Work begins on new Australian Entrepreneur visa

A consultation process for Australia’s new Entrepreneur visa will start today, seeking feedback on the proposed settings for the visa.

The Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science, Christopher Pyne, said that the visa should aim to attract the best and brightest entrepreneurial talent and skills to Australia.

“It is critical for Australia’s prosperity and growth, that we not only tap into the best entrepreneurial minds in Australia, but we also make it easier for talent from overseas to contribute to this country’s innovative future,” Mr Pyne said.

“We are also keen to retain those educated and talented people, who have come to Australia and developed their knowledge base during their time in this country.”

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter Dutton, said the visa would help promote innovation and encourage individuals to take part in the consultation process.

“Under the National Innovation and Science Agenda [NISA], the new Entrepreneur visa will facilitate the entry to Australia and stay of entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and financial backing from a third party,” Mr Dutton said.

“I encourage individuals to provide their feedback as part of the consultation process to ensure the visa achieves the desired outcome.”

The new Entrepreneur visa will be introduced in November 2016.