AUSTRALIA BUSINESS VISA


Australia's business visa landscape has transitioned away from the legacy points-based frameworks. The National Innovation Visa (NIV) represents the primary permanent pathway for exceptionally talented individuals globally. It targets world-class achievers who will drive productivity and create jobs in key sectors of the Australian economy.

Short-stay business visa is for short-term work up to 6 months in highly specialised field where Australian's are not available to do that work.

CURRENT VISA STREAM MATRIX

A comparison of active pathways for entrepreneurs, innovators, and specialists.

Subclass & Stream Base Application Fee Estimated Processing Time Stay Period
Subclass 858
National Innovation Visa
From AUD 6,235 6 to 22 months (Fastest for priority sectors) Permanent
Subclass 400
Short Stay Specialist
From AUD 535 2 to 4 weeks (For decision-ready cases) Temporary
(Up to 3 months; max 6 months)

NATIONAL INNOVATION VISA (SUBCLASS 858) REQUIREMENTS

The National Innovation Visa (NIV) represents the primary permanent pathway for exceptionally talented individuals globally. It targets world-class achievers who will drive productivity and create jobs in key sectors of the Australian economy.

  • Invitation Basis: You must submit a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) and be issued a Unique Identifier by the Department of Home Affairs before applying;
  • Eligible Cohorts: Must fall into one of the priority economic pillars
    • Global Researchers: Proven high-calibre background with notable journal publications and field-leading citation records;
    • Entrepreneurs: Emerging or established leaders pushing innovative, scalable products or services;
    • Innovative Investors: A documented history of backing industry-leading, cutting-edge sectors;
    • Athletes & Creatives: Internationally recognized elite performers.
  • Nomination: Must be formally nominated by an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or an established Australian organization within the same professional field;
  • Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate functional English, or be prepared to pay the secondary Visa Application Charge (VAC) installment;
  • General Criteria: Standard statutory health, character, and public interest criteria apply. No points test or upper age ceilings are imposed.

Back to Top

TEMPORARY WORK (SHORT STAY SPECIALIST) VISA (SUBCLASS 400)

This streamlined temporary pathway allows foreign nationals with highly specialized skills to enter Australia for non-ongoing, short-term assignments. It is intended strictly for niche expertise that cannot be reasonably sourced within the Australian domestic labor market. Core criteria include:

  • Highly Specialized Work: The proposed duty must require proprietary or specialized knowledge, technical trades, or executive skills essential for specific projects or installations;
  • Organizational Backing: The applicant must possess a formal invitation or letter of support from the hosting Australian business or organization;
  • Location Requirements: Applicants must be physically located outside of Australia at the time of visa application and at the time of visa decision;
  • Non-Ongoing Nature: The assignment must have a clearly defined endpoint. The visa allows a stay of up to 3 months (stays up to 6 months require a highly robust business case).

Back to Top

Pervez Suntoke
MARN #0961715
Pervez Suntoke
Adviser #200902910

CONTACT US

Take the first step towards your migration journey with a professional Visa Eligibility Assessment.Submit Consultation Form

Phone: +64-9-2641313
Email: advisor@kaimah.co.nz
Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm
PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright | Kaimah Consultants Limited

Kaimah Consultants Limited (trading as Kaimah Consultants and Kaimah Immigration Consultants) is an Auckland-based immigration consultancy owned and managed by an IAA Licensed New Zealand Immigration Adviser and a Registered Australian Migration Agent.