Business Visitor Visa

456 Business (Short Stay) Visa Application

The business visitor visa allows a stay of 3 months on each visit to Australia unless the visa specifies that it is for a lesser period. You must leave within the 3 month period but you generally can return for another 3 months or as many times as you require during the visa period. The visa is often granted for 12 months and you can come and go but not remain for more than 3 months.

On the business visitor, you are allowed to attend meetings and work in a position which cannot be carried out by an Australian. Any work is confined to 6 weeks unless you fall within a very specialized area or have been specifically granted permission to work.  This specific permission can only be granted at one of our Australian Embassies.  Whilst on this visa you may not be entitled to a Tax File Number. If you are to be paid on-shore without a Tax File Number, you may pay a higher rate of tax.

If you are considering working in Australia longer than 6 weeks, then you need to apply for a 457 work permit which is sponsored by an employing company. This can be applied for in Australia or off-shore.

If you are from a non - ETA country, then you will be required to make an application at an Australian Embassy (Subclass 456) and if you are from an ETA country, you can apply online (Subclass 977).  An ETA country is defined by passport.  Some passports are allowed to apply online as opposed to non-ETA passports which must make an application at one of the Australian Embassies.

The Visa Application

It is imperative to show that:

  1. The  employee has genuine intention and need to come to Australia temporarily for business purposes.
  2. Have business background related to their stay in Australia.
  3. Has adequate funds to support their stay in Australia.

Unlike 457, this visa does not require a company nomination or sponsorship. Instead, applicants who can not apply online, are required to submit a letter of support from the Australian business along with a submission explaining the nature of the travel. This visa is open to all passport holders.  Some passport holders must apply at the Embassy and others can apply online.

Please contact our office for assistance.

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