State Nomination Requirements
Business Skilled Migration

Australian Capital Territory

ACT 188A – Business Innovation Stream

If you want to apply for ACT 188 nomination of a Business Innovation visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Business Innovation stream.

  • Plan to invest a minimum of $200,000 to purchase or establish a business will be of economic benefit to the ACT.

  • Make a personal commitment, and have sufficient personal funds, to settle in Canberra upon grant of the subclass 188 visa.

  • Sign a declaration acknowledging the ACT nomination obligations as the holder of a Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) (subclass 188) visa.

Document checklist

If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you will receive an email with the web link to the online application form. You must attach the following information:

  • SkillSelect EOI: full EOI record of the response.

  • Your resume or Curriculum Vitae.

  • ACT Business Proposal (no more than five pages); including:

    • Proposed ACT business investment activity.

    • Statement of economic benefit – explain how the proposed business will be of economic benefit to the ACT.

    • Statement of economic viability – explain what market research or study you have undertaken into the relevant sectors in the ACT.

    • Statement of financial viability – explain the expected costs of establishing or purchasing the business and financial projections for the first two years.

    • Describe any Australian business activities that you have an interest in, including your period of ownership (if any).

  • Summary of your successful business career (no more than one page).

  • Evidence of your current business activity:

    • Business registration certificate or license and evidence of share of ownership.

    • Full set of financial statements.

    • Documentary evidence of business involvement – organization chart; photographs of business premises and business activities (no more than six photos).

  • A current Department of Home Affairs forms 1139A - Statement of Assets and Liabilities Position.

  • Signed declaration acknowledging the ACT nomination obligations as the holder of a subclass 188 visa.

  • Copy of passport bio-data page (and Australian visas if any) for the main applicant.

  • Service fee: $600.

ACT 188A – Business Innovation Extension stream

If you want to apply for ACT support of a 188 business innovation visa extension, you must show that your current ACT nominated business/investment is of economic benefit to the Territory. You must meet the following criteria:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Business Innovation extension

  • You have actively operated the ACT nominated business in Canberra for at least two years.

  • You invested a minimum of $200,000 in the ACT and conducted business/investment activity under the approved ACT business proposal.

  • You complied with your ACT nomination obligations to settle in Canberra as the holder of a subclass 188 visa.

Document checklist

  • Summary (no more than two pages) describing your ACT business activity and why you are seeking an extension of the 188 visa.

  • Evidence of minimum $200,000 investment under the approved ACT business proposal.

  • Evidence that you actively conducted business under the approved ACT business proposal.

  • Copy of passport (bio page and Australian visas if any) for main applicant and dependents.

  • Service fee: $600.

ACT 188B – Investor Stream

If you want to apply for ACT nomination of an Investor visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – investor stream.

  • Make a complying investment of at least A$2.5 million and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa.

  • Agree that you and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia will live, work and/or study in Canberra.

To qualify for ACT nomination, you must show that your complying investments will contribute to the ACT economy. For example:

  • Venture capital and growth private equity fund investing in start-ups and small private companies in the ACT; or

  • Venture Capital Limited Partner (VCLP) fund component in a fund that is actively sourcing investment in the ACT.

Document checklist

If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you will receive an email with the web link to the online application form. You must attach the following information:

  • SkillSelect EOI: the full record of EOI response.

  • Proposed Complying Investment: attach a statement explaining how your proposed complying investment will be of economic benefit to the ACT

  • A current Department of Home Affairs forms 1139A Statement of Assets and Liabilities Position.

  • Your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

  • A copy of your passport bio-data page (and Australian visas if any).

  • Service fee: $600.

ACT 188C – Significant Investor Stream

If you want to apply for ACT nomination of a Significant Investor visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – investor stream.

  • Make a complying investment of at least A$5 million and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa.

  • Agree that you and any family members (dependents) live, work, and/or study in Canberra.

To qualify for ACT nomination, you must show that your complying investments will contribute to the ACT economy. For example:

  • Venture capital and growth private equity fund investing in start-ups and small private companies in the ACT; or

  • Venture Capital Limited Partner (VCLP) fund component in a fund that is actively sourcing investment in the ACT.

Document checklist

If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you will receive an email with the web link to the online application form. You must attach the following information:

  • SkillSelect EOI: the full record of EOI response.

  • Proposed Complying Investment: attach a statement explaining how your proposed complying investment will be of economic benefit to the ACT. A current Department of Home Affairs form 1139A Statement of Assets and Liabilities Position.

  • Your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

  • A copy of your passport bio-data page (and Australian visas if any).

  • Service fee: $600.

ACT 188 E – Entrepreneur Stream

If you want to apply for ACT nomination of the Entrepreneur visa, you must meet certain criteria. These include the following:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs criteria for a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) (subclass 188) visa – Entrepreneur stream.

  • Undertake, or propose to undertake, entrepreneurial activity in the ACT that relates to an innovative idea that is proposed to lead to the commercialization of a product or service or the development of an enterprise of business in Australia. The entrepreneurial venture must not be related to residential real estate, labor hire, or involve purchasing an existing business or franchise.

Document checklist

If you are invited to apply for ACT nomination, you will receive an email with the web link to the online application form. You must attach the following information:

  • SkillSelect EOI: the full record of EOI response.

  • A business plan that describes how your plans for the entrepreneurial activity will lead to the commercialization of a product, service, or business.

  • Your resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV).

  • A copy of your passport bio-data page (and Australian visas if any).

  • Service fee: $600.

New South Wales

NSW 188A – Business Innovation stream

Eligibility criteria

Visa criteria

You must meet the Home Affairs requirements for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188A) – Business Innovation.

