The State/Territory Sponsored Regional Established Business in Australia visa (subclass 846) is a visa that is closed to new applications since July 1, 2012. However, if you have already applied for this visa and are waiting for a decision, there are certain things you need to know.

Adding Members of Your Family Unit to a Visa Application

If you have already applied for the State/Territory Sponsored Regional Established Business in Australia visa (subclass 846) and want to add members of your family unit to your application, you can do so until your visa is decided. This includes your spouse, de facto partner, or dependent children. To add dependent children, you need to complete Form 47BT Application for a Business Skills (provisional) visa, and for other family members, you need to complete Form 47BT Application for a Business Skills (provisional) visa. It is important to provide documentary evidence of their relationship to you, and they must meet health and character requirements. They might also need to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to demonstrate their proficiency in English.

Health Requirements

While most applicants for this visa will not be required to complete additional health examinations, it is important to meet certain health requirements. However, you should not arrange a health examination until asked to do so.

Character Requirements

Meeting certain character requirements is essential for this visa. You need to provide a police certificate from each country you have lived in for 12 months or more during the past 10 years after turning 16 years of age.

Debts to the Australian Government

Before this visa can be granted, you must have no outstanding debts to the Australian Government or have arranged to repay any outstanding debts.

Where to Lodge Your Application

You can lodge your completed forms and documents in person or by registered post, courier, or fax to the Adelaide office in South Australia. Pay the visa application charge by credit card, money order, or bank cheque. Make sure to include the required documents listed in the Document checklist.

After You Have Applied

Once you have lodged your application and documents, you will receive an acknowledgment that your information has been received.

Wait for a Decision

If you apply for this visa in Australia, you can obtain a Bridging visa that allows you to stay in the country lawfully while your application is processed. If you are given a Bridging visa A, you can apply for Bridging visa B to travel outside Australia while waiting for a decision.

Provide More Information

You can provide more information to the department at any time until a decision is made on your application. If you need to correct any information you provided, you can use Form 1023 - Notification of incorrect answer(s). The department may also ask you for more information, and you must respond by the set date. If another person provides information that could result in your visa being refused, you will be given the opportunity to comment on the information. You might also be interviewed, so make sure to bring your passport or other identification and any requested documents to the interview.

Report Changes in Your Circumstances

If your circumstances change, such as a new residential address, a new passport, or any significant life events, you must inform the department. You can report changes in your circumstances via ImmiAccount or by using the appropriate forms provided.

Withdrawing Your Application

If you wish to withdraw your application, you can do so at any time before a decision is made. Simply send a letter or email requesting the withdrawal, including your full name, date of birth, and relevant reference numbers.

Visa Decision

If the visa is granted, you will be informed of when you can use the visa, the visa grant number, and any conditions attached to the visa. If the visa is not granted, you will be informed of the reasons for refusal, your review rights, and the time limit for lodging an appeal. Your sponsor, if applicable, can also apply for the decision to be reviewed.

Document Checklist

To support your application for this visa, you need to provide various documents. Provide certified copies of original documents, unless specifically asked for original documents. Police certificates should be original documents, and any documents not in English should be accompanied by accredited English translations. Use the provided checklist to ensure your application is complete.

Visa Holders

If you have already been granted a State/Territory Sponsored Regional Established Business in Australia visa (subclass 846), there are certain rights and obligations you need to be aware of. This visa allows you to work in your established business in Australia and provides permanent residence. You and your family members who have been granted this visa can stay in Australia indefinitely, work and study in Australia, enroll in Medicare, apply for Australian citizenship, sponsor eligible relatives for permanent residence, and travel to and from Australia for five years from the date the visa is granted.

Your Obligations

As a visa holder, you and your family must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. You must maintain an ownership interest in an eligible business in Australia, keep the department informed of your current address for three years, and participate in monitoring surveys conducted by the department.

Report Changes in Circumstances

It is important to report any changes in your circumstances, such as a new residential address, a new passport, or any significant life events. Failure to provide the details of any new passport issued to you could result in significant delays at the airport and may even lead to being denied permission to board your plane.