Australia

Australia stands as one of the world’s most prosperous nations, boasting a stellar global reputation. It is a well-developed, diverse country with a remarkably high ranking on the Human Development Index, ensuring its citizens enjoy an exceptional quality of life, economic autonomy, and robust safeguards for their civil liberties and political rights.

Australia’s immigration system follows an objective, merit-based approach, offering predictable results. To retain their permanent resident status, individuals are required to reside in the country for a minimum of two years within a five-year timeframe or display substantial connections to Australia, often referred to as the “Australia golden visa.”

Please note that new applications for the Business Innovation and Investment Program are currently not being accepted. There is anticipation of the introduction of a fresh investor program in 2024.

• Elevated quality of life
• Diverse cultural landscape
• Robust political, social, and economic stability
• A structured immigration system based on merit with foreseeable results
• Mandatory 10% superannuation or pension contributions mandated for employers

• These criteria can include ‘at time of lodgment’ and ‘at time of decision’ requirements.
• All visa subclasses necessitate meeting health, character, and public interest criteria.
• Permanent residents must spend a minimum of two years within a five-year period in Australia or demonstrate substantial ties to maintain their residence status.
• Good Character: You should be of good character, which includes a clean criminal record.
• Integration: You should demonstrate your commitment to Australia and your intention to live in or maintain a close and continuing relationship with Australia.
• Knowledge of English: You may need to pass an English language test and a citizenship test. These tests evaluate your knowledge of Australian values, traditions, history, and the English language.
• Pledge of Allegiance: Applicants for Australian citizenship are typically required to pledge their allegiance to Australia and its people.

Under the Business Innovation and Investment Program, there are four distinct visa streams. These are:

• The Business Innovation Stream: To be eligible, individuals are required to pass a points test, have a successful business career with a minimum business turnover of AUD 750,000, possess net assets totaling AUD 1.25 million, and maintain substantial ownership and management of an Australian business while residing in the country for a minimum of one year.
• The Investor Stream: Individuals must pass a points test, invest AUD 2.5 million in a complying Australian-managed investment fund for the duration of the provisional visa, and live in the country for a minimum of two years.
• The Significant Investor Stream: Eligible candidates must invest at least AUD 5 million in a complying Australian-managed investment fund during the provisional visa period and reside in the country for an average of 40 days annually for primary visa holders.
• The Entrepreneur Stream: To qualify for this stream, individuals need to secure endorsement from a state or territory government and reside in Australia for a minimum of two years.

Fees:

Important notes:

The second instalment charge is only payable for applicants 18 years old or older who have less than functional English and who do not hold an eligible visa when they apply.

The Visa Pricing Estimator does not include the second instalment charge or other costs.

Your visa application will not be processed if you do not pay the correct visa application charge.

Example:

A family of four (two adults and two children) is applying for a visa to Australia. The total application charge for the family would be AUD11,240.00 (AUD2,810.00 x 4). If any of the family members have less than functional English and do not hold an eligible visa when they apply, they may also have to pay the second instalment charge of AUD4,890.00 each.

Additional costs:

In addition to the visa application charge, applicants may also have to pay other costs, such as:

• Health checks
• Police certificates
• Biometrics
• Medical insurance
• Travel insurance

The cost of these additional costs will vary depending on the individual applicant’s circumstances.

• What can I do with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?
  • Stay in Australia indefinitely
  • Work and study in Australia
  • Enrol in Australia’s public health care scheme, Medicare
  • Sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
  • Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
  • If eligible, become an Australian citizen

  What are my obligations with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?

  • You and members of your family unit must obey all Australian laws.
  • You are expected to continue your business activity in Australia, or make a realistic commitment to doing so.

  How long can I stay in Australia with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?

  This is a permanent visa. It lets you stay in Australia indefinitely. You become a permanent resident on the day your visa is granted.

  Can I travel outside Australia with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?

  Yes, you can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want for 5 years from the date your visa is granted. After 5 years, you will need a Resident Return (RRV) visa (subclasses 155 and 157) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.

  What if I have a New Zealand passport?

  If an immigration officer processes your clearance at the Australian border, we recommend you tell them that you have an Investor visa (subclass 891) and you do not want a Special Category visa (subclass 444). If you do not tell them, you might be granted a 444 visa. Grant of a subclass 444 visa will cease your permanent visa, which will then affect your eligibility for permanent citizenship.

  Can I work in Australia with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?

  Yes, you are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.

  Can I bring my family to Australia with an Australian Investor Visa (Subclass 891)?

  As an Australian permanent resident, you might be able to sponsor eligible family to come to Australia. To find a visa for your family member, explore visa options.

  What do I need to do before I leave Australia?

  Check your travel documents

  You must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.

  Ensure your visa is still valid and allows you to re-enter Australia

  Check the travel component of your current visa in VEVO.

  See what to do if your visa has expired or is about to expire.

  How can I prove I have been to Australia?

  To prove you have been to Australia, request your international movement records by completing Form 1359 – Request for international movement records.

Make Australia your second home 

Visa-Free Countries

Population: 26,473,055

GDP (per capita): \$66,293

GDP (purchasing power parity): \$1.56 trillion

Capital city: Canberra

Time zone: Australian Eastern Time (AEST) UTC+10

Total area: 7,692,000 square kilometers

Languages: English (official), Indigenous Australian languages

Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)

Main industry: Services (78.9%), mining (10.7%), manufacturing (7.5%)

Schengen/EU: Australians have free entry to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period

KEY ADVANTAGES

• High standard of living: Australia’s robust economy and social safety net provide a superior standard of living. This encompasses access to quality healthcare, education, housing, and a balanced work-life.
• Diverse and welcoming culture: Australia, a multicultural nation, boasts a tight-knit community. It’s a destination for people worldwide to live, work, and study, with Australians known for their warmth and inclusivity.
• Natural beauty: Australia’s striking landscapes, from beaches and rainforests to deserts and mountains, offer something for all preferences, whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or a city dweller.

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Disclaimer
The materials contained on this page are provided for general information purposes only and are not intended to provide legal or other professional advice. Processing times and costs will vary depending on a number of factors. CitizenMatch is not responsible for any changes to the time and cost estimates; we can provide specific information on an individual basis. All rights reserved.