Personal background

You must be under 50 years of age and have:

  • a bachelor's degree recognized as equivalent to the Australian standard, or

  • In the past 10 years have at least:

    • 3 years of business experience in a NSW target sector, or

    • 5 years of business experience in a non-target sector

Personal and business assets

You must have combined net personal and business assets of:

  • A$1,750,000 – Sydney

  • A$1,250,000 – Regional NSW

Business turnover

You must have a qualifying ownership stake in up to two businesses that have a combined annual turnover of the below amount in two of the four most recent fiscal years:

  • A$1,250,000 – Sydney

  • A$750,000 – Regional NSW

Points test

Your SkillSelect EOI must show a minimum score of 65 points. Applications showing the following will be prioritized:

  • 15 points for business experience, or

  • Points for business innovation qualifications

NSW target sectors

Sydney target sectors include:

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • Food and beverage manufacturing

  • Agricultural technology

  • Aerospace and defense

  • Renewable energy and sustainability

  • Emerging digital technology

  • Cyber security

  • Medtech

Regional NSW target sectors include those for Sydney in addition to:

  • Technology-enabled primary industries

  • Critical minerals

  • Recycling and waste management

Business requirements

Your business plan

You must provide a business proposal that clearly describes how your business will contribute to the NSW economy and create new jobs.

Creating new jobs in NSW

You must create a minimum of two new full-time equivalent jobs.

If you are purchasing an existing business

You must show growth in the business since taking over through either an:

  • increase in annual turnover of at least 10%, or

  • increase in business assets of at least 25%

Exemption

You may be exempt from the job creation and business growth requirement if your eligible business:

  • has implemented innovative practices that did not previously exist in the marketplace, or

  • is located in Regional NSW and trades primarily in a Regional NSW target sector

Business investment

NSW will refuse your nomination application for a permanent visa (subclass 888) if during your provisional visa you have not made a business investment of:

  • $A500,000 – Sydney

  • $A300,000 – Regional NSW

NSW 188B – Investor Stream

Eligibility criteria

Visa criteria

Meet the Home Affairs requirements for the  Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visa (subclass 188) – Investor

Personal background

You must be under 50 years of age and have either:

  • a bachelor's degree recognized as equivalent to the Australian standard, or

  • in the past 10 years have at least:

    • 5 years of successful investment history, or

    • 3 years work experience in a NSW target sector, or 

    • 5 years work experience in a non-target sector

Investment background

For at least one of the five most recent fiscal years, you have directly managed one of the following:

  • a qualifying business in which you, your partner, or you and your partner together had at least 10% ownership interest, or

  • an eligible investment of at least A$2,500,000 owned by you, your partner, or you and your partner together

Net assets

For the two most recent fiscal years, you, your partner, or you and your partner together have combined personal and business net assets of at least A$2,500,000.

Complying investments

You must make a complying significant investment of at least A$2,500,000 and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa. It must be invested in the following proportions:

  • at least A$500,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies

  • at least A$750,000 in approved managed funds. The managed funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange

  • a ‘balancing investment’ of at least A$1,250,000 in managed funds

Investing in NSW

To qualify for NSW nomination, you must show that your complying investments will contribute to the NSW economy.

NSW will refuse your nomination application for a permanent visa (subclass 888) if you cannot show your complying investments meet the following criteria:

  • Venture Capital and Growth Private Equity investment

    At least 50% of your venture capital component must be invested in:

    • a venture capital fund that makes eligible investments in businesses headquartered in NSW; and

    • the general partner of the venture capital fund maintains an office in NSW

  • Emerging companies

    At least 50% of the emerging companies component must be invested in securities issued by a company or trustee headquartered in NSW, that are either:

    • quoted on ASX Limited; or  

    • securities (Australian non-ASX quoted securities) quoted on an Australian securities exchange other than ASX limited

  • Balancing investment

    At least 50% of your balancing investments must bring benefits to NSW. This can be shown where

    • the funds have an office in NSW; or

    • the business of underlying investment is headquartered in NSW; or

    • the business activities of underlying investment are of economic benefit to NSW

NSW defines 'headquartered in NSW' as:

  • having an ABN registration address in NSW; and

  • a sufficiently significant proportion of the company’s overall activities are in NSW as to merit it being described as a NSW company; and

  • the company’s activities are substantial in NSW and are not a merely peripheral activity of the company

Living in NSW

You must have a genuine commitment to reside in NSW and contribute to NSW through your investment activity.

Points test

Your SkillSelect EOI must show a minimum score of 65 points. Applications showing the following will be prioritized:

  • Points in investor experience, or

  • 35 points in financial assets, or

  • Points for business innovation qualifications

NSW target sectors

Sydney target sectors include:

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • Food and beverage manufacturing

  • Agricultural technology

  • Aerospace and defense

  • Renewable energy and sustainability

  • Emerging digital technology

  • Cyber security

  • Medtech

Regional NSW target sectors include those for Sydney in addition to:

  • Technology-enabled primary industries

  • Critical minerals

  • Recycling and waste management

NSW 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Eligibility criteria

Visa criteria

You must meet the Home Affairs requirements for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) – Significant Investor.

Age

There is no age limit for this visa stream and you are not required to meet the Home Affairs points test.

Complying investments

You must make a complying significant investment of at least A$5,000,000 and have a genuine intention to hold that investment for the life of your provisional visa. It must be invested in the following proportions:

  • at least A$1,000,000 in venture capital and growth private equity funds which invest in start-ups and small private companies

  • at least A$1,500,000 in approved managed funds. The managed funds must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange

  • a ‘balancing investment’ of at least A$2,500,000 in managed funds

Investing in NSW

To qualify for NSW nomination, you must show that your complying investments will make a contribution to the NSW economy.

