Are you dreaming of moving to Australia? Maybe you’re interested in investing in a new country or exploring opportunities for permanent residency. If so, here is some good news for you!
Australia offers a range of visa options that can help you achieve your goals, but dealing with the application process can be overwhelming.
- How can you get a state-sponsored visa in Australia?
- Or how much do you need to invest to secure permanent residency?
In this blog, you’ll get the answers to these questions and more. We’ll explore the steps to get a state-sponsored visa, how much you need to invest for an investor visa, and who is eligible to apply for this visa.
So, let’s get started.
What is the State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa?
The State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (Subclass 893) is a permanent resident visa designed for investors who have previously held a provisional State/Territory Sponsored Investor visa (subclass 165). Moreover, the investors must have maintained a designated investment of at least AUD750,000 for four years. This visa allows successful investors to live permanently in Australia.
Why should you apply for this visa?
The subclass 893 offers numerous benefits. With this visa,
- You have the freedom to live and work anywhere in Australia.
- You can study and enrol in Australia’s public healthcare system, Medicare.
- You can sponsor family members to come to Australia.
- You can travel to and from Australia for five years without needing a re-entry visa.
- After meeting residency requirements, you can apply for Australian citizenship.
How long can you stay in Australia with Subclass 893?
Once granted, this visa allows you to stay in Australia permanently. However, your travel rights are limited to five years from the date the visa is granted. After this period, you will need a Resident Return Visa to re-enter Australia if you have been outside the country. You can check the end date of your travel facility using VEVO.
Can you include family members?
Yes, you can include family members in your visa application. They must meet health and character requirements. You can add them to your application before the Department of Home Affairs makes a decision on your visa application.
What is the visa cost of subclass 893?
The main application fee is AUD 2,890. Additional costs may apply for family members, health checks, police certificates, and biometrics. Moreover, you may also have to pay a second installment charge for family members with limited English proficiency.
How long does it take to process 893 visa applications?
The processing time for the State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa can vary significantly. It depends on several factors, including:
- If your application is complete with all necessary documents, it will be processed faster.
- How quickly you respond to any requests for additional information can affect processing times.
- The time it takes to perform required checks on health, character, and national security can also impact processing times.
- The number of places available in the migration program can also influence processing times.
To get an idea of current processing times, you can use the visa processing time guide tool. This tool provides a general indication based on recently decided applications, but it’s not specific to your case.
What are the Eligibility Requirements to Apply for 893 Visa?
You must meet certain eligibility requirements to get an 893 visa in Australia. These requirements include the following:
- Visa requirements.
- Residence requirements.
- Business requirements.
- Sponsor requirements.
- Age requirements.
- Health and character requirements.
- Other requirements.
Here is the detailed overview of these requirements.
1. Visa Requirements
To apply for the State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa (subclass 893), you must be the primary holder of a State/Territory Sponsored Investor (Provisional) visa (subclass 165). This means you already have a provisional visa and are now looking to transition to permanent residency.
2. Residence Requirements
You must have lived in the state or territory that sponsored your provisional visa for at least two years out of the four years before applying for this permanent visa. The two-year period doesn’t have to be continuous.
3. Business Requirements
To qualify, you must meet the following business requirements:
- You and your partner must have held a designated investment of at least AUD750,000 for four years. This investment was made as part of your provisional visa application.
- You must have a genuine plan to continue business or investment activities in Australia.
- You should never have been involved in any business activities that are considered unacceptable.
4. Sponsor Requirements
You must be sponsored by the regional authority in the state or territory in which you have lived for at least 2 years in the 4 years immediately before you apply for this visa.
5. Age Requirements
There are no age requirements to apply for a state or territory investor visa (subclass 893).
6. Health and Character Requirements
You and any family members included in your application must meet health and character requirements. Sometimes, you might not need to undergo medical examinations again if you’ve recently done them. Therefore, wait for instructions by the Department of Homa Affairs before doing any medicals.
Moreover, you and your family members must meet the character requirements.
