In addition to the Electronic Travel Authorities for business purposes, a business person who is not eligible for a permanent visa under the
Business Skills Migration heading has three further visa options available.
- The 456 Business (Short Stay) visa. This visa frequently allows multiple entry into Australia on visits of up to 3 months in
length, with the visa having a life of either 5 years, 12 months, or 3 months (in which case the visa only allows for a single stay).
The visa allows the holder to enter Australia for short tern business purposes such as taking part in conferences, exhibitions,
business discussions, etc.
- The 459 Sponsored Business Visitor (Short Stay) visa. This is very similar to the 456 visa, save that a Member of Parliament or
Mayor or Government Agency in Australia must sponsor the applicant. However, the 459 visa allows for single entry into Australia for
a period of up to 3 months.
- The 457 Long Stay Business visa. This category of visa allows the holder to remain in Australia for a period of up to 4 years
with multiple entry into Australia permitted. The focus is on independent executives looking to start up a new business or to join
an existing business in Australia, representatives of overseas companies wanting to establish a branch of the overseas company in
Australia, and people joining Australian companies under a business sponsorship or labour agreement.
It should be noted that it is often possible for the holder of a 457 Independent Executive visa who has developed a successful business in
Australia to subsequently apply for a permanent residency visa under the Established Business in Australia subclass or, the Regional
Established Business in Australia subclass.