NSW will refuse your nomination application for a permanent visa (subclass 888) if you cannot show your complying investments meet the following criteria:

  • Venture Capital and Growth Private Equity investment

    At least 50% of your venture capital component must be invested in: 

    • a venture capital fund that makes eligible investments in businesses headquartered in NSW; and  

    • the general partner of the venture capital fund maintains an office in NSW  

  • Emerging companies

    At least 50% of the emerging companies component must be invested in securities issued by a company or trustee headquartered in NSW, that are either: 

    • quoted on ASX Limited; or  

    • securities (Australian non-ASX quoted securities) quoted on an Australian securities exchange other than ASX limited

  • Balancing investment

    At least 50% of your balancing investments must bring benefits to NSW. This can be shown where:

    • the funds have an office in NSW; or

    • the business of underlying investment is headquartered in NSW; or

    • the business activities of underlying investment are of economic benefit to NSW

  • NSW defines 'headquartered in NSW' as:

    • having an ABN registration address in NSW; and

    • a sufficiently significant proportion of the company’s overall activities are in NSW as to merit it being described as a NSW company; and

    • the company’s activities are substantial in NSW and are not a merely peripheral activity of the company

Living in NSW

You must have a genuine commitment to reside in NSW and contribute to NSW through your investment activity.

NSW 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility Criteria

Visa criteria

You must meet the Home Affairs requirements for the Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) – Entrepreneur

Age

Applicants must be under 55 years of age.

Entrepreneur program

You must be accepted by a NSW Startup Accelerator Program or Startup Incubator Program.  

Accelerators and Incubators include (but are not limited to):

  • Stone and Chalk

  • The Studio

  • 25fifteen

  • Cicada Innovations

  • BlueChilli

  • Fishburners

  • Future Transport Digital Accelerator

  • Microsoft ScaleUp Program

  • Caltex C-lab

  • Tank Stream Labs

  • The Founder Institute

Funding from a third party

You must show you have adequate funding secured to complete your project from an approved entity.

Approved entities include a:

  • Commonwealth Government agency

  • NSW government agency

  • Publicly funded research or innovation organisation

  • Higher education provider specified as a Table A or Table B provider under Part 2-1 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003, or

  • Investor registered as an Australian Venture Capital Limited Partnership or Early Stage Venture Capital Limited Partnership

Business proposal

Your business proposal must clearly demonstrate how your innovative ideas will benefit NSW, and how you intend to commercialise your product or service, and develop your enterprise or business.

You must also clearly show that you have:

  • completed a proof of concept (e.g. customer interviews, surveys, or focus groups)

  • a potential business customer (B2B) or business channel to market (B2C)

  • a scalable solution that can be deployed to multiple customers

  • the IP or the rights to commercialise

Living and working in NSW

Applicants must have a genuine and realistic commitment to permanently live and work in NSW, and continue to contribute to NSW through entrepreneurial activity. 

Your proposed business must:

  • be headquartered in NSW, and

  • have a NSW registered ABN

 Queensland

QLD 188A – Business Innovation Stream

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for nomination for a Business Innovation and Investment visa, you must first meet the Home Affairs Immigration Eligibility Criteria.

You must also meet the Migration Queensland criteria below, which is different for each visa stream:

  • Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland.

  • Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$1.25 million ready to be transferred to Queensland after visa grant.

  • Must invest in one or two qualifying business(es) in Queensland after being granted visa:

  • business investment of at least A$400,000 if the proposed business will be established in the Greater Brisbane and Gold Coast regions; OR

  • business investment of at least A$300,000 if the proposed business will be established in regional Queensland.

Additional Requirements

  • Export business must develop international markets for Queensland products.

  • General importing business will not be acceptable unless the imported products are highly innovative, advanced in technology, or currently unavailable in Queensland. You should also provide value-adding service to the imported products such as customised design, product assembly installation, testing, repair, maintenance, etc.

  • Property Development business will not be accepted.

Fees

Nomination Fee

  • $500.00 for overseas applicants

  • $550.00 for onshore applicants

QLD 188B – Investor Stream

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for Queensland state nomination, you must first meet the Home Affairs Immigration Eligibility Criteria.

You must also meet the Migration Queensland criteria below, which is different for each visa stream:

  • Must demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland.

  • Must have net business and personal assets of at least A$3 million ready to be transferred to Queensland, Australia (including A$2.5 million for Complying Investment and A$500,000 for Settlement in Queensland).

Complying Investment Framework (CIF)

  • 20% in Venture Capital & Growth Private Equity funds (VCPE) that invest in start-ups and small private companies.

  • 30% in approved managed funds that must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

  • 50% in balancing investments of managed funds.

After holding this provisional visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the permanent residency (subclass 888 visa). The 188 – Investor stream cannot be extended.

Fees

Nomination Fee

  • $500.00 for overseas applicants

  • $550.00 for onshore applicants

QLD 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for Queensland state nomination, you must first meet the Home Affairs Immigration Eligibility Criteria.

You must also meet the Migration Queensland criteria below, which is different for each visa stream:

  • demonstrate a genuine commitment to Queensland.

  • have net assets of at least A$5 million, which will be invested in Complying Investment in accordance to Complying Investment Framework (CIF)

Complying Investment Framework (CIF)

  • 20% in Venture Capital & Growth Private Equity funds (VCPE) that invest in start-up and small private Companies

  • 30% in approved managed funds that must invest in emerging companies listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

  • 50% in balancing investments of managed funds.

