Subclass 491: Small business owner's pathway

There are not many visa options for small business owners in Australia. Normally, a business owner would explore the Business Innovation and Investment Visa. However, this option requires the applicant to meet quite onerous financial thresholds relating to their assets and business revenue. Subclass 491 offers small business owners an alternative option when nominated by Tasmania, Queensland or the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This is a new skilled provisional independent visa, requiring a specific skill set and level of business experience. The visa came into effect on 16 November 2019. Subclass 491 visa holders will be eligible for permanent residency via subclass 191, which comes into effect on 16 November 2022. This article explores the small business owners' pathway in Queensland and Tasmania. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet both the Australian Department of Home Affairs (DOHA)'s and the relevant state's criteria.