On 22 November 2018, South Australia (SA), in partnership with the Australian government, announced a new pilot program: the Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) visa program. It was designed to attract foreign seed-stage entrepreneurs and promote opportunities for them to grow their business idea in South Australia. This article explains the program and the application process.
What Business Ideas Are SA Supporting?
SA is especially interested in business ideas that focus on emerging industries, such as:
- space;
- cybersecurity;
- big data;
- defence;
- agribusiness;
- medical technology; and
- robotics.
The program intends to drive strategic entrepreneurship and innovation to SA, with the purpose of contributing to local businesses, innovation and business development and creating more jobs for local workers.
Who Can Apply?
Anyone working on an innovative early-stage business can apply for this visa program. However, you will need to demonstrate in-depth knowledge, expertise or track record in your target product or service.
Your business concept also needs to be clear and demonstrate:
- a competitive advantage;
- genuine innovation;
- novel intellectual property; or
- high barriers to entry.
You do not need capital investment or previous experience.
Ideally, you would already have a minimum viable product (MVP) and some demonstrable traction or market fit. SA prioritises proposals in the following sectors:
- defence and space;
- digital, including cybersecurity, big data and blockchain;
- food, wine and agtech;
- health and medical technology;
- robotics; and
- media and film.
The following businesses are not eligible:
- cafés and restaurants;
- consulting firms;
- employment agencies;
- export or import;
- franchises;
- foot reflexology;
- massage parlours;
- acupuncture;
- traditional Chinese medicine;
- herbal dispensing;
- geomancy or Fengshui; and
- retail.
How Do I Apply?
You must apply for the temporary activity (subclass 408) visa to participate in SISA under the Australian Government Endorsed Event stream. Additionally, the SA government (Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment) needs to endorse you.
1. Seek Support For Your Application
You must seek support from either a SA innovation eco-system service provider or the Office of the Chief Entrepreneur.
You will have priority processing if you receive support from a SA innovation eco-system service provider. The SA government recommends the following providers:
- CO-HAB;
- The Moonshine Laboratory;
- Innovation & Collaboration Centre;
- New Venture Institute; and
- ThincLab.
2. Apply for SA Government Endorsement
There are limited endorsement places available for this visa. Before applying for an endorsement, you will need to provide details of your:
- proposed business idea; and
- English language competency.
In addition, you have to show you have sufficient funds to support yourself while developing your business idea.
3. Apply for a Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) Visa
If you obtain SA government endorsement, you can apply for the temporary activity (subclass 408) visa under the Australian Government Endorsed Event stream if you meet the Department of Home Affairs criteria.
Some general requirements include that you:
- have an innovative business idea which is supported by a detailed business plan;
- demonstrate a commitment to SA and its innovation sector for the duration of your visa;
- maintain a primary residence in SA and contribute to the local economy;
- are under 45-years-of-age at the time of your application;
- meet the English proficiency requirements;
- have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents to live in SA;
- meet health and character requirements; and
- have adequate health insurance.
How Long Will the Application Take?
Processing times for this visa will vary due to individual circumstances.
How Long Can I Stay in SA?
Regardless of when your visa is granted, the SISA visa will expire in November 2021.
For example, if your visa is granted in November 2018, your visa will end in November 2021, making it three years. However, if you are granted a visa in November 2020, your visa will still end in November 2021, making it one year.
The SA government will accept applications up until November 2020.
Can I Then Apply for Permanent Residency?
The temporary activity (subclass 408) visa is a temporary visa only. If you would like to apply for permanent residency, you will need to do so under the currently available pathways to permanent residency.
If you can meet the relevant requirements after your period of temporary stay, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent residency visa.
Can I Bring My Family Members?
You may include your family members in your application anytime before the Department of Home Affairs has made a decision. If you have not done this, your family members may also apply to join you in Australia at a later stage as subsequent entrants. Upon applying, your family members must also meet health and character requirements.
Your dependents may stay, work and study in Australia for the lifetime of their visa, although there may be some restrictions.
Sponsoring overseas workers as an Australian business is complicated. Let us simplify it for you with this free employer guide.
Key Takeaways
In summary, the SISA visa program is attractive for entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas who want to grow their businesses in SA. If you are interested in applying for this visa program, you need to act quickly since the program is only valid until November 2021. Additionally, the longer you stay in SA, the longer you will have to develop and grow your business idea.
Staying longer may also mean you have a better chance of meeting the eligibility requirements of other visas. This may allow you to continue to stay in Australia after the expiry of your SISA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No. The visa program ran from 21 November 2018 to 30 November 2021. It is no longer in force. As such, you must apply under an alternative visa stream.
SA is especially interested in business ideas that focus on emerging industries, such as space, cybersecurity, big data, defence, agribusiness, medical technology and robotics.
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