After holding this provisional visa for 3 years, you may be eligible to apply for the permanent residency (subclass 888 visa). The 188 – Significant Investor stream can be extended up to 2 times.

Fees

Nomination Fee

  • $500.00 for overseas applicants

  • $550.00 for onshore applicants

QLD 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for Queensland state nomination, you must first meet the Home Affairs Immigration Eligibility Criteria.

You must also meet the Migration Queensland criteria, which will be available in the coming months.

Fees

Nomination Fee

  • $500.00 for overseas applicants

  • $550.00 for onshore applicants

South Australia

SA 188A – Business Innovation Stream

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the South Australian nomination requirements you must:

  • Meet the Department of Home Affairs subclass 188 Business Innovation stream visa criteria.

  • Intend to live in South Australia.

  • Propose an investment and/or business activity in South Australia that will meet the South Australian state nomination 'benefit to state requirements' for the subclass 888 Business Innovation stream.

  • Applicants aged 55 years or over at the time of invitation must demonstrate that the proposal will be of exceptional economic benefit to South Australia by meeting a higher investment threshold.

  • Provide detailed information on the viability and economic impact of the proposal to South Australia. Further details are listed in the How to Apply section.

  • Agree to register your arrival in South Australia with Skilled & Business Migration and maintain current contact details for the duration of your visa.

Additional Information

  • Applicants who have between 55 and 65 points can apply for exceptional circumstances for the additional 10 points from the South Australian Government. Priority will be given to investment proposals to be undertaken in South Australia. These applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

  • The choice of investment and/or business activity is based on the client's own preference; however a business which is solely on selling imports (including bringing product into South Australia from other States/Territories) will require substantial justification to demonstrate the benefit to state.

  • Support for an application to the Department of Home Affairs to extend subclass 188 visa is at the discretion of Skilled & Business Migration.

  • Approval for a proposed business undertaking property development is still at the discretion of the Manager Business Migration for 188 and 888. With respect to the business required to be a sufficient business undertaking and not deemed as private investor property development even if the minimum financial requirement is met. Please see the fact sheet for futher information.

  • South Australia will manage the demand levels for certain business investments including - but not limited to - cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, service stations and retail stores.

  • It is strongly recommended that applicants obtain professional legal and financial advice before undertaking any business or investment activity.

  • Nomination is entirely at the discretion of the Government of South Australia. Meeting the minimum published requirements does not guarantee nomination by South Australia. In assessing your Intention to Apply and application, Skilled & Business Migration will consider each application on its merits and the broader benefit to South Australia.

SA 188B – Investor Stream

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the South Australian nomination requirements you must:

  • Meet Department of Home Affairs 188 investment stream criteria

  • Intend to live in South Australia

  • Agree to make and maintain an investment of AUD$2.5 million (AUD$3.75 million if over 55 year of age) for the duration of the provisional visa in a complying investment fund. The complying investment fund must materially benefit South Australia.

  • Agree to register your arrival in South Australia with Skilled & Business Migration and maintain current contact details for the duration of your visa.

Additional Information

  • Applicants who have between 55 and 65 points can apply for exceptional circumstances for the additional 10 points from the South Australian Government. These applications will be assessed on a case by case basis.

  • The choice of investment options is based on the client's own preference and Department of Home Affairs complying investment requirements.

  • It is strongly recommended that applicants obtain professional legal and financial advice before investing or undertaking any business activity.

  • The South Australian Government will not advise on any investment made or any business activity to be undertaken by the applicant, nor does it accept liability for any financial loss, cost of expense incurred as a result of any business decision, business activities or investments of the applicant or any person in any way connected with the significant investor program or otherwise.

  • The Commonwealth and State Government require applicants to agree to not taking legal action against them for any loss of capital arising from the complying investment.

SA 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the South Australian nomination requirements you must:

  • Meet the Department of Home Affairs subclass 188 significant investor stream criteria.

  • Intend to live in South Australia.

  • Agree to make and maintain an investment of AUD$5 million for the duration of the provisional visa in a complying investment fund. The complying investment fund must materially benefit South Australia.

  • Agree to register your arrival in South Australia with Skilled & Business Migration and maintain current contact details for the duration of your visa.

Additional Information

  • The choice of investment options is based on the client’s own preference and Department of Home Affairs complying investment requirements.

  • It is strongly recommended that applicants obtain professional legal and financial advice before investing or undertaking any business activity.

  • The South Australian Government will not advise on any investment made or any business activity to be undertaken by the applicant nor does it accept liability for any financial loss, cost of expense incurred as a result of any business decision, business activities or investments of the applicant or any person in any way connected with the significant investor program or otherwise.

  • The Commonwealth and State Government require applicants to agree to not take legal action against them for any loss of capital arising from the complying investment.

SA 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility Requirements

To meet the South Australian nomination requirements you must:

  • Meet the Department of Home Affairs Subclass 188 Entrepreneur stream visa criteria.

  • Have competent English or be a passport holder or citizen of the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada or New Zealand.

  • Intend to live in South Australia.

  • Propose an business to be based South Australia that has a strong potential to achieve the Subclass 888 Entrepreneur stream Department of Home affairs visa criteria within 5 years, including the achievement of these success factors.

  • Propose a business that has the potential to become a sustainable high-growth start-up, with the future potential to employ South Australians.

  • Secure the support of a selected Service Provider that has reviewed and approves your proposed entrepreneurial activity.

  • Priority will be given to proposals that support the Government of South Australia’s nine priority Growth State sectors.

