For migrants who are currently living and operating a small business in designated regional Queensland, Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) opened a Small Business Owners (SBO) pathway to applications on 11 December 2019.
To be eligible for Queensland State nomination, applicants must meet both the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) and Business and Skilled Migration Queensland (BSMQ) criteria.
Just like the other skilled migration visa options, the above option operates under an Expression of Interest (EOI) process where applicants submit an EOI through SkillSelect to apply for the relevant visa. Following which, an SBO assessment form is also lodged with BSMQ.
BSMQ will only assess an EOI that meets the DoHA and BSMQ criteria. If successful, an invitation to lodge an application for Queensland State nomination will be received. Applicants will need to provide BSMQ with certain documents together with the applicable fee within 14 days from the date of invitation.
Once the completed BSMQ application is received and approved, an invitation from the DoHA to lodge your visa application will be received. Applicants will have 60 days to lodge their visa application.
The 491 visa does not grant immediate permanent residency, however a 491 visa holder may be eligible to apply for the new Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) Visa (subclass 191) (open to applications from 16 November 2022), when the following is met:
If you believe you qualify for the above visa and want some further information and assistance, please contact us via our online enquiry form.