Australia Business Visa – Guide for UK Applicants

Australia provides several business visas for UK entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals. There are options whether you want to start a business, invest, or participate in short-term business events.

  • Visa choices: Subclass 188 (Provisional) and Subclass 888 (Permanent) visas are examples.
  • Investment: You can access Australia's strong economy.
  • Permanent residency: Some visas allow you to become a permanent resident.
  • Family: Qualified family can come with you.
  • Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount.

Australia Business Visa–Guide for UK Applicants

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What is the Australia Business Visa?

Australian Business Visas target entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners who want to start, run, or put money into an Australian business. Options include the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188, and the Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888. These visas let people do business, make key investments, or build new companies that help the Australian economy. Some options can lead to permanent residency.

Benefits of the Australia Business Visa

The benefits of an Australian Business Visa  are given below.

  • Economy: Chance to be part of a stable global financial setup.
  • Global Connections: Access to business connections and markets around the globe.
  • Life Quality: Enjoy good living conditions and a diverse culture.
  • Education: Access to great schools for family members.
  • Healthcare: Ability to join Australia's healthcare system if certain needs are satisfied.
  • Pathway for Australia PR or permanent residency.

Types of Australia Business Visas

Australia offers various types of Business visas. The popular Australian Business Visa are given below.

  • Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188
  • Business Innovation Stream
  • Investor Stream
  • Significant Investor Stream
  • Entrepreneur Stream
  • Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888
  • Business Visitor Visa – Subclass 600 (Business Stream)
  • Other Relevant Business-Related Visas
    • Investor Visa – Subclass 891
    • Business Owner Visa – Subclass 890

Types of Australia Business Visas

Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 188

The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) serves as a temporary entry for people who want to own a business or invest in Australia. The intention is for these people to become permanent residents later. This visa is a segment of the larger Business Innovation and Investment Program, which seeks to bring successful business owners and investors into Australia to benefit the economy.

  • Business Innovation Stream: Designed for business-minded people aiming to start, grow, and run a business Down Under.
  • Investor Stream: Intended for those ready to invest at least AUD 1.5 million in a state or territory and keep up business and investment dealings in Australia.
  • Substantial Investor Stream: Created for people prepared to put at least AUD 5 million into agreed-upon investments in Australia.
  • Entrepreneur Stream: Geared toward people who have secured at least AUD 200,000 from a third party to carry out an approved business activity.

Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) Visa – Subclass 888

The Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888) grants permanent residency to people who have managed a business or invested in Australia while holding the provisional Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visa. With this visa, people can live, work, and study in Australia indefinitely.

Business Visitor Visa – Subclass 600 (Business Stream)

The Business Visitor stream within the Visitor visa (subclass 600) lets people come to Australia for a short time to do things related to business. This includes going to meetings or conferences, and checking out possible business deals. People with this visa can't do work or sell things while they're in Australia.

Other Relevant Business-Related Visas

This includes:

  • Investor Visa (Subclass 891): This is for people who've had a qualifying investment in Australia for at least four years.
  • Business Owner Visa (Subclass 890): This one's for owners who've run a business in Australia for a minimum of two years.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Business Visa

The eligibility criteria for Australia Business Visa are given below.

  • Age: Typically, applicants should be under 55, but there can be exceptions.
  • Business Background: Applicants need to show they've owned or invested in successful businesses.
  • Investment Sums: Applicants need to meet the minimum investment asked for by the visa type.
  • Government Support: Applicants need to be backed by a state or territory government in Australia.
  • Health and Background Checks: Applicants must pass health checks and provide police records.
  • English Ability: Applicants need to show they can use English at a basic level.

Eligibility Criteria for Australia Business Visa

Document Requirements

The documents required to apply for the Australian Business Visa are given below.

  • Passport: It has to be good for as long as you plan to stay.
  • Business Documents: You will need to show proof you own a business, give financial records, and show what your business does.
  • Investment Records: Give papers that show your assets and investment background.
  • Nomination Letter: A letter that says you're nominated by a state or territory.
  • Health and Background Checks: Results from a doctor's exam and police records.
  • Results of English proficiency Test: If needed, test scores from an approved English test.

Australia Business Visa Application Process

The procedure to apply for an Australian Business Visa is given below.

Step 1: Submit your Expression of Interest (EOI) via SkillSelect, and pick the correct visa type (like Subclass 188).

Step 2: Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory. They need to agree with your business plan.

Step 3: If nominated, the Department of Home Affairs will send you an invitation to apply for the visa.

Step 4: Fill out and send in your application online using ImmiAccount. Be sure to include all needed papers and payments.

Step 5: Provide your biometrics, get health checks, and provide police records. The Department will then review your application and let you know the result.

Australia Business Visa Application Process

Visa Fees and Costs

Detailed information about the application costs of Australian Business Visa is given below.

Visa Stream

Primary Applicant Fee (AUD)

Additional Applicant (18+)

Additional Applicant (Under 18)

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

$6,270

$3,135

$1,570

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 888)

$3,310

$1,655

$830

Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 - Business Stream)

$190

NA

NA

Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)

$9,195

$4,600

$2,295

Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188)

$6,270

$3,135

$1,570

Processing Time for Australia Business Visas

Detailed information about the processing times for Australia Business Visas are given below.

Visa Stream

Estimated Processing Time

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

12 – 20 months

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 888)

9 – 15 months

Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Stream)

2 – 5 weeks

Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)

14 – 24 months

Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188)

12 – 18 months

Can You Include Family Members?