  • Provide detailed information on the viability and economic impact if the proposal to South Australia. Further details are listed in the How to Apply section. Applicants aged 55 years or over at the time of invitation must demonstrate that the proposed entrepreneurial activity will be of exceptional economic benefit to South Australia.

  • Agree to register your arrival in South Australia with Skilled & Business Migration and maintain current contact details for the duration of your visa.

  • Agree to meet all other obligations to ensure that your state nomination remains current at the time you apply directly to the Department of Home Affairs for the Subclass 888 Entrepreneur visa. Although there is no requirement to apply for a second state nomination, you must  these obligations for South Australian to confirm your status.

South Australian Service Providers

The South Australian service providers are:

  • Stone & Chalk - Is is the largest dedicated start up and scaleup innovation community in Australia with hubs in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. In South Australia, Stone & Chalk is based at Lot Fourteen, the innovation precinct that is making global impact and is co-located with world leading organisations and startups such as Myriota, the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, Google and the Australian Space Agency.

  • New Venture Institute (NVI) - Located in Australia’s most awarded Innovation District at Tonsley, Flinders New Venture Institute provides a range of programs and services to a vibrant community of startups and businesses in six focus sectors that reflect Flinders University’s areas of strength, growth, and research: Advanced Manufacturing; Creative Industries; Education; Energy, Water, and Sustainability; Health; Wine, Tourism, and AgTech. We are ideally placed to spark, enable, and develop your business idea from conception to industry advancement. Join us!

  • Moonshots - Our aim is to have start-ups with great business plans join us to work with our “been there doing it” Entrepreneurs to build globally scalable investable businesses. We love Creative, Space, BioTech, AI/Hi-Tech, AgTech, Education and  Defence Industries and as long as people have a growth mindset where they come from is of no interest!

  • ThincLab is powered by the Adelaide Business School and is the University of Adelaide’s flagship business incubator. ThincLab works with an extensive network of partners to help entrepreneurs launch and grow innovative companies. It has a global footprint with five locations, and has been supporting early stage and scaling entrepreneurs across all industry sectors for the last 28 years. ThincLab also has a specialist incubator for AgTech, Food and Wine innovations.

  • The Innovation & Collaboration Centre (ICC) is located in the CBD as part of the University of South Australia, in partnership with the State Government of South Australia. It is renowned for its community of industry experts, mentors and academics, helping to fast-track access into the growing Australian market through a tailored program for the Entrepreneur Visa. ICC provides accelerator and incubation services, with a focus on space, hi-tech and social enterprise, access to prototyping labs, marketing, legal and financial services, and a track record of establishing and settling successful candidates.

Additional Information

Holders of certain visas will not be eligible for endorsement by the South Australian Government, these include student visas (including subclasses 500, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574), Subclass 403 and Subclass 771.

Subclass 485 visa holders may participate should the service provider assess they have an innovative idea and a strong business case.

Special Requirements

Age waivers - Exceptional economic benefit to South Australia

If you are applying for the Business Innovation, Investor or Entrepreneur stream, and aged 55 years or older at the time of invitation, the level of investment and/or business activity proposed must be of exceptional economic benefit to South Australia. There is no age restriction for the Significant Investor stream.

Business Innovation Stream

Applicants aged 55 years or older must propose an investment and/or business activity in South Australia that meets the higher thresholds outlined in the state nomination requirements for the subclass 888 Business Innovation stream.

Investment Stream

Applicants aged 55 years or older must maintain an investment of AUD$3.75 million for the duration of the provisional visa in complying investment fund.

Entrepreneur Stream

Applicants aged 55 years or over must demonstrate that the proposed entrepreneurial activity will be of exceptional economic benefit to South Australia.


 

 Tasmania

TAS 188A – Business Innovation Stream

Eligibility

Under the Business Innovation stream, Migration Tasmania is seeking interest from successful business owners, innovators, and entrepreneurs with the ability to operate businesses and develop business concepts that will genuinely benefit Tasmania’s economy through:

  • innovation and new technologies, and

  • enhancing industry capabilities.

When considering proposals, Migration Tasmania will also give high regard to the following:

  1. Generation of significant flow-on opportunities for the Tasmanian economy, including trade expansion and the creation and/or retention of local jobs.

  2. Partnership with at least one business partner who is a permanent resident or an Australian citizen.

  3. Likelihood that the initiative would not otherwise proceed without the direct involvement of the applicant.

  4. Environmentally sustainable initiatives.

  5. Investment in key sectors that will benefit Tasmania’s economy which include, but are not limited to:

    • aquaculture

    • agriculture and agribusiness

    • circular economy

    • minerals and mining

    • forestry, timber, and wood products

    • Antarctic and marine science

    • health and medical science

    • science and technology

    • space

    • information and communication technology

    • creative industries

    • tourism and hospitality

    • heritage management and restoration

    • renewable energy

    • bio renewal/ waste recycling

    • food production

    • hydrogen (engineering and construction)

    • extractive industries

Exclusions

The following business activities will generally be excluded under the Business Innovation stream:

  • passive investment

  • general importing

  • real estate property investment and development

  • export of commodities and scrap metal

  • mining service operations (administration services for the mining sector)

  • setting up an existing franchise

Nomination Criteria

To be nominated for a subclass 188 visa under the Business Innovation stream you must:

  • be able to meet the visa requirements for a subclass 188 visa under the Business Innovation stream published by the Department of Home Affairs (Home Affairs). Please refer to the Home Affairs website for details

  • be a successful business owner or innovator proposing a new business or partnering with an existing Australian  business partner to develop new technologies or innovations, enhance industry capabilities, or offer a product or service with a distinct point of difference, which is suited to Tasmanian conditions

  • be able to invest at least AUD 200,000 to establish a new business or purchase an existing business in Tasmania

  • have a realistic, well-researched and plausible business plan

  • demonstrate that you have or can acquire the relevant knowledge, skills, experiences, qualifications, licences etc. to undertake senior level day-to-day and strategic management of the business in Tasmania

  • have sufficient funds to settle in Tasmania

  • intend to live in Tasmania and contribute to Tasmania’s economy while you hold a subclass 188 visa associated with Tasmanian nomination, and

  • agree to the nomination undertakings.