7. Other Requirements
- You must sign the Australian values statement.
- If you or any family members owe money to the Australian Government, you must pay it back or arrange to do so.
- You must not have had a visa cancelled or a previous application refused. However, there might be exceptions in certain circumstances.
How to Apply for an 893 Visa in Australia?
Before you apply for the state or territory sponsored investor visa, you need to get sponsorship from the regional authority in the state or territory where you have lived for at least two years in the four years. Moreover, get help from a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person if you are unsure about the process.
Schedule an appointment with our MARA-certified agent, Nasir Nawaz at The Migration for professional assistance.
However, below I’ve discussed the step-by-step process to submit your application for an 893 visa in Australia:
- Step 1: Get sponsorship
- Step 2: Prepare your documents.
- Step 3: Apply on paper for the 893 visa.
- Step 4: Things to do after you apply.
- Step 5: Wait for the visa outcome
Here is a brief overview of each of these steps:
Step 1: Get Sponsorship
To get sponsored, you must complete the Form 949 State/Territory Notification: Business Skills class. After that, send it to the appropriate state or territory authority. These can include the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.
The authority representative will sign and return it to you, and you must include this form with your visa application.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You need to gather documents that prove your identity and details about your business activities. These documents include identity documents, proof of sponsorship, business and investment documents, residency evidence, a police clearance certificate, English language proficiency, and family member documents if they are accompanying you.
Step 3: Apply for the Visa 893
You must be in Australia when you submit your application. Your family can be in or outside Australia but not in immigration clearance. You need to pay the application fee before submitting your application. Use Form 47BU to calculate and pay the fee. Send your application to the Adelaide Business Skills Processing Centre by post or courier.
Postal address.
Adelaide Business Skills Processing Centre
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
GPO Box 2399
Adelaide SA 5001
Australia
Courier address
Adelaide Business Skills Processing Centre
Department of Immigration and Border Protection
Level 4
70 Franklin Street
Adelaide SA 5001
Australia
Step 4: Things to Do After Applying
After applying, you’ll receive confirmation that your application has been received. You might need to undergo health exams or provide biometrics. If additional information is needed, you’ll be asked to provide it. Keep your visa application up to date if any details change.
Step 5: Wait for the Outcome
You’ll be informed via email about the decision on your visa application. If granted, you’ll receive details about your visa, such as the grant number, visa conditions and important details. If refused, you’ll be told why and whether you can appeal the decision.
Final Thoughts
The State or Territory Sponsored Investor Visa is a great option for investors who have already held a provisional visa and want to gain PR in Australia.
And by now, you’ve learned essential details about a state- or territory-sponsored investor visa (subclass 893) in Australia. The blog has provided a comprehensive overview of the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, application process, visa cost and processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I get a state-sponsored visa for Australia?
To get a state-sponsored visa in Australia, you usually need to apply for either the 190 or 491. Here’s how you can do it:
- Choose which visa is best for you based on your skills and where you want to live.
- Ensure your occupation is on the relevant state’s Skilled Occupation List and you meet the points test (minimum 65 points).
- Have your skills assessed by the relevant authority.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through SkillSelect and wait for a state or territory to nominate you.
- Once nominated, apply for the visa within the specified timeframe.
How much do I need to invest in Australia to get PR?
For an investor visa leading to permanent residency, such as transitioning from a 165 visa to an 893, you usually need to maintain a designated investment of at least AUD750,000 for four years. This investment must be made as part of your provisional visa application.
Which state nomination is easy to get in Australia?
The ease of obtaining a state nomination can vary depending on the state or territory and their specific needs. However, South Australia often offers streamlined application pathways for both onshore and offshore applicants. So it is relatively easier compared to other states like New South Wales, which has a highly competitive nomination process.
What is the Minimum Investment for an Investor Visa in Australia?
The minimum investment required for an investor visa in Australia is AUD750,000. This amount must be invested in a designated investment for at least four years to qualify for permanent residency through the subclass 893.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.