Process

Skilled migration visas that are sponsored by state and territory governments receive priority processing. This enables state and territory governments to control the number and profile of skilled migrants depending on the labour market demands and development objectives.

Business migration is an entirely state and territory nominated visa programme. It allows state and territory governments to attract entrepreneurs and investors to assist in the economic development of specific areas. In particular, business skills migrants are encouraged to set up businesses in regional, rural or low population growth areas.

All visa nominations approved by state and territory governments are recorded in SkillSelect and applicants receive an invitation to apply for a nominated visa straight away. In case of Skilled migration, this may prove to be an advantage for Nominated visa applicants as invitations for Independent visas are generally determined by the highest points scores and the earliest date of the SkillSelect application.

Requirements

Skilled migration applicants, seeking state or territory government nomination, are first required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect. Once EoI is lodged, it can be viewed by a state/territory agency which can decide whether to nominate an applicant to apply for a visa. In addition to SkillSelect application, each state and territory has their own processes and requirements for skilled visa nomination.

Under Business migration programme, a nomination from a state or territory government is mandatory for all business stream visas. Applicants are required to lodge an EOI in SkillSelect, which can be accessed by a state/territory agency or Austrade on behalf of the federal government. All nominators have their own criteria for deciding which nominations they will approve. In some cases, the relevant state/territory agency or Austrade will contact an applicant to discuss investment possibilities. For the Significant Investor stream and Significant Investor Extension stream nomination may be made by either a state/territory government or by Austrade. But for the Premium Investor stream nomination can only be made by Austrade.

Conditions

Nominating state or territory may require applicants and their dependants to:

• live in the nominating state or territory for a specified minimum time (usually two year)
• provide contact details prior to arrival and while living in the nominating state or territory for a specified minimum time
• complete surveys and provide other requested information
• meet any other relevant requirements

Distribution

There are three major factors determining where migrants settle.

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