Applicant

At the time that you are invited to apply for this visa, you must:

• be under 55 years of age (unless your proposed business or investment activity is considered to be of exceptional economic benefit to the nominating State or Territory)
• genuinely wish to own, and maintain a major management role in, a business in Australia
• score at least 65 on the innovation points test (which takes into account your age, English competency, qualifications, experience, turnover and assets, amongst other factors)
• be nominated by an Australian State or Territory government agency

NOTE: You may need to meet additional criteria in order to qualify for nomination by your chosen State/Territory’s government.

Business Experience

• you must have had a successful business career
• in at least two out of the last four financial years, your main business(es) must have had an annual turnover of at least AU$750,000
• Note: Of that main business (or main two businesses), you (and your spouse/de facto partner, if applicable) must own at least: 
  • 51% where the turnover was less than AU$400,000 per annum
  • 30% where the turnover was AU$400,000 or more per annum
  • 10% where the business was a publicly listed company

• if your business(es) provided professional, technical or trade services during at least two out of the last four years, you must have spent less than half of your time directly providing those services (as opposed to general management of the business)
• you (and your spouse/de facto partner, if applicable) must have had no involvement in unacceptable business or investment activities

Net Assets

You (and/or your spouse or de facto partner, if applicable) must have total net business and personal assets of at least AU$1.25 million, that can be legally transferred to Australia within two years of the date that your visa is granted