If partnering with an Australian-based business partner:

  • You must demonstrate your genuine commitment to invest with an Australian-based business partner to either enhance an existing business or start a new business in Tasmania.

If investing in an existing business in Tasmania:

  • The business must not be a franchise.

  • You must provide evidence of the agreement to invest.

If introducing technologies and innovations with existing patent and trademarks to Tasmania:

  • You must have ownership of the relevant patents and/or trademarks from an authorised governing body, or you can use the technology without breaching intellectual property rights laws.

If you need an age waiver and/or special endorsement: 

  • If you are seeking an age waiver for exceptional economic benefit or 10-point special endorsement for unique and important benefit, you must demonstrate that your proposed business is of unique and important benefit to Tasmania. It must:

    • be substantially different or innovative compared with existing businesses or

    • allow Tasmania to gain some significant competitive advantage that it does not currently have or

    • demonstrate that you have exceptional qualifications and experience linked to the business (i.e. the business cannot proceed without you).

TAS 188B – Investor Stream

Nominations in the Investor (188B) and Significant Investor (188C) Streams will not be offered this program year.

TAS 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Nominations in the Investor (188B) and Significant Investor (188C) Streams will not be offered this program year.

TAS 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

Eligibility

Under the Entrepreneur stream, Migration Tasmania is seeking interest from entrepreneurs to develop an endorsed innovative business concept and undertake entrepreneurial and/or start-up activities in Tasmania.

Your business concept must promote innovation and new technology, or enhance industry capability and:

  • be an untested or unknown business model or

  • include the ability to scale up and down without significant human resources

When considering proposals, Migration Tasmania will also give high regard to the following:

  1. Activity related to one or more of the following sectors

  • renewable energy (including hydrogen and bio energy).

  • bio renewal/waste recycling (including circular economy)

  • defence and space

  • aquatech, agtech and marinetech

  • robotics, advanced and additive manufacturing

  • digital technology, including cyber security, big data, blockchain and lot internet of things)

  • health and medical technology, particularly those that support current research projects (i.e. dementia, population health studies, survival in extreme environments)

  • creative industries.

  1. The business concept demonstrates a clear, competitive advantage, genuine innovation, novel intellectual property, or high barriers to entry.

  2. Entrepreneurs with higher academic degrees such as master’s degrees and/or PhDs relevant to the proposed entrepreneurial activity.

  3. The business concept has strong potential to create local employment, new skills and/or export revenue for Tasmania.

Exclusions

Proposals related to the following business areas will generally be excluded under the Entrepreneur stream:

  • cafés and restaurants

  • consulting firms/companies

  • employment agencies

  • export/import businesses/companies

  • franchises

  • foot reflexology

  • massage parlours

  • acupuncture

  • traditional chinese medicine

  • herbal dispensing

  • geomancy/fengshui

  • retail

  • residential real estate or labour hire

  • purchase of an existing business or franchise.

Nomination Criteria

To be nominated under the Entrepreneur stream for a subclass 188 visa you must:

  • be able to meet the Department of Home Affairs visa requirements for the Entrepreneur stream

  • demonstrate in-depth knowledge, expertise, or a track record in developing the product or service you are targeting

  • provide personal funding contribution of at least AUD 50,000 towards the proposed entrepreneurial activity

  • demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to settle in Tasmania

  • if currently in Australia, hold a visa with work rights that will allow you to engage in the proposed business concept in Tasmania while waiting for the outcome of a subclass 188 visa application

  • intend to live in Tasmania and contribute to Tasmania’s economy and community while you hold a subclass 188 visa associated with Tasmanian nomination, and

  • You must agree to the nomination undertakings.

If you need an age waiver

Requests for age waiver under the Entrepreneur category will be considered on a case by case basis and supported in exceptional circumstances only. You must demonstrate why your proposal would be of exceptional economic benefit to Tasmania.

Victoria

VIC 188A – Business Innovation Stream

Eligibility Requirements

Age

You must be under 55 at the time of application.

English

You must have vocational English.

If you do not have vocational English, you may provide evidence of one of the following:

  • you completed a course taught in English that took at least 3 years and led to a tertiary qualification, or

  • you completed final year schooling in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa or New Zealand, or

  • you completed other qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate or Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.

Qualification

You must have completed either:

  • At least a bachelor degree in a STEMM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics or Medicine), or

  • A Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

If you do not hold either of these, you must have relevant business history.

Business History

If you do not have a relevant qualification, you must have at least 3 years of experience in:

  • Health, medical research and life sciences

  • Digital

  • Agri-food

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • New energy, emissions reduction and circular economy

Points

You must score at least 65 on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test in SkillSelect.

Business Requirements

Your business proposal must show innovation and job creation

You must show how your proposed business activity will contribute to the Victorian economy through innovation and job creation.

Innovation

You must demonstrate in your proposal that your business will contribute to innovation in Victoria through innovations in either product or process

Job creation

You must also demonstrate that your business will create jobs in Victoria.

You must employ at least 2 full time eligible employees.

Exemption

You could be exempt from this job creation requirement if your eligible business’ turnover is at least A$1 million per year for the 2 years before you apply for permanent residency.

