The South Australian Government<\/strong> introduced a new pilot program; the Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) <\/strong>program. This is a pilot program promoting entrepreneurialism and innovation in South Australia.<\/strong> It intends to enhance the present agendas of the region’s entrepreneurialism and innovation.<\/p>\n

SISA is seeking to attract overseas nascent entrepreneurs, who are committed to develop their concepts in South Australia,<\/strong> add value to the local innovation eco-system, create jobs, and increase its number of business start-ups. One will not have to wait long for his\/her visa if all the Department of Home Affairs\u2019 criteria and the South Australian requirements are met in its entirety.<\/p>\n

The program will run over a span of three years, November 2018 – November 2021.<\/p>\n

SISA<\/strong> intends to promote an environment where:
\n\u2022 New entrepreneurs will be connected with key events and activities occurring in the local eco-system, which could help the local business flourish.
\n\u2022 The Chief Entrepreneur shall promote engagement among key entrepreneurship services across the industry and tertiary education sectors.
\n\u2022 Overseas entrepreneurs will serve as a bridge of access between their own overseas networks and the local entrepreneurs, so that they can promote their start-ups or businesses overseas.
\n\u2022 Investors can readily identify opportunities to back emerging and growing businesses which will create jobs for young, talented South Australians who will then remain in the State and become successful.
\n\u2022 The South Australian Government,<\/strong> business and community will work together to support overseas and local entrepreneurs to create start-ups; build successful businesses and go global with their established businesses, while maintaining their head office in South Australia, which will continue to create jobs for South Australians and improve the economy of South Australia.<\/strong>
\n\u2022 This environment will encourage overseas and local entrepreneurs to share their experiences, skills and talent; exchange ideas; collaborate and develop further the South Australian innovation eco-system.<\/strong> This will subsequently make a positive impact on the Australian innovation community.
\n\u2022 Successful overseas and local entrepreneurs shall serve as a guide for future entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

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Eligibility requirements for the Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) – Temporary Activity visa:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

You must meet all the criteria defined by the Department of Home Affairs and the requirements of the South Australian<\/strong> Government<\/strong> for the Supporting Innovation in South Australia (SISA) \u2013 Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa.<\/strong> Applications shall be submitted under the Australian Government<\/strong> Endorsed Event stream of Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa.<\/p>\n

The general processing time for Immigration SA visa is 8 weeks for Service provider category, and 12 weeks for the Office of the Chief Entrepreneur. The visa duration is up to three years, depending on the time of visa grant. As it is a pilot program, all visas will eventually expire on 30 November 2021.<\/p>\n

The Department of Home Affairs:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The criteria for this visa include:
\n\u2022 provide an innovative idea outlined in a business plan;
\n\u2022 not more than 45 years of age at time of application;
\n\u2022 demonstrate at least basic level of English Language skills;
\n\u2022 meet all health, character and financial requirements detailed by the Department of Home Affairs;
\n\u2022 be approved by a South Australian Government<\/strong> entity (Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment) to implement your innovative idea in South Australia;<\/strong>
\n\u2022 proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and any eligible dependent family members included in your application.<\/p>\n

Requirements for South Australian Government Endorsement:<\/h2>\n

1- Commitment to the region:<\/h3>\n

-If you are successfully granted a SISA \u2013 Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa,<\/strong> you need to comply with all the obligations listed in the endorsement application.<\/p>\n

– Throughout the duration of your Temporary Activity (subclass 408)<\/strong> visa, you will continue to be involved in the South<\/strong> Australian innovation sector.<\/strong><\/p>\n

-Maintain your status as a primary residence in South Australia and<\/strong> contribute to the region\u2019s economy and community throughout the period of your visa.<\/p>\n

2- Age:<\/h3>\n

– The main applicant must be under 45 years of age at the time of the endorsement decision and subsequent visa application.<\/p>\n

3- English Language Requirements:<\/h3>\n

You need to provide proof of English Language skills. However, citizens and passport holders of the United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States of America, Canada, or the Republic of Ireland are not required any such proof.<\/p>\n

Following English language tests are accepted by the Department of Home Affairs:
\n\u2022 IELTS – International English Language Test System (Academic or General)
\n\u2022 PTE Academic – Pearson Test of English: Academic
\n\u2022 TOEFL iBT – Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet Based Test
\n\u2022 CAE – Cambridge English: Advanced
\n\u2022 OET – Occupational English Test (Only for Health Professionals)<\/p>\n

4- Ineligible Business Types:<\/h3>\n

The following business types will not be eligible for endorsement by the South Australian Government for the Supporting Innovation in South Australia \u2013 Temporary Activity visa:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Caf\u00e9s and restaurants
\n\u2022 Retail
\n\u2022 Franchises
\n\u2022 Consulting firms\/companies
\n\u2022 Employment agencies
\n\u2022 Export\/import businesses\/companies
\n\u2022 Foot reflexology
\n\u2022 Massage parlors
\n\u2022 Acupuncture
\n\u2022 Traditional Chinese medicine
\n\u2022 Herbal dispensing businesses
\n\u2022 Geomancy\/fengshui business<\/p>\n

5- Onshore\/Offshore Applicant\u2019s Eligibility:<\/h3>\n

Both offshore and onshore residents can apply for South Australian Government endorsement.<\/strong> However, Australian visa holders who currently have one of the following visa subclasses will not be eligible for endorsement by the South Australian Government:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Student visas (including subclasses 500, 570, 571, 572, 573, 574)
\n\u2022 Subclass 403
\n\u2022 Subclass 771
\n-In case of being on a subclass 485 visa, the applicant must be currently engaged in a structured program offered by one of our identified South Australian innovation<\/strong> eco-system providers. The provider will support your application to be considered.<\/p>\n

6- Proposed Business Concept\/Idea:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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The applicant needs to consider the following factors while developing the business proposal:
\n\u2022 Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge or expertise or track record in the product or service you are targeting;
\n\u2022 The proposal is a genuine innovation, and reflects a concise, competitive advantage.
\n\u2022 The applicant intends to develop a start-up project in South Australia in any industry sector. However, proposals in the industry sectors\/areas that are in the region\u2019s priority list shall be given preference.
\n\u2022 The applicant has been endorsed by a selected service provider who\/that has reviewed and approved the project proposal, idea or concept .
\n\u2022 The proposed project has a great potential to create local employment and export revenue for South Australia.
\n\u2022 At least 50% of the project\u2019s assets and at least 50% of the project staff are located in South Australia during the period of Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa.<\/p>\n

7- Preferred Industry Sectors:<\/h3>\n

Proposals for the following industry sectors\/areas shall be given priority:
\n\u2022 Defence and Space sector
\n\u2022 Cyber Security, Big Data, Digital and Block chain
\n\u2022 Food, Wine and Agriculture Tech
\n\u2022 Health and Medical Technology
\n\u2022 Robotics
\n\u2022 Media and Film industry<\/p>\n

8- Proof of Funds:<\/h3>\n

The applicant needs to ensure that he posses sufficient funds for initial settlement in South Australia<\/strong> (funds for any dependents should also be included at the time of applying). However, evidence of financial capacity is not required. Additional information or evidence, if necessary, might be asked by the immigration SA at a later stage, depending on whether the applicant is offshore or onshore.
\nThe applicant must have a combined cash and assets within the range listed in the table below. It is advised by the Immigration SA that at time of arrival, offshore applicants should have at least $20,000 in cash and onshore applicants should have at least $5,000 in cash for initial settlement. Any asset should not be disposed before the visa is granted.<\/p>\n

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