State or territory business sponsorship visas

A territory or state-sponsored visa is applied for by business applicants who already own, or are looking to own, a business within Australia. These sponsorships are designed to attract top business professionals to a specific state or territory, and to assist in Australia’s economic development.

It is the first step, of two, to being granted a business skills visa.

Who is eligible?

If you are considering a business visa that is state or territory sponsored, generally you will need to have made a visit to the state prior to application. If awarded a sponsorship visa you will need to commit to settling in that state for the duration of your visa. The sponsorships are not transferable from one state or territory to another.

Sponsorship is available for business owners, senior executives and investors. You will need to successfully obtain sponsorship in the Business Talent and Regional Established Business in Australia (REBA) categories.

With a territory or state-sponsored visa you can establish a new or existing business. To ensure you are applying for the proper visa you should consider what of the following criteria you meet.

  • A minimum of 10% interest and ownership of a company or business that has been responsible for $300K for at least two of the last four fiscal years, or are a high level senior manager of such business.
  • A net worth more than $250k that is transferable to Australia within two years of the granting of the visa.
  • Younger than 55 years of age, unless the government feels you will be an exceptional benefit to the economy of Australia.

You may be able to get sponsorship from a territory or state if you:

  • Have been involved in the daily goings on of your main business and have made decisions affecting the overall outcome of the business financially.
  • Can show a legitimate reason why you need to be within Australia to conduct your business.
  • Can maintain ownership of your business or set up and take part in its active role once it is established within Australia.

For how long is the visa valid?

It is valid for four years. If it is granted while you are already in Australia it is valid from the date of the grant, or if you are from outside of Australia, it is valid from the entry expiry date on the visa label.

May I bring my family?

You may apply to bring your spouse, you or your spouse’s children or any other dependant relatives that reside with you.

Are there any other requirements for eligibility?

A medical assessment may be required as well as a character requirement. This is to ensure that you will be an asset to the Australian community as a whole, both economically and socially. Anyone above 18 years of age will also be required to sign an Australian Values Statement that you will abide by the rules and laws and respect the Australian way of life.

The following links can provide you with state and territory specific information about Business Sponsorship visas:
• ACT
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Victoria
• Queensland 

Source: Department of Immigration and Citizenship

What next?