What kinds of business visitor activity can you engage in Australia under the Business Visitor visa? Here’s an article that will answer that question.
Australia is a land of opportunities, and for general business travellers it’s a gateway to a thriving economy and a diverse range of industries. Whether you’re looking to attend a conference, negotiate a business contract, or explore new markets, the Australia business visitor visa can help you make your goals a reality.
But with so many different visa options available, it can take time to figure out where to start. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll walk you through the basics of the Australian business visas you can get.
Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600): An Overview
The Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) is a type of visa that allows individuals to visit Australia for business reasons for a short period of time. Business visitor activity may include a:
- conference or trade fair,
- negotiation, or
- exploratory business visit.
However, it must be noted that a business visitor activity do not include acting, musical performances, or commercial filmmaking. Another type of visa must be acquired for those types of activities.
This visa is intended for short-term visitors to Australia because it allows individuals to stay in Australia for up to three months. Additionally, the visa does not allow the holder to work in Australia.
To be eligible for the Business Visitor stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600), applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
- having a genuine reason to visit Australia for business purposes,
- having enough money to support themselves during their stay,
- having no intention to work in Australia,
- meeting health and character requirements, and
- having adequate health insurance.
The application process for the Business Visitor stream involves completing an online application form, providing supporting documents, and paying the visa application fee of AUD1,190.
The immigration department may require supporting documents including a valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds, and a letter from the applicant’s employer outlining the purpose of the visit.
If you want a more detailed discussion about the Business Visitor Visa, check out this link.
Types of Business Visitor Activity
The subclass 600 visa requires a person to be a genuine visitor travelling to Australia for any business visitor activity. What are the permissible business visitor activities under this visa? Here’s a reference list:
- Attending conferences, trade fairs, and seminars. Visitors can participate in these events, as long as the organiser is not paying them for their participation.
- Negotiating and exploring business opportunities. This includes meeting with potential clients, partners, or suppliers to discuss business ventures.
- Attending business meetings. Visitors can attend meetings with Australian businesses to discuss existing or potential collaborations.
- Conducting site visits and inspections. This may involve visiting a business’s premises, production facilities, or project sites for evaluation or monitoring.
- Undertaking short-term study or training courses. Visitors can enroll in courses or training programs that last up to three months.
- Participating in official government-to-government visits. This includes activities related to diplomatic or official government missions.
- Exploring business innovation and investment opportunities. Visitors can explore potential investments or innovative business practices during their stay.
- Attending job interviews. This visa allows visitors to attend job interviews, but they cannot work in Australia under this visa.
- Conducting market research. Individuals who wish to gather information about the Australian market, consumer preferences, or industry trends can do such activities with this visa.
- Volunteering in Australia. Volunteering is a permissible activity on a tourist visa. However, strict rules are regulating this.
While the Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows for various kinds of business visitor activity, it is essential to note that the visa does not permit the holder to work in Australia.
Limitations of Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Business Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) in Australia has certain limitations on the activities undertaken during the visit. What are the prohibited activities under this visa?
- No work. The visa does not permit the holder to work in Australia. If an individual intends to carry out short-term, non-ongoing, highly specialised work in Australia, they should apply for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400).
- No medical treatment. The visa does not allow the holder to attend medical treatment in Australia. If an individual requires medical treatment, they should apply for a different type of visa, such as a Medical Treatment visa (subclass 602).
- Limited stay duration. The Business Visitor stream of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) allows individuals to stay in Australia for up to three months.
- No paid participation in events. While visitors can attend conferences, trade fairs, and seminars, they are not allowed to be paid by the organiser for their participation.
- No acting, musical performances, or commercial filmmaking. The visa does not permit the holder to engage in these activities, as they are not considered business activities under the Business Visitor stream.
- No studying or training for more than three months. While visitors can undertake short-term study or training courses, these courses should be at most three months.
- No intention to stay in Australia for an extended period. The visa is designed for short-term business visits, and applicants should demonstrate that they have no intention to stay in Australia for an extended period.
- No intention to establish or manage a business in Australia. The visa does not allow the holder to establish or manage a business in Australia. If an individual intends to establish or manage a business, they should apply for a different type of visa, such as a Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188). This provisional business visa is issued to business people who wish to operate a business in Australia, and have been nominated by the Australian State or Territory government agency.
Why You Need a Migration Lawyer
Whether you’re looking to attend a conference, negotiate a contract, explore new markets, or any other business visitor activity, the Australian business visitor visa can help you make your goals a reality.
But with so many different visa options available, and the complex and ever-changing Australian immigration laws, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s where a migration lawyer can come in.
JB Solicitors’ experienced migration lawyers can help you:
- navigate the visa application process,
- ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, and
- submit a complete and accurate application.
We can also advise you regarding any business visitor activity you want to get involved in and help you resolve any problems that may arise during your stay.
Contact us today.
