business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Aug 18th 2007, 2:27 pm
#4006
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 425
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Hi all
I have had a few discussions with several State Governments and most have not set any criteria with which to waive the turnover minimum.
Most see the $200,000 level as being reasonable proof that someone has the skills to survive and get ahead. They also point out you get a 4 year visa, so unless you're at the end period you are unlikely to get much sympathy.
I suspect the waiver will be for non-native English speaking people living in much smaller towns where it is a double and genuine struggle to reach that level of turnover, rather than being given to people of similar cultural/ethnic background to Australians, of better financial means living closer to bigger population centres.
I actually did discuss the turnover waiver with Qld and they stated they had no policy on it and therefore needed a very good and deserving case with which to develop a policy.
My client's scenario was a farmer who was living way inland and would likely turnover $100,000 only. Despite being primary industry/export, up country, and having substantial capital in the farm, Qld's answer was to persist with the business, take a longer time before applying and diversify the business activity to grow income to the desired level.
I have had a few discussions with several State Governments and most have not set any criteria with which to waive the turnover minimum.
Most see the $200,000 level as being reasonable proof that someone has the skills to survive and get ahead. They also point out you get a 4 year visa, so unless you're at the end period you are unlikely to get much sympathy.
I suspect the waiver will be for non-native English speaking people living in much smaller towns where it is a double and genuine struggle to reach that level of turnover, rather than being given to people of similar cultural/ethnic background to Australians, of better financial means living closer to bigger population centres.
I actually did discuss the turnover waiver with Qld and they stated they had no policy on it and therefore needed a very good and deserving case with which to develop a policy.
My client's scenario was a farmer who was living way inland and would likely turnover $100,000 only. Despite being primary industry/export, up country, and having substantial capital in the farm, Qld's answer was to persist with the business, take a longer time before applying and diversify the business activity to grow income to the desired level.
Aug 18th 2007, 3:04 pm
#4007
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Adelaide South Australia!!!
Posts: 203
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congratulations Steveyp. Really pleased for you, plus it is proof the system works for the rest of us.
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
Aug 18th 2007, 10:13 pm
#4008
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: was South Yorks ... now Sunshine Coast!
Posts: 238
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Hi all
I have had a few discussions with several State Governments and most have not set any criteria with which to waive the turnover minimum.
Most see the $200,000 level as being reasonable proof that someone has the skills to survive and get ahead. They also point out you get a 4 year visa, so unless you're at the end period you are unlikely to get much sympathy.
I suspect the waiver will be for non-native English speaking people living in much smaller towns where it is a double and genuine struggle to reach that level of turnover, rather than being given to people of similar cultural/ethnic background to Australians, of better financial means living closer to bigger population centres.
I actually did discuss the turnover waiver with Qld and they stated they had no policy on it and therefore needed a very good and deserving case with which to develop a policy.
My client's scenario was a farmer who was living way inland and would likely turnover $100,000 only. Despite being primary industry/export, up country, and having substantial capital in the farm, Qld's answer was to persist with the business, take a longer time before applying and diversify the business activity to grow income to the desired level.
I have had a few discussions with several State Governments and most have not set any criteria with which to waive the turnover minimum.
Most see the $200,000 level as being reasonable proof that someone has the skills to survive and get ahead. They also point out you get a 4 year visa, so unless you're at the end period you are unlikely to get much sympathy.
I suspect the waiver will be for non-native English speaking people living in much smaller towns where it is a double and genuine struggle to reach that level of turnover, rather than being given to people of similar cultural/ethnic background to Australians, of better financial means living closer to bigger population centres.
I actually did discuss the turnover waiver with Qld and they stated they had no policy on it and therefore needed a very good and deserving case with which to develop a policy.
My client's scenario was a farmer who was living way inland and would likely turnover $100,000 only. Despite being primary industry/export, up country, and having substantial capital in the farm, Qld's answer was to persist with the business, take a longer time before applying and diversify the business activity to grow income to the desired level.
Thanks for the reply - I didn't really expect that they would waive the turnover just because somebody asked, so I guess it's as I thought really. Especially as there was a couple last year sometime on the Gold Coast that had to leave despite employing at least 2 people, and they were apparently only $10,000 short of the $200,000. I'm sure there was more to the case that was publised in the press in Qld, but it does show you that we have to everything in our power to meet those goals. We will do our utmost to get our turnover to meet the criteria in our 2nd year so we can get the PR as soon as possible.
Thanks again
Chrissy
Aug 18th 2007, 10:14 pm
#4009
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: was South Yorks ... now Sunshine Coast!
Posts: 238
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congratulations Steveyp. Really pleased for you, plus it is proof the system works for the rest of us.
