How to Obtain a Business Visa in Australia

Australia’s strong economy attracts thousands of investors and businessmen who are out to set up shop in its major metropolitan areas. Before you can take advantage of the opportunities in the country, however, you must first qualify for a business visa. Here are some of the things you need to accomplish for a successful application and to avoid visa revocation.

Eligibility

There are two major requirements in applying for a business visa for Australia. First, you must have a successful business or investment career. This means you have a running business in your own country or in another one. Second, you must commit to engaging in business activities in Australia, which involves actively participating in your business’ day-to-day operations, and maintaining substantial ownership of the business.

Declaration

Once you arrive in Australia, you will be required to sign a declaration agreeing to notify the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) of your residential address within six months upon initial entry; and to notify the agency every time you change your address.

Condition

The Australian government will grant a business visa only if your business can achieve one of the following: develop connections with international markets, create and/or maintain jobs in the country, export Australian products or services, or produce goods or services that the country would otherwise import, introduce or improve technology, or contribute to the commercial activities in sectors of the Australian economy.

Customised Country Guides for Film and TV Buffs

Hollywood, California and the U.K. are not the only places where film and TV buffs like you can see amazing sites. There are other places around the world that showcase much more thrilling spots used for location shots. Here are some helpful country guides for places around the world where your favourite fictional place unfolded in front of the big (and small) screen.

Croatia, A.K.A. King’s Landing

Unlike the grim darkness of the place it portrays, namely the capital of the fictional Westeros and the centre of conflict of HBO’s Game of Thrones, Croatia is far from a forbidding country. In fact, the European country is gradually establishing itself as Europe’s festival capital with the Croatia Rocks festival.

Norway, A.K.A. Arendelle

Can’t seem to let Frozen go? Last year, the country saw a huge growth in the number of tourists visiting the country, mostly because they want to see the visual inspiration for the fictional Norwegian kingdom of Arendelle. The Lofoten Islands, in particular, boasts of numerous fjords, rivers, glaciers, and lakes, not to mention the cliffs and small fishing villages nearby, that give Frozen fans an Arendelle experience.

New Zealand, A.K.A. The Shire

The town of Matamata in New Zealand has been the must-see destination for Middle Earth fans who have followed Frodo (from the Lord of the Rings trilogy) and Bilbo (from the Hobbit trilogy) on the big screen. Aside from bringing the Shire experience to life, Matamata is also popular for its racehorse breeding and racing industries.

Jumping Through Hoops: Getting Your Visa

A visa is an important travel document when you're on the go. It is just as essential as your passport, as you can legally enter some countries without it. So it's no surprise that people often devote a lot of time in getting one. Here are a few ways in which you can get your visa.

• On Arrival. The easiest way to get a visa is just to arrive at the airport. Some countries provide short-term visas through an immigration officer at the airport. However, you'll still have to apply for a long-term visa if you intend to stay for some time.

Papers, Please: Visa Information and Application

When you're planning to travel, you're going to need more than your passport. Depending on which country you're going to and where you're coming from, you might need a visa. Visas are official documents given by a country to allow your presence in it. If you enter that country without a valid visa, you could end up getting thrown out if you’re caught.

Getting a visa can get complicated. Depending on the country you're going to, you may have to apply for a specific type of visa. Some countries issue visas that are only valid for a few days, some for a few months, while others are only valid for a single entry. With all the differing types, there are an equal number of processes and fees. Finally, some countries don't even require visas if you're from a specific country like the members of the EU.