A History of Migration
Australia is one of the world’s great immigration success stories. Today, nearly one in four of Australia’s 20 million people were born overseas, and it continues to welcome migrants who will contribute to the future strength and well being of the country and its people.
Business migrants benefit from Australia’s deregulated economy, and the nation’s plentiful natural resources and strong tourism, education, agriculture and technology sectors. Australia’s tax system funds good infrastructure, education and health services, and is competitive with any other Western economy.
Skilled Migration Open to All
Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration policy, which means that anyone can apply to migrate to Australia from any country in the world, no matter what his or her gender, colour, ethnic origin or religion. Processing arrangements for migration applications vary. While some visa categories are still processed in Australian visa offices overseas, a range of visas are now processed in Australia.
Applicants for these visas are required to lodge their application with the relevant processing centre or business centre in Australia either directly or with the assistance of a registered migration agent.
A number of steps have been taken to make Australia’s immigration programmes fairer and less vulnerable to abuse, ensuring all applicants are given a fair go. If a person satisfies Australia’s selection criteria, he or she stands an equal chance of being successful. Australia’s increasing involvement in international markets has led to greater emphasis being given to the skill component of Australia’s Migration Programme. Skilled migrants can help fill specific skill shortages.
Australia also welcomes highly experienced business people who can bring their global expertise and their capital to Australia.
Business people and those with skills can apply to migrate through one of the following categories of the Migration Programme:
- General Skilled Migration
- Employer Sponsored Migration
- Business Skills
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
- State/Territory Nominated Independent.
Permanent Residency
General skilled migrants are people whose education, skills and ready ‘employability’ will contribute to the Australian economy. They make up the major part of the programme’s skills component.
The Employer Nomination Scheme covers skilled people nominated for a specific position by an Australian employer. State and territory governments can also nominate skilled people if they have identified skill shortages.
The Business Skills category is intended to attract business people to settle and establish a new business, or to become an owner or part owner of an existing business and to take an active role in that business, in Australia. In addition, if you have already established a business in Australia while here on a temporary basis, you may consider applying to remain permanently under the Established Business in Australia or Regional Established Business in Australia Category.
The Employer Sponsored visa is for lawfully operating Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers in particular occupations required in Australia.
There are four Family Migration visa categories that people can apply to migrate to Australia – Partner Migration, Child Migration, Parent Migration and Other Family. Applicants must be sponsored by an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen.
Temporary Residence
Business people needing to come to Australia for genuine business purposes and highly skilled specialists coming for work may obtain temporary residence in Australia.
Temporary stay in Australia is now more accessible to skilled and business people who provide tangible benefits for Australia through skills and technology transfer, or through specialised overseas business knowledge.
If you wish to work for more than three months, or if the employment will be greater than three months over a period of time, you will need to apply for the specific temporary residence visa relevant to your proposed activities.
There are two types of Business (Short Stay) Visitor visa – the subclass 456 (label) visa and the Business Entrant Electronic Travel Authority (ETA). For more details on ETAs visit The Australian Electronic Travel Authority
Character and Medical Checks
To enter Australia, applicants must be of good character. All temporary and permanent visa applicants also need to meet health criteria, including all members of the family, including children. All physical and mental health conditions need to be assessed, even if no medical intervention is planned.
For more information about migration to Australia:
Visit the Department of Immigration and Citizenship(DIAC) for general information about visas, charges and forms or contact your nearest Australian mission or DIACoffice.