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
Congrats on the move - you stuck it out and made it! You'll soon find your feet I'm sure.
Best wishes
Chrissy
Aug 19th 2007, 8:48 am
#4010
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Mt Claremont, Perth
Posts: 254
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congratulations Steveyp. Really pleased for you, plus it is proof the system works for the rest of us.
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
Aug 19th 2007, 11:55 pm
#4011
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Hillarys, WA
Posts: 334
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Hi Steve
Thanks for the advice - it's very sound I'm sure. Out of interest, hasn't the criteria changed slightly in that they may possibly waive the turnover criteria if "exceptional circumstances" (see below):
Annual turnover
Your main business (or two main businesses together), had a turnover of at least $200,000 in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
See: Definitions
"This may not apply if you meet all of the following conditions:
you met at least two of the three requirements above (Net Business Assets, Net personal and business assets, Provided employment)
the appropriate State/Territory authority has determined there are exceptional circumstances
both your business and residence is located in a designated regional or low growth area" (which ours is at the moment!)
What they would consider "exceptional circumstances" is the mystery, and how far away from the turnover would they allow you to be is the question too! Once we know what we've done for this first year and can see where we stand, I might ask the people in Brisbane. But for now, we'll continue to work our butts off everyday to make sure we meet as many criteria as we possibly can!
Thanks again
Chrissy
Thanks for the advice - it's very sound I'm sure. Out of interest, hasn't the criteria changed slightly in that they may possibly waive the turnover criteria if "exceptional circumstances" (see below):
Annual turnover
Your main business (or two main businesses together), had a turnover of at least $200,000 in the 12 months immediately before you apply.
See: Definitions
"This may not apply if you meet all of the following conditions:
you met at least two of the three requirements above (Net Business Assets, Net personal and business assets, Provided employment)
the appropriate State/Territory authority has determined there are exceptional circumstances
both your business and residence is located in a designated regional or low growth area" (which ours is at the moment!)
What they would consider "exceptional circumstances" is the mystery, and how far away from the turnover would they allow you to be is the question too! Once we know what we've done for this first year and can see where we stand, I might ask the people in Brisbane. But for now, we'll continue to work our butts off everyday to make sure we meet as many criteria as we possibly can!
Thanks again
Chrissy
I would have thought that they would not apply the waiver if you are applying early (e.g. after 2 years) but rather see where you were at the end of the Visa term. There is a 2 year visa extention available also. An don't forget you can combine up to 2 business to acheive the turnover, buying a cheap second business with a good turnover may be the way to go?
Cheers
Steve
Aug 19th 2007, 11:57 pm
#4012
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Hillarys, WA
Posts: 334
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congratulations Steveyp. Really pleased for you, plus it is proof the system works for the rest of us.
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
I have not been on in a while, alerts stopped working again, good to see the familiar faces still posting and to hear you are all doing well.
Well you old timers know how hard we have found it to get it all together and time was running out on our visa, we though should we be thinking about packing it all in, then a miracle occured and we got not one but two really serious (at solicitor stage) buyers for our business, we took the one who offered the most money obviously and let him know it was first to the finishing post, it worked and it only took 5 weeks to sort out so I am pleased to announce that, as a complete family we are now residing in
ADELAIDE - SOUTH AUSTRALIA
been here 4 days now, and just beginning to get over the shock, but feel totally disorganised. What the hell do we do now???!!!
catch you later guys
rachel & gang
Steve
Aug 20th 2007, 9:35 am
#4013
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Mt Claremont, Perth
Posts: 254
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Hi Jamie
Thanks for the reply - I didn't really expect that they would waive the turnover just because somebody asked, so I guess it's as I thought really. Especially as there was a couple last year sometime on the Gold Coast that had to leave despite employing at least 2 people, and they were apparently only $10,000 short of the $200,000. I'm sure there was more to the case that was publised in the press in Qld, but it does show you that we have to everything in our power to meet those goals. We will do our utmost to get our turnover to meet the criteria in our 2nd year so we can get the PR as soon as possible.
Thanks again
Chrissy
Thanks for the reply - I didn't really expect that they would waive the turnover just because somebody asked, so I guess it's as I thought really. Especially as there was a couple last year sometime on the Gold Coast that had to leave despite employing at least 2 people, and they were apparently only $10,000 short of the $200,000. I'm sure there was more to the case that was publised in the press in Qld, but it does show you that we have to everything in our power to meet those goals. We will do our utmost to get our turnover to meet the criteria in our 2nd year so we can get the PR as soon as possible.
Thanks again
Chrissy
Chrissy
I have sent you a pm
Aug 24th 2007, 9:03 am
#4014
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Adelaide South Australia!!!
