Step 2 - Complete and lodge your application

These web pages provide information to help you understand and apply for this visa. Before you apply, you should also read the information booklet.
See: Booklet 7 Business Skills Entry (182KB PDF file)

Your application must include the application forms, and all necessary documentation.

Application charge

You must pay a non-refundable visa charge when you lodge your visa application.
See: Fees & Charges

Information to help prepare your application

Certifying and translating documents, commmunicating with the department, using a migration agent, authorising another person to receive information from the department, and receiving assistance with your application.
See: Information to Help Prepare Your Application

Application document checklist

The checklist provides all the information and supporting documents that you may be asked to provide with your application.
See: Application Checklist Document Checklist for State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Residence) Subclass 893 (59KB PDF file)

Application forms

Complete the forms below and attach all necessary documentation.
See:
Form 47BU Application for a Business Skills (permanent) visa (933KB PDF file)
Form 949 State/Territory sponsorship: Business Skills class (145KB PDF file)

Providing additional information

You may be asked to provide additional information to that provided in your application. You will be given a date by which you will have to provide the information and the department will continue processing your application after that date. You cannot delay a decision by saying you may or will give information at a later date.

Interviews

If you are invited to an interview, you must attend on the agreed time and date. If you do not, the department will make a decision on the basis of the information it already has.

Invitation to comment

If another person gives the department information that could result in you being refused a visa, the department will give you an opportunity to comment on the information. You will need to comment by a set date.

Visa decision

If the visa is approved
The department will advise you (or your authorised recipient). A State/Territory Sponsored Investor (residence) visa (subclass 893) will be granted.

If the visa is not approved
The department will advise you (or your authorised recipient) in writing of the reasons for that decision and if the decision is reviewable by the Migration Review Tribunal.

Visa processing times

The processing times below apply to applications lodged with complete documentation.

Processing times vary depending on 'high risk' or 'low risk' country requirements. Low risk countries are Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) eligible. High risk countries are those not on the ETA list.
See: www.eta.immi.gov.au

75% of Business Skills applications should be finalised within:

• 9 months, if the applicant is from a low risk country; or
• 15 months, if the applicant is from a high risk country.

Note: The service standards are a target only, that is, individual cases may take longer than the service standard depending on the caseload of the office concerned, the complexity of the case etc.

How and where to lodge

All applications lodged on or after 20 October 2008 from clients in the Australian Capital Territory, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia are processed in the Adelaide State Office.

All applications lodged on or after 1 January 2008 from clients in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria will also be processed in the Adelaide State Office.

All other applications will continue to be processed in your nearest state or territory office.

You can lodge your application directly with the Adelaide office or at your nearest state or territory office:

• by post
• by courier
• in person
• by fax.

If you lodge your application at an office other than Adelaide it will be forwarded to Adelaide for processing.

See: Australian Offices