491- Visa Pathway for Small Business in Regional QLD

Regional QLD has offered a subclass 491 for migrants to operate a small business in regional QLD. Applicants need to have full work rights while operating the business. The eligibility criteria for this visa subclass is as follows: 

• Have total points of 65 or higher
• Be under 45 years of age
• Positive skill assessment from the nominated occupation
• Occupation listed on the LIN 19/051 occupation list
• Proof of Competent English
• Have prior operating business experience of at least six months or suitable qualifications or previous family run business experience
• Have a visa with full work rights
• Contribute to the operating of business for at least a minimum of 35 hours per week
• Have purchased an existing business in QLD which has been trading for at least six months prior to the application
• Have a minimum investment of AUD 100,000 in the business before submitting the EOI
• Have 100% ownership in the business
• Employ at least one Australian resident working for a minimum of 20 hours per week

 Application Process: 

• Once you meet the requirements of the visa, apply an EOI through Skill Select
• Submit the 491_SBO assessment form
• If successful, QLD will send an invitation to provide the BSMQ required Documents.
• Documents and the non--refundable application fee of $440 needs to be paid within 14 days
• Once approved, the visa application needs to be lodged within 60 days

Reference: BSMQ – Australia 27/11/2020