Exporters

Does your proposed export activity provide a direct contribution to the Victorian economy?

Some of our assessment considerations include:

  • the export value of Victorian goods and services

  • Victorian jobs created or retained, including flow-on effects to other Victorian suppliers

  • the local economic benefits of the business

  • assistance to Victorian businesses in exporting their products or addressing market gaps

  • expansion of export markets.

You must not engage in ‘parallel exporting’.

What is parallel exporting?

Parallel exporting is where goods are sold in an export market without the consent of the owner of the goods trademark.

You must demonstrate that you have not engaged in parallel exporting at the permanent visa nomination stage.

What evidence do I need if I am exporting goods?

Evidence may include:

  • Official certificate or agreement from the trademark owner authorising export activity, or

  • Authorisation from the trademark owner to the supplier/distributor for export activity, or

  • Correspondence (e.g. meeting notes, emails) showing the trademark owner understands the business migrant’s export intentions, or

  • Partnership or contractual agreements between the trademark owner and business migrant.

What is an example of parallel exporting?

For example, a Victorian business migrant purchases wine from a wine supplier or wholesaler. The brands purchased have existing and official export channels into the relevant country.

The business migrant only has a receipt of purchase and no additional evidence that shows the trademark owner is aware of, or consents to the business migrant exporting the wine.

This is an example of ‘grey market’ or ‘parallel exporting’ and is not permitted in the Victorian Government’s Business Innovation and Investment Program.

VIC 188B – Investor Stream

Eligibility Requirements

Age

You must be under 55 at the time of application.

Points

You must score at least 80 on the Department of Home Affairs’ points test in SkillSelect.

The SkillSelect points score requirement may vary throughout the year, to reflect the calibre of competition in the market.

Live in Victoria

You must have a genuine intention to live in Victoria for at least 2 years while you hold this visa.

Investment in Victoria

You must make a complying investment of at least A$2.5 million.

Complying Investments in Victoria

You must make a complying investment* of at least A$2.5 million (held for the duration of the provisional visa). This will comprise of:

  • 20 per cent in eligible Victorian Venture Capital and Private Growth Equity funds (VCPE) investing in start-up and small private companies (A$500,000)

  • Note: this must be invested in eligible Victorian Venture Capital funds.

  • 30 per cent in eligible managed funds or Listed Investment Companies (LICs) that invest in emerging companies (A$750,000)

  • 50 per cent in balancing investments in managed funds or LICs that invest in eligible assets, including Australian listed securities, eligible corporate bonds or notes, annuities and real property (A$1.25 million).

All complying investments must demonstrate contribution to the Victorian economy.

*It is important that you seek independent financial advice

Seek Financial Advice

You should seek professional financial and investment advice to fully understand your investment options.

  • Use the government’s Moneysmart Financial Advisers Registerl to check your financial advisor holds the appropriate registration.

  • Review tips about what to look for in a financial adviser.

  • ASIC Registered Financial Advisers do not receive commissions and are prevented from doing so under the Corporations Act 2001. You can read more on how your Financial Advisor is remunerated at Moneysmart.

  • Do not rely on migration agents or fund managers for financial advice.

    • Anyone who gives financial advice must have an Australian financial services (AFS) licence or work for a company that has a licence.

    • Fund managers can give product advice on their own financial services and products, however this is not unbiased financial advice.

  • If you suspect fraud or dishonesty, contact your local police and report the misconduct to ASIC.

VIC 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Eligibility Requirements

Investment in Victoria

You must make a complying investment of at least A$5 million.

Live in Victoria

You must intend to live in Victoria.  You and your family cannot live in other states or territories of Australia.

You must have sufficient funds to settle in Victoria.

Complying Investments in Victoria

You must make a complying investment* of at least A$5 million (held for the duration of the provisional visa). This will comprise of:

  • 20 per cent in eligible Victorian Venture Capital and Private Growth Equity funds (VCPE) investing in start-up and small private companies (A$1,000,000)

  • Note: this must be invested in eligible Victorian Venture Capital funds.

  • 30 per cent in eligible managed funds or Listed Investment Companies (LICs) that invest in emerging companies (A$1,500,000)

  • 50 per cent in balancing investments in managed funds or LICs that invest in eligible assets, including Australian listed securities, eligible corporate bonds or notes, annuities and real property (A$2.5 million).

All complying investments must demonstrate contribution to the Victorian economy.

*It is important that you seek independent financial advice

Seek Financial Advice

You should seek professional financial and investment advice to fully understand your investment options.

  • Use the government’s Moneysmart Financial Advisers Register to check your financial advisor holds the appropriate registration.

  • Review tips about what to look for in a financial adviser.

  • ASIC Registered Financial Advisers do not receive commissions and are prevented from doing so under the Corporations Act 2001. You can read more on how your Financial Advisor is remunerated at Moneysmart.

  • Do not rely on migration agents or fund managers for financial advice.

    • Anyone who gives financial advice must have an Australian financial services (AFS) licenceexternal link or work for a company that has a licence.

    • Fund managers can give product advice on their own financial services and products, however this is not unbiased financial advice.

  • If you suspect fraud or dishonesty, contact your local police and report the misconduct to ASIC.

VIC 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

Victoria’s 188E visa nomination program for 2021-22 is not currently open.

Western Australia

WA 188A – Business Innovation Stream

Applicants must meet the DHA criteria for this visa.

There are no minimum or maximum State nomination criteria requirements for State nomination of a visa subclass 188 business innovation stream.

