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Business Immigration

Here is a detailed breakdown of Australia active business immigration options, including eligibility criteria, requirements, step-by-step application procedures, processing times, and associated costs for each program.

Types of Business Immigration Pathways in Australia

  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): Comprising several streams, including Business Innovation, Investor, Significant Investor, Premium Investor, Entrepreneur, and Venture Capital Entrepreneur streams.
     

  • Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132): Closed to new applications but still relevant for those in transition.
     

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186): For those sponsored by Australian employers (can be linked with business investment).
     

  • Global Talent Visa: For exceptionally talented professionals, including those establishing business innovations.

Eligibility Criteria

1. Subclass 188 – Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Provisional)
 

This visa is designed for individuals wishing to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia or to make investments.

Business Innovation Stream:
 

  • Business ownership experience.

  • Net business and personal assets of at least AUD $1.25 million.

  • Business turnover of at least AUD $750,000 in 2 of the past 4 years.

  • Meet a points-based test.

 

Investor Stream:
 

  • Minimum investment of AUD $2.5 million in Australian investments.

  • Funds must be lawfully acquired and maintained.

  • Meet a points-based test.


Significant Investor Stream:
 

  • Minimum AUD $5 million investment.

  • Investment must comply with designated investment categories, e.g., venture capital.


Entrepreneur Stream:
 

  • Endorsement from a State or Territory government.

  • Agreement to undertake entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
     

2. Permanent Visa Pathways (Subclass 888)
 

  • Available to Subclass 188 visa holders after meeting certain requirements over a specified period (e.g., turnover benchmarks, duration of investment, state nomination conditions).

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Requirements

  • Proof of Business Activity: Documentation outlining your role, business history, and planned business operations in Australia.
     

  • Investment Evidence: Detailed proof of funds, asset ownership, and financial holdings.
     

  • English Language Requirement: Functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall minimum).
     

  • Health and Character Requirements: Meet Australia’s health and character standards, including police checks.

Timeline and Process Overview

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect (2-4 Months):
 

  • Submit an online EOI, detailing your business experience, investment plans, and meet points-based criteria (if applicable).
     

2. State/Territory Nomination (Varies):
 

  • Obtain nomination from a State or Territory government.

  • This step can vary from weeks to a few months depending on the stream and submission quality.
     

3. Visa Application Submission (Up to 12-24 Months):
 

  • Submit your visa application online with supporting documents.

  • Participate in interviews and provide evidence (e.g., business performance).

 

4. Processing and Visa Approval (8-24 Months):
 

  • Processing times vary widely based on stream, country of origin, and application specifics.

Costs Breakdown

Visa Application Fees:

  • Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188): AUD $6,270+ (varies by stream and may include surcharges for dependents).

  • Additional charges for applicants with less than Functional English.
     

Investment Requirements:

  • Varies by stream (e.g., AUD $1.25 million for Business Innovation Stream).

  • Evidence of assets and business turnover.

Investment & Bank Statement Requirements

  • Net Asset Evidence: Proof of sufficient net assets for Business Innovation and Investor Streams.

  • Lawfully Acquired Funds: Demonstrate that investments or funds are legally sourced and compliant with Australian standards.

Company Sustainability for Permanent Residency

  • Business Turnover and Job Creation: Demonstrating the economic impact of your business on Australia.

  • Compliance with Regulations: Meeting regulatory and performance standards (e.g., minimum turnover levels, job creation).

Start-Up Business Support (Angel Investors/Incubators)

  • Entrepreneur Stream: Requires formal endorsement from a State or Territory government.

  • Access to Incubators: Start-ups and entrepreneurs can collaborate with accelerators or business incubators that specialize in growth and innovation.

Licenses and Self-Dependent Visa Requirements

  • Business Licenses: Depending on the nature of the business, sector-specific permits/licenses may be needed (e.g., health, retail, engineering).

  • Self-Sponsorship: No direct self-sponsorship visa; however, establishing a business in accordance with the Business Innovation stream requirements serves as a pathway to self-sponsorship under broader investment categories.

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