Australia, uniquely both a nation and a continent, is embraced by the Indian and Pacific oceans, encompassing the Mainland, the Tasmanian island, and a cluster of smaller islands.
Population: 26.4 million
Language: English
Economy: Highly developed, operating on an open-market system
Currency: Australian dollar
Visa applicants must adhere to specific criteria outlined for their respective visa subclass. These criteria may encompass requirements at the time of application lodgment, at the time of decision, or a combination of both. Failure to demonstrate compliance with the criteria at the appropriate time may result in visa refusal. Health, character, and public interest criteria are mandatory across all visa subclasses.
Permanent residents are obligated to spend a minimum of two years out of a five-year period in Australia or exhibit substantial ties to the country to maintain their residency status.
The Australian visa application process operates within a well-defined framework governed by laws, regulations, policies, and legislative instruments. Processing times vary significantly based on the visa type. The Department of Immigration prioritizes visa processing, with skilled visas given precedence over family visas due to their greater benefit to the nation.
Business Innovation and Investment Program
The Business Innovation and Investment Program consists of four visa streams:
- Business Innovation Stream: Applicants must pass a points test, demonstrate a successful business history with a turnover of at least AUD 750,000, possess net assets of AUD 1.25 million, maintain substantial ownership and management of an Australian business, and reside in the country for a minimum of one year.
- Investor Stream: Candidates must pass a points test, invest AUD 2.5 million in a complying Australian-managed investment fund for the duration of the provisional visa, and reside in Australia for at least two years.
- Significant Investor Stream: Individuals must commit at least AUD 5 million to a complying Australian-managed investment fund for the provisional visa period and reside in Australia for an average of 40 days per year.
- Entrepreneur Stream: Applicants require endorsement by a state or territory government and must reside in Australia for a minimum of two years.
These temporary visas provide a pathway to permanent residence after three years, contingent upon meeting specific residence and investment or business turnover criteria. The initial visa validity spans five years.
Australia has a low unemployment rate and skills shortages in many professional and trade occupations bring skilled workers to Australia each year on long-term work visas. Statistics show that the majority of these workers, once settled, decide to stay on in Australia through the permanent employer sponsored visa options.
The Global Talent Independent Program offers a streamlined route to permanent residency for highly skilled executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, and businesspeople. Aimed at bolstering Australia’s innovation and tech sectors, the program facilitates skills transfer, fosters innovation, and generates employment opportunities.
The Australian government seeks top-tier global talent in ten future-focused sectors, including resources, energy, and mining technology; agricultural technology; defense, space, and advanced manufacturing; financial services and technology; health industries and medical technology; circular economy; infrastructure and tourism; education; cyber security; and quantum information, advanced digital technology, data science, and ICT.
Applicants must be internationally recognized in their field, demonstrate outstanding achievements, and prove their potential contribution to Australia. Places are also available for PhD graduates and certain PhD students nearing completion of their thesis, provided they exhibit exceptional talent and international recognition in a target sector.