Posts: 203
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Bit worrying about the only $10k short and having to leave! but didn't realise you can have a 2 year extension that may be useful for us as we are really up against it time wise
Aug 24th 2007, 11:42 pm
#4015
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Hillarys, WA
Posts: 334
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
thanks, your joking though, thats what I thought but whilst house hunting Nathan has spotted the perfect unit being built for a shop so he is all set to contact them again Monday, I'm trying to reign him in as its a bit scary but secretly I agree with him - it is a perfect position!
Bit worrying about the only $10k short and having to leave! but didn't realise you can have a 2 year extension that may be useful for us as we are really up against it time wise
Bit worrying about the only $10k short and having to leave! but didn't realise you can have a 2 year extension that may be useful for us as we are really up against it time wise
although it was an uncomfortable moment watching them put a cancelled stamp on my beloved 163, when I remember all the nail biting it took to get it, seems like a distant memory now.
Time to enjoy the country now!
Steve
Aug 27th 2007, 7:57 pm
#4016
BE Enthusiast
Joined: May 2005
Location: Rochdale, then Toronto, then Preston now Tampa, Florida.
Posts: 903
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
I went down to the immigration office in wellington street yesterday to get the visas in the passports, now it looks real...'permitted to remain in Australia indefinitely it reads
although it was an uncomfortable moment watching them put a cancelled stamp on my beloved 163, when I remember all the nail biting it took to get it, seems like a distant memory now.
Time to enjoy the country now!
Steve
although it was an uncomfortable moment watching them put a cancelled stamp on my beloved 163, when I remember all the nail biting it took to get it, seems like a distant memory now.
Time to enjoy the country now!
Steve
Aug 28th 2007, 12:09 am
#4017
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Location: Hillarys, WA
Posts: 334
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Thanks Mate...
Coincidentally we considered a Florida move originally, but the business visa did not seem to lead to any kind of permanency.
I guess you are on a green card there? Can you go for citizenship eventually?
Cheers
Steve
Coincidentally we considered a Florida move originally, but the business visa did not seem to lead to any kind of permanency.
I guess you are on a green card there? Can you go for citizenship eventually?
Cheers
Steve
Aug 28th 2007, 2:53 am
#4018
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 86
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congrats on permanent visa - something we can only dream about. But being the optimist I am, I've cut and pasted your tips on how to get it and will look at them again in 2-4 year's time. We're just about to get the stamps in our passport for a 160 visa and we're off to the Sunshine Coast in six week's time (from Hertfordshire).
I've been loitering on this thread ever since we decided to make the move and have followed most of your stories - so although I feel like a peeping tom, I really do know lots about you all! Your tales have helped no end in understanding how it really works.
Once I have something interesting to contribute, I will begin payback!
best wishes to all
Kerry
I've been loitering on this thread ever since we decided to make the move and have followed most of your stories - so although I feel like a peeping tom, I really do know lots about you all! Your tales have helped no end in understanding how it really works.
Once I have something interesting to contribute, I will begin payback!
best wishes to all
Kerry
Aug 28th 2007, 2:59 am
#4019
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Secret Harbour, WA
Posts: 1,496
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
Congrats on permanent visa - something we can only dream about. But being the optimist I am, I've cut and pasted your tips on how to get it and will look at them again in 2-4 year's time. We're just about to get the stamps in our passport for a 160 visa and we're off to the Sunshine Coast in six week's time (from Hertfordshire).
I've been loitering on this thread ever since we decided to make the move and have followed most of your stories - so although I feel like a peeping tom, I really do know lots about you all! Your tales have helped no end in understanding how it really works.
Once I have something interesting to contribute, I will begin payback!
best wishes to all
Kerry
I've been loitering on this thread ever since we decided to make the move and have followed most of your stories - so although I feel like a peeping tom, I really do know lots about you all! Your tales have helped no end in understanding how it really works.
Once I have something interesting to contribute, I will begin payback!
best wishes to all
Kerry
Whereabouts in Hertfordshire are you? We lived in Welwyn Garden City and what I'd give now for a wander round the Howard Centre!!!
Good luck on the move. Let us know how you get on!
Jules x
Aug 28th 2007, 3:07 am
#4020
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 86
Re: business visa 163 anyone got a visa yet?
We're just outside of Berkhamsted in a small village called Aldbury. But I do know the Howard Centre as we did some business there last year. Funnily enough, Welwyn Garden City, particularly that part, reminds me more of Australia than most other places in the UK - clean, planned, newish and lots of green! (the other is Milton Keynes, but I definitely wouldn't want to live there!) Yours is one of the stories I've been following for the past few years, so great to "meet" you. Hope the business is doing okay. I realise it's going to be tough, but we've been to Oz six times and already have some distribution out there, so hopefully we'll have a reasonable start. When did you last come back to the UK?