Yes, you can include eligible family members in your application. This includes your spouse or de facto partner, for whom you'll need to show proof of your relationship. It also includes dependent children, who are under 18, or those over 18 who rely on you financially. Family members must meet certain health and character standards. If they do, they will generally have similar rights as you, like access to education and health care.

Extension, Renewal, or Switching Visas

  • Subclass 188 to 888: If you have a Subclass 188 visa, you might be able to obtain the permanent Subclass 888 visa if you meet the requirements.
  • Visa Extensions: Some visas can be extended. Make sure to check the details of your specific visa.
  • Switching Visas: It is possible to change from one visa to another in some situations. Talk to a migration agent for advice specific to your situation.

How Can Y-Axis Help You?

Y-Axis helps UK applicants with Australian business visas. Our services include:

  • One-on-one advice to learn about your business plans and find the best visa option.
  • Help with getting your paperwork in order.
  • Assistance with the visa forms to meet all rules.
  • Support after you arrive in Australia, like help with setting up your business.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can UK residents apply for the Australia Business Visa?

Yes, UK residents can apply for an Australia Business Visa if they meet the requirements. A common choice is the Business Innovation and Investment (Subclass 188) visa, which is for entrepreneurs, investors, and business owners. Those who want to apply must send an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and get approval from an Australian state or territory. Usually, they need to show business experience, proof of funds, and a good business or investment plan. People in the UK can apply online. If their application is approved, they may be able to get permanent residency through the Subclass 888 visa.

 

What types of business visas are available for UK entrepreneurs?

Australian business visas available to UK entrepreneurs include:

  • Subclass 188: A temporary visa for business people like inventors and investors.
  • Subclass 888: A permanent visa for those who already hold a Subclass 188 visa.
  • Investor Stream: For people with a lot of money to invest (AUD 5 million or more).
  • Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): For short trips to attend meetings or conferences.

Each visa has its own requirements based on business experience, investment amount, and state backing.

How much money do I need to invest to qualify for a business visa?

The investment required changes based on the visa type.

Visa Stream

Minimum Investment Requirement

Business Innovation Stream (188A)

AUD 1.25 million in net business and personal assets

Investor Stream (188B)

AUD 2.5 million designated investment

Significant Investor Stream (188C)

AUD 5 million investment

Entrepreneur Stream

AUD 200,000 in third-party funding

Applicants have to show they legally got the money for investment and can move it to Australia. During the application, more money-related documents are needed.

Is there a direct path to permanent residency from a business visa?

Yes, several business visa options under Subclass 188 allow a path to permanent residency via the Subclass 888 visa. Eligibility depends on meeting the specific requirements of your initial visa stream, like keeping investments or managing a business. After you meet these requirements for a period, usually two to four years, you can apply for permanent residency. This is an option for UK applicants who satisfy all conditions and want to live permanently in Australia with their family.

Can I include my family members in the application?

Australia allows business visa applicants to include certain family members as dependents. This includes a spouse or partner and children who are under 18, or older children if they rely on you for financial support. Dependents can live, work, and study in Australia with the same visa rules that apply to you. Birth and marriage certificates will be needed, and all applicants must meet certain standards for health and character. Adding dependents to your application may change the amount of money you need to show you have and how much the visa will cost.

Do I need a nomination from an Australian state or territory?

Yes. for most Subclass 188 visa types, like the Business Innovation and Investor streams, you'll need a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. After sending in your Expression of Interest (EOI), you'll also need to apply directly to the relevant state or territory. They will look at your business history, what you plan to do, and how it could assist their economy. If they nominate you, the Department of Home Affairs will then ask you to apply for the visa.

How long does it take to process an Australia Business Visa from the UK?

Visa processing times differ depending on the specific type of visa. Given below are the typical processing times for Australian Business Visas.

Visa Stream

Estimated Processing Time

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 188)

12 – 20 months

Business Innovation & Investment Visa (Subclass 888)

9 – 15 months

Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600 – Business Stream)

2 – 5 weeks

Significant Investor Stream (Subclass 188)

14 – 24 months

Entrepreneur Stream (Subclass 188)

12 – 18 months

Can I apply for a business visa while still in the UK?

Yes, UK residents and citizens can apply for an Australian Business Visa online from outside Australia. The process starts with an Expression of Interest (EOI) submission through SkillSelect. If invited, the next step is to apply via ImmiAccount and attach all needed documents. You might have to give biometrics and undergo health checks. You do not need to be in Australia when you apply, but you must make sure your passport and travel documents are good for international processing.

What kind of businesses are eligible for the Business Innovation Stream?

Businesses that want to apply can be in areas like retail, tech, production, services, or franchising. The business needs to help Australia's economy by, for example, creating jobs, increasing exports, or encouraging new ideas. Investments that don't involve active management or real estate projects that are high risk usually don't meet the requirements. The business should be able to succeed financially, and the plan needs to show it can grow. For UK business owners, making sure the business fits with state or local goals can help get a nomination.

Is English language proficiency required for the Australia Business Visa?

For most Subclass 188 visa applications, one must show they have functional English skills. This could include getting a minimum score of 4.5 on the IELTS (or a similar test) in each part, or having a valid UK passport, which usually meets this need. Not meeting the English requirement may mean paying an extra visa fee, which can be as high as AUD 4,890. Presenting valid English test scores can make the visa approval quicker.