The Start Up Sector concerns entrepreneurs with business ideas and the initial stages of creating a company. The majority of businesses in Australia are small businesses. Therefore, the Australian government values business investment and start ups. If you have experience in the Start Up industry or the desire to bring your business and entrepreneurial skills to Australia, VisaEnvoy can assist you to determine the best pathway.
Skilled Migration
Former Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL)
The Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List was a temporary list of occupations given priority processing during COVID-19, and it no longer applies. Since 19 September 2026, skilled visa processing priorities are set by Ministerial Directions 121 (482 visas) and 122 (permanent and regional skilled visas such as the 186, 189, 190, 491 and 494). Occupations in priority sectors, including construction, healthcare, teaching, resources, agriculture, law enforcement and defence, are processed first, and applicants already in Australia are generally processed ahead of those applying from outside Australia. See our order of consideration page for details. The following occupation related to Start Ups were on the former PMSOL:
While the PMSOL applied, employer sponsored nominations and visa applications in these occupations were given priority processing.
Related: 482 Skills in Demand Visa and Start-Ups
Occupations in the Start Up Industry
There are several types of occupations that are valuable to the Start Up industry. For further information regarding the skills and qualifications of these occupations see below:
- Chief Information Officer – ANZSCO 135111
- Corporate General Manager – ANZSCO 111211
- Corporate Services Manager – ANZSCO 132111
- Finance Manager – ANZSCO 132211
For additional information regarding Employer Sponsored Visas, see our page here.
Short Term Skilled Occupation List – PR Pathways
The following occupations are on the Short Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL):
For information regarding the available pathways to permanent residency in Australia for occupations on the STSOL, see our page here. Please note that since 7 December 2024, the 482 Skills in Demand visa uses the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) instead of the STSOL, and 482 holders can generally move to permanent residence through the 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream regardless of which occupation list their occupation was on.
Visa Options for Small Business Owners
Small business owners who are involved in the Start Up sector have the following visa options available:
- National Innovation visa (subclass 858)
- Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Visa (closed to new applications)
- Subclass 491 – Small Business Owner Stream
Subclass 188E – Entrepreneur Visa
Important: the subclass 188 Business Innovation and Investment visas, including the 188E, closed to new applications on 31 July 2024. Entrepreneurs with innovative ideas may now consider the National Innovation visa (subclass 858), which was introduced in December 2024. The Subclass 188E was an entrepreneur visa that was only available to applicants nominated by an Australian State or Territory. It was a 4-year temporary visa for entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and financial backing from a third party. For more information about this visa type, see our page here.
Subclass 491 – Small Business Owner Stream
The Small Business Owner Stream (subclass 491) forms part of the skilled migration program and to be eligible you must be nominated by one of the States or Territories that participate in the program. The following Small Business Owner Streams are available:
To view a comparison of the three programs, see our page here.
Study in Australia to Work in the Start Up Sector
International students have the option to study in Australia to become skilled workers part of the Start Up and Business Sector.
Studying Business
If you are interested in studying business in Australia, the following occupations may be available to you:
- Program or Project Administrator – ANZSCO 511112: currently on Short-term Skilled occupational list (STSOL)
- Management Consultant – ANZSCO 224711: currently on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skill List (MLTSSL)
- Corporate Services Manager – ANZSCO 132111: currently on Short-term Skilled occupational list (STSOL)
- Customer Service Manager – ANZSCO 149212: currently on Short-term Skilled occupational list (STSOL)
To see more information about studying business, see our page here.
Cryptocurrency and the Start Up Sector
If you have experience in cryptocurrency and are interested in knowing more about how you can obtain an Australian business visa, see our page here.
Book an appointment today for a commitment free briefing with our Registered Migration Agents to find more about your visa options.