Applicants must:

  • submit a business proposal with their visa subclass 188 application which includes a detailed budget with costings to substantiate the net assets in business, new employment and total net assets in Western Australia for inclusion in their State nomination agreement for their visa subclass 888 application

  • the business proposal must clearly demonstrate how the business will contribute positively to the Western Australian economy and create jobs

  • applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.

WA 188B – Investor Stream

Applicants must meet the DHA criteria for this visa.

Applicants must:

  • propose net assets of at least $5 million invested in complying investments as specified by the DHA

  • agree to re-invest the $5 million complying investments into any Western Australian assets, upon maturity of the complying investment

  • applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.

WA 188C – Significant Investor Stream

Applicants must meet the DHA criteria for this visa.

Applicants must:

  • propose net assets of at least $5 million invested in complying investments as specified by the DHA

  • agree to re-invest the $5 million complying investments into any Western Australian assets, upon maturity of the complying investment

  • applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live, work and/or study in Western Australia.

WA 188E – Entrepreneur Stream

No information available yet

Non-restrictive business activity policy:

Western Australia has a non-restrictive business activity policy for business migrants relocating to this state. Business migrants can undertake the business activity of their choice, providing it meets the qualifying business definition of the DHA.

Business proposals submitted for State nomination will be assessed competitively based on the:

  • viability of the proposed business

  • realistic business activity

  • contribution to the Western Australian economy including the generation of new jobs and the retention of existing jobs.

Property development qualifying business policy:

State nomination visa subclass 188 - Business Innovation stream

Applicants must propose a project with at least three dwellings which will generate the minimum required turnover amount in sales within the term of the visa as required by the DHA. An applicant’s residence can be part of the business project but must be in addition to the minimum three dwellings and the required net business assets.

Under a visa subclass 188, an applicant cannot undertake a property development business activity in partnership with any other party.

Age waiver or additional 10 points policy:

State nomination – Applicants can only apply for either the waiver or the points

Applicants are assessed on a competitive basis and need to submit a minimum proposal for:

  • Visa subclass 188 Business Innovation Stream - Net assets in WA of at least $1,500,000 of which at least $500,000 is invested in business and the creation of equivalent of one new full time job.

  • Visa subclass 188 Investor Stream - Complying investments of $2,500,000 plus additional $1,250,000 in net assets in Western Australia.

Recycling of businesses policy:

The BMC does not support the recycling of businesses for any visa subclass, as Western Australia seeks to attract new investment and new economic benefit for the State from business migrants.

Applicants will not be selected for State nomination if the business has previously been used by another business migrant to obtain permanent residency in Australia.

International trading business activity policy:

A business that sources products or services internationally and sells to overseas clients with the payments and income going through a business in Western Australia will not be selected for State nomination. For the business to be considered for State nomination, the majority of the products or services need to be sourced from Western Australia and exported internationally.

State nomination application to more than one State or Territory Government policy:

Generally applicants will not be selected for State nomination if they have made an application to another State or Territory of Australia, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Second State nomination policy:

Applicants who have previously been granted a State nomination or had an incorrect EOI when nominated will generally not be selected for a second nomination unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Change of business proposal policy:

Approval must be sought from the BMC in writing to change the business proposal of an approved State nomination application. An amendment or change in a business proposal will need a new State nomination agreement, which may require an increase in business investment and/or employment depending on the business activity.

Connection to Western Australia policy:

Preference will be given to applicants who have visited Western Australia, and/or have family, friends or business associates in Western Australia.

Business research policy:

It is expected that applicants for State nomination for a visa subclass 188 —Business Innovation stream will have conducted research on their business proposal and are able to explain how they have decided on the viability of their proposed business activity, investment amount and the number of new and/or retained employees.

They must demonstrate that they have the experience to undertake the business activity and are aware of the current economic climate in the state, major competitors, and propose a realistic business proposal suited to the existing business environment.

Members of applicant’s family living or studying in another State or Territory of Australia policy:

Applicants and any family members (dependents) residing in Australia are required to live and study in Western Australia.

Generally applicants for Western Australia who have family members or relatives living or studying in another State or Territory of Australia, or investments in another State or Territory, will not be selected for State nomination

Applicants may request a review of their application, which will be considered on a case by case basis, depending on the information provided regarding why the family is living in different jurisdictions in Australia.

WA State nominated applicant wanting to relocate to another State or Territory policy:

Applicants nominated by the Western Australian government seeking to relocate to another State or Territory, will need to submit a formal application stating the reasons for wanting to relocate.

Each application will be assessed on a case by case basis but generally:

  • applicants will need to attend an interview at the Business Migration Centre in Perth, and

  • approval will only be given in exceptional circumstances.

Visa subclass 132 form 1010 review policy:

Endorsement of a form 1010 is not available for any applicant who has not met all approved State nomination requirements.

Administrative review tribunal policy:

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) - Migration and Refugee Division.

The BMC may provide support for appeals to the AAT.

Applications for support will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Support may be provided for cases where there is a cause for merits review.

Applicants must attach the DHA decision record and provide a submission demonstrating how they will address the DHA decision.

A non-refundable fee of $750 applies to applications for AAT support.

State nomination application processing policy:

General processing time for State nomination applications is four weeks and any request for priority processing will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Applicants and/or their agent can request priority processing on the basis that a four week processing time frame will impact negatively in lodging the application with DHA.

Application fee on-line payment - refund policy:

The fee is not refundable if an application is refused or withdrawn.

Please note:

You must submit a complete decision ready application, including all relevant evidence to support your claims or your application may not be selected for nomination when assessed.

If you provide any misleading information in your application, you will not be selected for State nomination and the Department of Home Affairs will be advised so that they can conduct their own investigation.
 

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