What is SkillSelect?
SkillSelect is an online Expression of Interest (EOI) service for people who are interested in migrating to Australia. When your details are recorded onto the SkillSelect database you have the potential to be invited by the Australian Government to apply for a visa once you have been nominated by a state or territory government.
What is the points test?
If you apply for a Business Innovation and Investment visa you will need generate at least 65 points in order to receive an invitation to apply for a visa. The points test is used to help Australia select business people with a proven record of business and/or investment activity and will take into consideration your age, English language ability, qualifications, experience in business or Investment, net personal and business assets, business turnover and Innovation. The nominating state or territory governments may, on a limited basis, award 10 points where they have determined that your proposed business is of exceptional economic benefit to that state or territory.
Can I count the value of my own residence for investment purposes?
No, but the net assets held in your property can be used to fund the additional A$750,000 or towards the required assets if you are applying as a business investor visa for Australia.
What is an Expression of Interest and invitation?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is an online form in SkillSelect which enables you to record specific information about your personal circumstances including business and investment career. This information has the potential to lead to an invitation to lodge a Business Innovation and Investment visa application.
Do I need to sit an English language test?
If you have a passport issued by the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland you are not required to present evidence of your English language skills and will be awarded 5 points for vocational English.
If you do not hold a passport from one of the above countries you will need to sit an IELTS test and score five for each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening in order to demonstrate vocational English and be awarded five points. In order to claim 10 points for proficient English (regardless of the county of your passport) you must have an IELTS test score of at least 7 for each of the four test components of speaking, reading, writing and listening.
How long is my visa valid for?
Business Innovation and Investor applicants are granted provisional visas and must generally enter Australia to validate their visas within 12 months of health and character checks (whichever were sooner). Once initial entry has been made the visa then converts into a multiple-entry visa valid for a period of 4 years from when the initial entry date expires. Please note that by this date you must have either applied within Australia for permanent residence or another visa, or have departed Australia.
When should I apply for permanent residence?
In order to qualify for a permanent Business Innovation visa (subclass 888) you will need to provide evidence that you have actively participated in a business in Australia for at least 2 years and prove the value of net personal and business assets held in Australia, Annual Turn Over, and number of employees in the 12 months before you apply.
If you are applying for a permanent Business Investment visa you will need to provide evidence that you have held a designated investment of AUD1.5 million for four years with an Australian Treasury Corporation plus outline your future plans to maintain your investment in Australia or proposed business activities.
What are the benefits of using a MARA registered migration agent?
The decision to engage a migration agent is a personal choice which will depend on the complexity of your visa application and whether you are confident that you have fully understood all the rules and regulations which will be applied to your case.
If you do need assistance with the visa process, the Department of Home Affairs strongly recommend that you appoint an agent who is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA). A registered migration agent must satisfy a strict code of conduct and:
- maintain current knowledge of migration law and procedure
- keep a professional library with direct access to migration regulations via Legend
- undertake continuous professional development in order to maintain knowledge of migration regulations and policy
An agent who is not registered with MARA cannot offer you any legal protection and is not accountable for his/her actions and therefore might:
- make false claims about your chances of success
- give you incorrect advice
- have limited knowledge about current Australian visa legislation and procedures
- increase your risk of being exposed to migration fraud
- charge fees which are unreasonable and excessive.
How long will it take to process a Business Innovation and Investment visa?
The average processing timetable for deciding applications at the Adelaide Business Skills Centre for Business innovation (subclass 188 applicants is 15 months. Once you have been granted your visa you will need to enter Australia by a specified date (usually 12 months from the date of health and character checks - whichever were sooner).