Business Visa News
Stay updated on business visas, including employer sponsorships, migration matters, AAT appeals, citizenship requirements, Business Talent Visa, and Business Innovation and Investment Visa.
The Australian government introduced new visa application charges on 1 July 2024 to better reflect the cost of processing applications. This update affects various visa subclasses, including those for skilled workers, students, and family members. The fee changes are indexed annually. The cost adjustments take into account various factors, including: Government policies and priorities Economic conditions Changes in immigration programs Administrative costs associated with processing visas The price changes can vary significantly across different visa categories. For example: Student visa fees increased dramatically from $710 to $1,600 Other visa categories saw more modest increases, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, which increased from $1,455 to $1,495 for the... Read more
About Business Visas
Business visas are recognised as the most complex visas to apply for, which is why we are here to help you successfully submit an application.
If you have plans of establishing a business in Australia, investing in a company or migrating to Australia as a business owner or investor, it is vital you receive the correct immigration advice.
For many, applying for a business visa may be the only option to residency in Australia.
Our team of migration agents here at This Is Australia provide guidelines and industry knowledge to ensure that your visa application has the best possible chance of being approved.
Business Innovation and Investment Program Adjustments
The Australian government has formally declared the cessation of the Business Innovation and Investment Program (BIIP), a change primarily affecting Subclasses 188 and 888 for the majority of prospective new applicants. This decision is reflected in the 2024-2025 Migration Program, which allocates only 1,000 places to the BIIP. These places are predominantly reserved for processing applications already lodged within the system, meaning most streams under the BIIP are now effectively inaccessible to new primary visa aspirants.
Despite the program's closure to new entrants, individuals who currently possess a BIIP visa may still be eligible to pursue the permanent Subclass 888 visa. The shift away from the BIIP framework may, however, introduce distinct and potentially complex circumstances for some former BIIP applicants or existing visa holders navigating the transition.
Forthcoming National Innovation Visa
In place of the BIIP, a new visa pathway, to be named the National Innovation Visa (NIV), is slated for introduction. This visa is anticipated to focus on attracting exceptionally talented migrants who possess the capacity to make significant contributions to innovation within pivotal sectors of the Australian economy. The commencement of the NIV is projected for either later in 2024 or during 2025.
At present, comprehensive details regarding the specific criteria, operational procedures, and applicable Visa Application Charges (VAC) for the NIV are still pending release from the Department of Home Affairs. The transition from the established BIIP to the new NIV is an important development for those considering skilled migration pathways to Australia focused on business and innovation.
Migration System and Appeals Processes
The government is actively implementing measures to bolster the integrity of Australia's migration system. This increased focus on integrity is likely to result in more thorough and rigorous assessment processes for visa applications. Particular attention may be given to applications presenting character or health concerns, potentially leading to more intricate requirements for applicants. Such developments could heighten the complexity involved in preparing visa applications.
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal continues to manage a substantial caseload related to migration and refugee matters, and discussions regarding potential reforms to the AAT system are ongoing. Regarding Australian citizenship, processing timelines are influenced by the volume of applications received and the thoroughness of mandatory checks, which include identity verification, character assessments, and national security clearances.
Adjustments to Visa Application Charges
Periodic adjustments to Visa Application Charges (VACs) are an ongoing feature of the Australian migration framework. Following increases implemented in July 2023, further targeted adjustments to VACs were made in early 2024 and are anticipated into 2025. These changes reflect governmental budgetary considerations and policy priorities.
Given the potential for these charges to change, prospective visa applicants are strongly advised to visit our VAC page to ascertain the current fee schedule before lodging any application.
The Business Innovation and Investment visa
We assist with applications for the Business Innovation and Investment temporary 188 visa that provides a pathway to permanent residency in Australia through the permanent 888 visa.
Learn more about the 188 and 888 visas.
The business visa has 5 streams
- Business Innovation Stream
- Investor Stream
- Significant Investor Stream
- Premium Investor Stream
- Entrepreneur Stream
Depending on your business’ situation and goals, we provide assistance on each of the employer sponsorship streams.
Learn more about the five streams.
