Business Migration

 

  Australia's Business Skills Migration Program encourages business people such as business owners, investors and senior executives to settle permanently in Australia. Successful businessmen and women contribute to the Australian economy by developing new or existing businesses in Australia, including:

·         Businesses wishing to carry out operations in Australia

·         Potential business migrants seeking a State-Sponsored Visa

·         Business people in Australia seeking foreign partners

Business migrants benefit Australia by:

·         Developing international markets

·         Transferring capital and making investments

·         Introducing new or improved technology

·         Substituting Australian-made products for goods that would otherwise be imported

·         Exporting Australian goods and services

·         Creating or maintaining employment

As of 1 March 2003 a new Business Migration program applies. The new program replaces all existing business migration categories, and consists primarily of a two-stage application process. At the first stage business migrants can apply for a provisional visa. Once granted the provisional visa, business migrants have 4 years within which to satisfy all the requirements of the business skills (residence) visa and apply for permanent residence.

Applicants applying for any of the business skills visas, be it at the provisional or permanent residence stage, can apply for State/Territory government sponsorship. If such sponsorship is obtained, the requirements are significantly lower than under the un-sponsored categories.

The categories under the Business Skills Heading are:

·         Business Owners: Owners or part owners of a business

·         Senior Executives: senior executive employees of major businesses

·         Investors: investors/business people willing to invest in Australia

·         Business Employees/ Managers: Senior managers with at least 4 years continuous employment

·         Business Talent