Just wanted to say Welcome to the Forum. And good luck in your visa application.:)

Re: First time on the forum
 

Hello Debbie.

Business skills visas - where to start? As you might know a business skills visa application can be without sponsorship from a State Government, or sponsored (which is a must for those aged over 45, and optional for those aged under 45 - there are lesser requirements for the State sponsored business skills visas which is why those aged under 45 might look at a State sponsorship: if you are aged under 45 have a look at the requirements for permanent residency as this can sometimes make the effort of securing a State sponsorship worthwhile).

There is still a permanent visa available under the business skills program - the Business Talent visa, subclass number 132. It has fairly tough criteria though.

There are also issues such as business structure and local regulations (employment law, taxation, etc) to consider, and which probably ought to form the basis of a business plan/proposal (a necessity if you are seeking State sponsorship, and prudent business planning in any event).

There are some further details about business skills visas here:
http://www.gomatilda.com/visas/busin..._migration.cfm
http://www.immi.gov.au/migration/business/index.htm

If you would like to discuss your visa options please feel able to contact us:
http://www.gomatilda.com/contact.cfm
(I would call the Southampton office and ask for John Sylvester at first instance).

Hope this helps for starters ...

Also, business skills processing has been fairly quick of late, because the number of applicants under the business skills program hasn't been as high as anticipated since the 1 March 2003 changes - we are seeing business skills visa grants through in 3 to 4 months (we had one State Sponsored Senior Exec visa through within two months, though this was a front end loaded application).

Best regards.

good luck :D

I wish to give you a frosty reception to the forum "hello, good evening and welcome" :)

Mairi - Adelaide expats was started by Andy. PP is just the big arm of the law over there. :D