Complex Migration Matters
Some of the main migration issues we assist with are:
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal representation
- Notice of intention to consider cancellation / refusal of a visa
- Student visa problems
- Character criteria concerns
- Health criteria concerns
- Bridging visa condition changes
- Resolution of status (unlawful)
- Employer sponsored visa monitoring / sanctions
- Ministerial intervention requests
- Immigration requests for further information
- Family violence provisions
Get assistance for complex migration matters and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Australian Citizenship
Find out how This Is Australia can assist you with your citizenship test requirements to ensure your fastest route to becoming an Australian citizen.
Business Visa Application Charges
The application for an Australian business visa requires the payment of mandatory Government Visa Application Charges (VAC), with the cost varying based on the specific business visa type and the number of applicants.
Call +61 (0)7 5592 0755
Or book an appointment with one of our registered migration agents .
More Business Visa News
Business Visas and Assistance
Those who are ineligible for the Business Talent Visa are encouraged to apply for the Business Innovation and Investment Visa (subclass 188/888) as it is a temporary visa that leads to permanent residency in Australia.
Learn more about the three streams, comprising of the Business Innovation Stream, Investor Stream and Significant Investor Visa Stream./p>
Although Australian businesses should always strive to employ and train locally, the local labour market may not possess the necessary skills and experience that the business needs.
Employer sponsorships enable Australian businesses the opportunity to connect with a worldwide network of workers who have the skills they need to progress further.
Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) Visa.
Has your Australian visa been recently refused or cancelled when you believe it should not have? If so, then you may be eligible to apply for an appeal with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
Increase your chances of a more favourable decision as we assist in reviewing your documentation, preparing and submitting your application to the MRT on your behalf.
Discover how you can benefit from our impressive win ratio that exceeds the national average benchmark.
Business Visa Reviews
I really couldn't thank Stuart and the team enough. They handle everything from start to finish, from the initial consultation, the skills assessment with vettases and the lodgement and approval of the employer sponsored 494 visa. I've worked with many immigration agents over the years but I found Stuart, Ravi and the rest of the team so professional and supportive always there to answer questions and put your mind at ease, can't recommend enough!
Aaron Childs
08/05/2025
I would like to thank This is Australia for their support starting from my 494 visa to my 191 PR visa application which was approved today. What I thought would take 10months was approved in just 2months. Stuart Eley as well as Steve Rungassamy have been very helpful - walked me through the entire process and ensured that I had all the necessary documents for the application. Again, I am very thankful to this company. I did not have any doubts coming to Stuart Eley for assistance. Best regards and I hope you can help more clients in the future!
mae anne dela paz
21/03/2025
My encounter with "This is Australia Migration Agency" was amazing. A professional and experienced agency. I got my 482 subsequent entrants visa approval in 20 days. From the initial consultation to the final approval of my visa, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. They guided me through every step of the process, answering all my questions with patience and expertise. Thanks to their dedication, my migration journey was smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable immigration assistance! I
Natalyn Koh
19/02/2025
This is Australia, the best migration agency and has a great and helpful team that I will surely recommend to everyone for any visa related. I am very thankful to Stuart and Steve, they helped and guided me process my 494 Visa. They are the best and accomodating. Once again, thank you, You guys are legend!🥂
Mae Lim
15/07/2024
Finally I got my 482 visa, Big thank to all TIA lawyers for the help until My visa granted yesterday.
Al Azmar
19/07/2023
Finally my 186 granted today. Its been a very long journey for me. Thank you so much Stuart and his team to assisted me all throughout the process. I highly recommend this agency.
May See
23/05/2023
I would give them 10 stars if I could. Very professional, very efficient, always willing to answer any question. Big thank you to Stuart Eley for all his support trough the process, it was a roller coaster but my visa 482 has been granted today 😎
Ana Jovanovci
08/09/2022
Stuart and Steve did a great job with my 494 visa, in a very short period of time they have managed to get the application ready and the Visa was approved, great job guys!
Nemanja Djurovic
20/05/2021
Thanks to This Is Australia I was able to get my 482 visa as well as travel exemption during the Covid-19 pandemic. I highly recommend their services.
Leandri Pretorius
08/02/2021