Queensland has launched a NEW stream for subclass 491 visa in November 2019, the Small Business Owner (SBO) stream provide a pathway for migrants who are currently living and operating a small business in regional Queensland. It becomes a very popular choice for many migrants who are currently holding a 485 visa.
If your nominated occupation is not on the state occupation list for 190 visa, or the invitation point for your skilled occupation is too high for 189 visa, then the 491 SBO stream might be the right pathway for you to gain the permanent residency.
The applicants need to meet both Home Affairs criteria and Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) requirements.
Home Affair criteria include:
- You must be under 45 years of age
- Scored at least 65 points
- Have a positive skill assessment for your nominated occupation which listed for the skilled migration program
- Has a minimum Competent English level (IELTS 6.0 for each component or equivalent)
BSMQ requirements for 491 Small Business Owner Stream:
- Have a skilled occupation with a positive skill assessment.
- Have prior business experience or qualifications to successfully run the business (or have previously been involved in a family-run business
- Have a visa with full work right and allows you to work and operate the business for a minimum of 35 hours a week
- Has purchased an existing business in regional Queensland
- Paid for a minimum of $100,000 for the business
- Have 100% ownership of the business
- Be operating in the business for 6 months before the application
- Employ at least one employee who is an Australian resident working a minimum of 20 hours per week
- Provide evidence of sufficient settlement funds
If you are considering Queensland as your preferred state to live and work, this new 491 Small Business Owner stream is a relatively easy pathway available. However, you have to remember that the key point of providing sufficient evidence about your previous business experience and relevant qualification which enable you to operate your business successfully. This will be assessed case by case.
The process for the state nomination in Queensland is a bit different from other states.
- You need to submit EOI through SkillSelect with QLD is your nominated state.
- Submit an online 491-SBO assessment form.
- Wait until the BSMQ invite you to submit your documents.
- Upload your relevant documents and pay the nomination application fee within 14 days.
- Once your application is received and approved, you will be invited to lodge your 491 visa application within 60 days.
Please make sure to make your application at a ‘decision-ready’ level to avoid missing any chances at the later stage.
Even the skilled migration program is getting harder than ever each day, there is always a possible way to achieve your immigration goal. Just be prepared for it!
