State Nominated or Sponsored Business Visas

A number of the Australian Government business visas require a State or Territory to sponsor or nominate the principal applicant before they can lodge a valid visa application with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP).

The Victorian Government has a long history of welcoming business migrants who are looking to build new and successful businesses or engage in investment activity in one of the strongest economies in the developed world. Victoria and the capital city of Melbourne, continue to be the destination of choice for 50% of all business migrants coming to Australia.

Before applying for Victorian Government sponsorship or nomination for a business visa, business migrants must firstly self-assess their personal circumstance against DIBP visa options and eligibility criteria.

Applying for nomination/sponsorship is a simple process involving three steps:

1. Submission of an Expression of Interest to DIBP through SkillSelect and nomination of Victoria as your preferred destination.

2. Apply for Victorian Government sponsorship/nomination for one of the visas below.

3. Once nominated by the Victorian Government, an automatic invitation will be sent by DIBP SkillSelect advising applicants to lodge a formal visa application with DIBP within 60 days.

Provisional visas
Business Innovation and Investment (provisional) visas - #188

Business Innovation stream – #188(A)
For individuals intending to be involved as an owner of a business in Victoria.

Investor stream – #188(B)
For individuals who purchase Victorian Government Bonds (AUD 1.5 milllion).

Significant Investor stream – #188(C)
For individuals who make investment which will benefit Victorian economy (AUD 5 million).

Permanent visas
Business Talent (direct permanent entry) visas - #132

Significant Business History stream – #132(A)
For individuals intending to establish or participate in a business delivering exceptional economic benefit to the Victorian economy.

Venture Capital Entrepreneur stream – #132(B)
For high calibre entrepreneurs able to borrow AUD 1 million plus to fund their project.

Business Innovation and Investment (permanent) visas - #888

Business Innovation Stream – #888(A)
For individuals holding a Business Innovation (provisional) visa #188A.

Investor Stream – #888(B)
For individuals holding a Business Investor (provisional) visa #188B.

Significant Investor Stream – #888(C)
For individuals holding a Significant Investor (provisional) visa #188C.

Business Skills (permanent) visas

State Sponsored Business Owner (residency) visa - #892
For individuals holding a Business Owner (provisional) visa #163 - #165 or other visas as determined by the Australian Government.

State Sponsored Investor (residency) - #893
For individuals holding a Business Owner (provisional) visa #165 (or other visas as determined by the Australian Government).

Temporary Residence visas
State Sponsored Investor Retirement Temporary visa - #405
For retired individuals or couples with no dependents.

State Sponsored Investor Retirement Temporary - Renewal - #405
For an individual holding a Victorian Government sponsored #405 visa.