Important factors to consider in residence planning
Visa applicants must meet certain criteria prescribed to the appropriate visa subclass. The criteria prescribed to a visa application will include either ‘at time of lodgment’ requirements, ‘at time of decision’ requirements, or a combination of both. Visa applications may be refused if an applicant does not demonstrate that they meet the criteria at the correct time. All visa subclasses include the requirement to satisfy certain health, character, and public interest criteria.
Permanent residents are required to spend at least two years of a five-year period in Australia, or demonstrate significant ties to Australia, in order to maintain their residence status.
The Australian visa application process is very structured and based on laws, regulations, policy, and legislative instruments. Application processing time frames differ significantly by visa type. The Department of Immigration has a priority processing tier under which visa applications that yield the greatest benefit to the country (skilled visas) will be assessed quicker than those with less benefit (family visas).
There are six visa streams under the Business Innovation and Investment Program and the Business Talent Program.
The Business Innovation and Investment Program includes the following:
The above temporary visas offer a direct pathway to permanent residence after four years, subject to meeting certain residence and investment or business turnover requirements.
The Business Talent Program includes the following:
The above two streams offer direct permanent residence and applicants must quickly become involved in the relevant business.