional, rural or low growth areas of Australia.

Sponsored applicants have the advantage of generally lower threshold requirements in relation to asset requirements. If sponsored State and Territory governments also assist with regional economic development plans as well as a wide range of post arrival business-related services to assist in setting up new business in Australia.

Each State and Territory government has their own criteria for deciding whom they will sponsor.

We can advise you about sponsorship requirements and contact State/Territory business development agencies on your behalf.