Everyone nowadays is looking for that unique business idea that might turn into one of the rare startup unicorns. And most people would associate new tech companies with Silicon Valley in the USA. But the good thing about the business nowadays is that you can be located almost anywhere in the world and still have wild success with a predisposition that there is a steady Internet connection available. And Australia, oh man! An amazing destination that many dreams about visiting, let alone settling down and working there.
But you know this all already, don't you? Otherwise, you wouldn't be looking through the internet willing to see what are the requirements for a startup visa Australia. Well, the good news is that you are in the right place because I have compiled the most important information that will give you an overview of this very necessary yet not so simple formality to enter this country. You can expect to find more general information, like - what is startup visa? And down to the most basic details like the Australia startup visa cost. Let me warn you - there will be a lot of digging you will have to do yourself because it would sound more like a lengthy bedtime book if I were to present all the details available. So as I mentioned - here goes the most important aspects to help you get an image of the Australia startup visa application process. Let's get going then!
What is startup visa?
This particular question is not one of the easiest to answer. If we put it in a simpler form, it is a type of visa that is aimed at attracting new and potentially successful business owners or employees that wish to settle somewhere with an aim to develop their idea. Very often, one of the requirements is to have an investment deal already settled, but some countries will offer you a startup visa without that too.
If you would like to get a startup visa Australia, then there are two potential options that might be of interest to you. First, let's understand - are you willing to be employed in a startup? Or do you have an amazing business idea that will have the most success if launched in Australia? In each of these cases, you will have to apply for another type of visa. For potential startup employees, Australia offers a Global Talent Visa Program to attract skilled immigrants. Sounds all good, but it is just a test run and is currently being offered only for potential employees willing to move to Southern Australia. Considering the conditions, it is why in this article, you will hear more about the startup visa for Australia. More about it in the next paragraph.
What should I know about the startup visa Australia offers?
Yes, I know, I have been calling it "the startup visa" all along and will keep doing it till the end of this post. That is just easier for us both - you and me. The official name for this type of visa is long. It is a Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188) and fits within the Entrepreneur stream of visas. Aligned with the rest of the visas that allow to carry out entrepreneurial activities, this one is targeted at specifically innovative and potentially successful new companies.
If granted, this visa will allow you to stay in Australia for up to 5 years and take your eligible family members with you. With time, if you are a fit candidate, you might apply for the same type of permanent visa (subclass 888). But knowing the requirements before submitting your Australia startup visa application form is even more important than knowing the freedoms it will grant you afterward. You're not just applying for a work permit; this visa comes with an obligation. As the immigration services website says: "You must undertake, or propose to undertake, a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia."
What are Australia startup visa requirements?
So, you want to get a startup visa for Australia? You better be ready to prove your dedication to the idea, as well as your skill that proves the ability to carry this plan through. Some of the basic requirements - you must already be undertaking or propose to do a complying entrepreneur activity in Australia and have a genuine intention to undertake and continue to. You must also be nominated by State or Territory government agency to develop your concepts. Additionally, you will need to prove that your English is at least competent. Not something you can get ready in one afternoon, right? But remember the thing I said in the beginning - the goal of this visa subcategory is to attract bright minds and successful business ideas. If you're not either of those, then sorry, but you will have to look through an article about employment or other types of visas for Australia.
What information and documents should you include in your Australia startup visa application?
Ok, I didn't lose you after the harsh statement in the previous paragraph. Let's dive into a bit more detail concerning the necessary formalities besides fitting the conceptual requirements. Before starting your application, you will need to submit an Expression of interest (EOI). It is a document that will give an impression about your skills, qualifications, and investment experience, as well as information on the territories you would like to invest in. If you are deemed eligible, and a State or Territory government agency nominates you, then you might start the visa application process.
Together with the EOI, you will have to present identity documents (like a passport), entrepreneur documents (funding agreement, business plan, evidence of ownership activity), proof of your English skills (IELTS test certificate), health and character documents, and all the documents connected to the rest of the family applying with you. All of them have to be translated and scanned. After you have collected all the required documents, you will create an ImmiAccount to conduct your Australia startup visa online application. The system is quite user-friendly and will help you through the steps.
Then you pay the Australia startup visa fee, and the waiting starts. The good news is that you can always check the status of an Australia startup visa online. Only after receiving the positive answer will you know the date when your visa starts and the conditions that will apply to your case. And before finishing up, here go the last technical details about this very desired document.
What is the processing time of the Australia startup visa application?
Even the officials can't name a particular processing time, as each case is very different. But you can be sure of a few things. It will take longer if you don't fill some parts of the application correctly, additional information is required, or the verification of your provided information is not as easy. What should you take away from this paragraph? Apply well ahead and don't expect to get a speedy answer, as these formalities take time. We are talking about a long list of documents to verify, after all. And provide everything they ask, and sometimes even more. Reaching out to you for more information is a formality that will easily add extra time, and being proactive will save you time and effort.
How much does the Australia startup visa cost?
Last but not least. Australia startup visa fee might sound a bit pricey, but it is an investment after all, isn't it? For the primary applicant, it comes in two installments - 4 115 AUD and 9,795 AUD (about 10 500 USD altogether), and you might be required to pay other costs for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. If you apply for family members at the same time, then they will have a fee that is about half of the one you are asked to pay.
This is generalized information, but you will be able to check the exact price at the moment of your application. Just keep in mind that it is not a matter of a few bucks, and don't be surprised when the cost pops up on your screen.
Let's round this up. Sure, Australia startup visa requirements are not easy to fill. You can't be a random mate willing to live in Australia and see your luck in the tech industry. The officials of Australia are aware of the appeal this bountiful land offers and have set a bunch of requirements to pass before anyone decides to travel to Australia for a job. And that's the point - a startup visa is not just a job opportunity. It comes together with the potential of innovation, brain, and investment. I hope this article has given some impression that will serve as a steady base for the first steps to make it happen. If you have what it takes to enter the startup scene in Down Under, I send my dearest wishes for speedy success with both - the visa application, as well as your business idea.
