Business Visas work in 2 stages. The first stage is applying for a 4 year Provisional business visa. There are 6 different Provisional Business Visas, each with its own requirements. The second stage is applying for permanent business visa once you have migrated to Australia. The permanent business visas also have their own requirements which need to be satisfied.
The following Provisional (Temporary) Visas require State Sponsorship (State Sponsorship Requirements).
Sub class 163 State Sponsored Business Owner (Provisional)
The 163 visa is the most popular choice of visa for business migrants around the world and it accounts for about 90% of business visa applications made to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship. The lower financial threshold requirements make it a popular category for small to medium size business owners.
163 Visa requirements:-
- You are less than 55 years or age, or you are proposing to participate in a business activity which will be of exceptional economic benefit
- You owned a business which had turnover of at least A$300,000 for 2 out of
the last 4 financial years and in those 2 years you managed the business on a day to day basis - You have a successful business background.
- Your net asset level is at least A$250,000 plus an additional amount for your
settlement costs in Australia - You have not been engaged in a business where the provision of professional, technical or trade services took up more than 50 per cent of your time
- You have a genuine commitment to engage in business activities in Australia and has demonstrate that Australia will benefit economically from the proposed business or investment
- State sponsorship approval
…or as a Senior Manager
If you are not a business owner but have been in senior management in a business for at least 5 years, the sub class 163 visa is still an option for you:-
- You are less than 55 years or age, or you are proposing to participate in a business activity which will be of exceptional economic benefit
- You have a successful record as a senior manager
- You have a successful senior manager’s background of at least 5 years
- Your net asset level is at least A$250,000 plus an additional amount for your settlement costs in Australia
- You have a genuine commitment to engage in business activities in Australia and has demonstrate that Australia will benefit economically from the proposed business or investment
- State sponsorship approval
Sub class 164 State Sponsored Senior Executive (Provisional)
This visa is intended for applicants who have a successful background as Senior Executives in a company.
164 Visa requirements:-
- You are less than 55 years or age, or you are proposing to participate in a business activity which will be of exceptional economic benefit to the State
- For 2 out of the last 4 financial years, you occupied a position in the top 3 levels of management in a business with annual turnover of at least A$10,000,000
- Your net asset level is at least A$250,000 plus an additional amount for your settlement costs in Australia
- State sponsorship approval
Sub class 165 State Sponsored Investor (Provisional)
165 Visa requirements:-
- You are less than 55 years or age, or you are proposing to participate in a business or investment activity which will be of benefit to the State/Australia
- You have at least 3 years experience of direct involvement in managing businesses or investments
- For one of the last 5 financial years, you directly managed a business in which you held an ownership interest of at least 10% OR you directly managed investments worth at least A$750,000
- For each of the last 2 financial years, your total business and personal assets had a net value of at least A$1,125,000
- You are able to make a Designated Investment of A$750,000 with a Treasury Corporation for a 4 year term
- State sponsorship approval
Sub class 161 Senior Executive Visa (Provisional)
161 Visa requirements:-
Sub class 162 Investor Visa (Provisional)
162 Visa requirements:-
