Australia is a popular destination for self-employed individuals seeking new opportunities and a better quality of life. The country offers a range of visa options tailored to entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors.
If you’re a self-employed individual from Africa looking to immigrate to Australia, here are the top eight pathways you can explore.
-
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 188)
Overview
The Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) Visa (subclass 188) is designed for successful business owners and investors who want to establish a new or existing business in Australia.
This visa is the first step towards obtaining permanent residency.
Streams
– Business Innovation Stream: For individuals with a successful business career who intend to own and manage a new or existing business in Australia.
– Investor Stream: For those willing to invest at least AUD 1.5 million in an Australian state or territory.
– Significant Investor Stream: For those willing to invest at least AUD 5 million in complying investments in Australia.
– Entrepreneur Stream: For those who have secured funding from an approved entity to develop a high-value business idea in Australia.
Eligibility Criteria
– Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on factors like age, business experience, and investment history.
– Net Assets: Demonstrate net business and personal assets of at least AUD 800,000 for the Business Innovation stream.
– Investment: Make the required investment for the Investor or Significant Investor streams.
– Business Turnover: Show annual business turnover of at least AUD 500,000 for the Business Innovation stream.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
- State or Territory Nomination: Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Submit Application: Apply for the visa once invited.
-
Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (Subclass 132)
Overview
The Business Talent (Permanent) Visa (subclass 132) is for high-caliber business owners who wish to establish a new or develop an existing business in Australia. This visa grants immediate permanent residency.
Streams
– Significant Business History Stream: For experienced business owners with a net business and personal assets of at least AUD 1.5 million and an annual business turnover of at least AUD 3 million.
– Venture Capital Entrepreneur Stream: For those who have secured at least AUD 1 million in venture capital funding from an Australian firm for a promising high-value business idea.
Eligibility Criteria
– Net Assets: Demonstrate substantial net business and personal assets.
– Business Turnover: Show significant business turnover.
– Venture Capital: Secure venture capital funding for the Entrepreneur stream.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
- State or Territory Nomination: Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
- Submit Application: Apply for the visa once invited.
- Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
Overview
The Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) is a points-tested visa for skilled workers who do not require sponsorship by an employer, state, or family member. Self-employed individuals with skills in demand in Australia can qualify.
Eligibility Criteria
– Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
– Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
– Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
– Age: Be under 45 years old.
– English Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
- Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Submit Application: Complete the application and provide required documents.
4.Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858)
Overview
The Global Talent Visa (subclass 858) targets highly skilled individuals in specific sectors who are recognized as leaders or have the potential to be leaders in their field.
Target Sectors
– AgTech
– FinTech
– MedTech
– Cyber Security
– Quantum Information, Advanced Digital, Data Science, and ICT
– Space and Advanced Manufacturing
– Energy and Mining Technology
Eligibility Criteria
– Distinguished Talent: Must demonstrate exceptional and outstanding achievements in your field.
– International Recognition: Must be internationally recognized and have evidence of sustained achievement.
– Endorsement: Obtain a nomination from an eligible nominator in Australia (e.g., a nationally recognized organization or individual in your field).
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI for the Global Talent Independent (GTI) program.
- Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Submit Application: Complete the application and provide required documents.
-
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
Overview
The Skilled Nominated Visa (subclass 190) is a points-tested visa that requires nomination by an Australian state or territory.
Eligibility Criteria
– Points Test: Score at least 65 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and English proficiency.
– State Nomination: Obtain a nomination from an Australian state or territory.
– Occupation List: Your occupation must be on the relevant state or territory occupation list.
– Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
– Age: Be under 45 years old.
– English Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Application Process
- Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI through SkillSelect.
- State Nomination: Apply for nomination from a state or territory.
- Invitation to Apply: Receive an invitation to apply for the visa.
- Submit Application: Complete the application and provide required documents.
-
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass 482)
Overview
The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (subclass 482) allows Australian employers to sponsor skilled workers to fill positions where there is a labor shortage. Self-employed individuals with skills in demand can find an employer willing to sponsor them.
Eligibility Criteria
– Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from an Australian employer.
– Skills Assessment: Demonstrate that you have the necessary skills for the position.
– English Proficiency: Show proficiency in English.
– Occupation List: The occupation must be on the relevant occupation list.
Application Process
- Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination application.
- Visa Application: The applicant submits a visa application.
- Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.
Pathway to Permanent Residency
– ENS Visa (Subclass 186): After working in Australia for a few years, you can transition to the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa (subclass 186) for permanent residency.
-
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187)
Overview
The Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa (subclass 187) is for skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia. This visa provides a pathway to permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria
– Employer Nomination: Secure a nomination from an approved Australian employer in regional Australia.
– Skills Assessment: Obtain a positive skills assessment for your occupation.
– Work Experience: Have relevant work experience.
– Age: Be under 45 years old.
– English Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English.
Application Process
- Employer Nomination: The employer submits a nomination application.
- Visa Application: The applicant submits a visa application.
- Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.
-
Investor Retirement Visa (Subclass 405)
Overview
The Investor Retirement Visa (subclass 405) is for self-funded retirees who have no dependents and want to live in Australia during their retirement years. Although this visa does not lead to permanent residency, it is an option for affluent self-employed individuals considering long-term stays.
Eligibility Criteria
– Age: Be at least 55 years old.
– No Dependents: Have no dependents other than a partner.
– Financial Capacity: Demonstrate significant financial capacity to support yourself in Australia.
– Investment: Make a designated investment in an Australian state or territory.
Application Process
- Submit Application: Apply for the visa with the required financial and health documentation.
- Investment: Make the required investment in Australia.
- Medical and Character Checks: Complete health and police checks.
Conclusion
Australia offers a variety of pathways for self-employed individuals from Africa to immigrate, ranging from business and investment visas to skilled worker visas.
Each pathway has specific requirements and processes, so it is essential to carefully consider your qualifications, business goals, and long-term aspirations.
Consulting with a registered migration agent can help you navigate the complexities of the Australian immigration system and increase your chances of a successful application.
With the right preparation and guidance, achieving your goal of immigrating to Australia as a self-employed individual is within reach.